3 Day Tour Around Lake Champlain - Oh, the Lilacs!

On Memorial Day weekend, I set out on an easy, scenic 100-mile route circling northern Lake Champlain, doable with my current fitness, divided into 3 manageable days. I like to enjoy roadside wildflowers, architecture, historic markers, and even garage sales! I waited until the bike ferry opened; it's a pleasant lake crossing, bypassing a busy road in favor of pedaling South Hero's gorgeous Westside Road. With some rain in the forecast, I hoped the light itinerary would allow me to choose a dry window for cycling each day.

Lilacs were in bloom, their heady scent perfuming the route, so much so that I dubbed my adventure "the lilac tour." Mmmmm.

Point Au Roche's rooms purposely lack a TV, overlook manicured grounds, and have private decks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy birdlife, and I even saw a woodchuck.

One of my favorite places to stay is Point Au Roche Lodge. Located at "D" on the map. It's a low-key, rustic place with lovely, large rooms, a gazebo to relax in (or park your bike discreetly out of sight), and a kitchen to cook your own food. I brought some items from home for dinner and breakfast, supplemented with convenience store food.

The lower right photo shows the remains of a wooden railroad trestle that once crossed the lake.

It rained early on the second day, but let up by 10am, so  I cycled northward on an amazing tailwind, all the way to Rouses Point! I ate a breakfast bagel at Lakeside Coffee Roasters, relaxed for an hour, then slowly climbed and descended the Missisquoi Bridge to Vermont, amidst buffeting sidewinds. 

The roadway was busy, though with wide shoulders, until I turned towards Alburgh, then located the Alburgh Rail Trail, a few yards off the main road. The trail is only 4 miles, but the remoteness and nearly singletrack through wetlands were a delight, with a birdsong serenade. The trail conveniently intersected with a side road to my destination, the Alburgh RV Resort, located at "H" on the map.

It was raining by the time I arrived at the campground, so I ducked into the recreation hall. I had a good experience last year at this spot. While primarily an RV resort, there's a communal grassy area beneath trees that serves as a tent area; people are nice; there's a lakefront area, and I called ahead to pay, because reception is often closed, though the proprietors are only a phone call away. It was a chilly 50F and still windy, so I snuggled inside my packable jacket - a necessary item - and read for a while, until the rain stopped. I set up my tent, then returned to the sheltered entryway to cook dinner before settling down to watch a movie on my Kindle in the tent.

I was warm and comfortable, earplugs blocking out the rain that continued overnight, but for some odd reason, that has never happened before, I didn't sleep for more than an hour - that was a long night! 

I had planned to make coffee on the third morning, but after packing up a soaked tent, I wanted to start on my 40+ mile journey south, once the storm had passed, knowing I could eat breakfast at a Maplefields convenience store 20 minutes away. The coffee and waffle breakfast sandwich tasted great!

The rest of the ride was pleasant. A slight headwind didn't hinder progress; Google's routing kept me off busy Route 2, and the lilac fragrance freshened the gentle island miles. I'm always amazed at the nicer waterfront homes slowly emerging along the lakeshore. I stopped for a rest at Hero's Welcome, engaged with cycle tourists from St. Louis, and waved to a lone tourist soon after I set off. 

I ate half my sandwich at the familiar Grand Isle ferry landing, filled water bottles, and an hour later returned on the bike ferry, arriving home at 3pm.

What a great route!

Slow Rolling with Adele - Lodge Life, Restaurant Finds, and Garage Sale Adventures

Adele and I know how to have a good time. Dating back to the 2014 inaugural Tour Du Ticonderoga, we've been touring annually, except for a hiatus during the pandemic. Recently, I made a last-minute weekend lodge reservation, and Adele was game! 

As the one-way trip would be only 25 miles, we left from my house, easily boarding the Causeway Bike Ferry just a few miles later. Behind a line of folks exiting the ramp to get on the path, someone ahead shouted, "Hold it! Mink family incoming!" We stopped to watch a momma mink with a youngster in her mouth, and two other young following behind as they all scampered by us down the gravel path, then dove into the bushes. What a treat!

Return trip the following day, waiting for the bike ferry. There's a story behind why I'm carrying tires on my rear rack...

We pedaled along the quiet roads of Grand Isle, crossed another ferry to New York through a hazy, smoke-filled afternoon, due to Canadian wildfires, then gradually made our way to Point Au Roche Lodge. The price was reasonable, with great reviews, and easy check-in. The hostel-style accommodation had a large kitchen, allowing you to bring your own food, while coffee and tea were also provided. We didn't see any staff. Our room was large, complete with a sitting room and a screened porch. What a great spot! 

On the deck at Doc's on the Water at Mooney Bay.

Typical Adele - foodie extroardinaire - had scoped out a restaurant ahead of time so we didn't need to bring dinner with us. It was a ten-minute walk and a lovely setting! We marveled at the marina view, tasty fish and chips, and the fact that we were on the same wavelength, ordering the same meal and drink.

We stored our bikes for the night, out of sight, tucked into a corner of the lodge's gazebo.

The next morning, with caffeinated and snack-filled bellies, we ambled along a loop beside the lake, marveling at waterfront homes, lawn ornaments, and newly planted cornfields. A slight tailwind pushed us south along a back road, eventually returning to downtown Pattsburgh for Eggs Benedict at another Adele find: Campus Corner, a local's diner. Sitting on swivel stools, hustling waitresses, full plates of yummy food - everything one would expect from a diner.

Inside the Campus Corner diner.

Admiring Plattsburgh's historical homes and monuments.

26x2" 45 North studded bike tires - a cargo net comes in handy! Adele and I are on the Grand Isle ferry.

Three routes connect Plattsburgh to the Cumberland Head peninsula and the NY/Grand Isle, VT ferry: Two outer lakeside roads and an interior, more direct way with a segregated bike lane. We took the fast way the previous day, but upon return, I suggested a winding, scenic shoreline road (formerly the main route until the inner expressway/bike lane was built about 20 years ago). 

Adele had mentioned that it would be great to stop at garage sales. We think alike. On previous adventures, I found a nice watch, and my favorite earrings came from a secondhand store in Canada - all from previous trips with Adele. So it was fortuitous that the route I suggested, of course, was hosting a neighborhood garage sale!

As it was a Sunday afternoon, sellers were tired, and many included a curbside free pile. I was semi-interested in studded bike tires with little wear. I asked the price. "What would you offer?" They accepted $5 for both - a steal. Adele picked up a  free folding organizer bag. 

I don't think I've laughed this much on an overnight bike tour, in quite some time!

Adirondack Rail Trail

A lovely causeway section of the recently opened Adirondack Rail Trail.

In early September, my husband and I rode a section of the Adirondack Rail Trail, starting midway at Saranac Lake.

Saranac depot building at left; Lake Placid depot at right.

We pedaled 9 miles one direction to Lake Placid, eating lunch in the shade at their renovated train depot before returning returning back to the car. The trail was surprisingly busy, not only because of the holiday weekend, but the active local population use it for exercise, whether running, riding, or big-wheel roller blading.

First impressions? Wow, what a gem! Some communities will remove tracks and slap down minimum surface material. The organization dealt with drainage ditches and elevated the surface, layering with adequate stone dust. The ride was impressively smooth. Miles of wooden rail protected most of the trail.

Once back at Saranac Lake we sampled 3-4 miles in the other direction. A highlight was crossing a beautiful causeway! The route continues for another 10 miles - have to ride that portion another time. 

The 34 mile trail will be completed in 2025, from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Park. It's a remote trail in sections - primarily because of it's status as a park - passing through forests and by wildly scenic lakes. It would be a fabulous ride during fall foliage.

Inaugural Bike Overnight with the Specialized Hard Rock

 

In May I set out on an easy peasy 15 mile ride to meet up with my significant other for an overnight at a state park lean to. The goal was to see how the Hard Rock fared with camping weight.

My sleep system was piled atop the Jack the Bike Rack...

...with a homemade pouch strapped below. I have toured in the past with this rack, undermounting a couple items that ended up falling out on bumpy terrain using only webbing attachments. The pouch idea work better, and with daisy chain webbing surrounding the opening, the 4-hook cargo net secured both sleep quilt and pouch items in place.

The stuffed pouch rubbed a bit against one side of the V-brakes, so a little alteration is needed. However, this solution will provide added security and take advantage of the extra space beneath the rack.

I arrived ahead of my glamping partner and I was pleased at the private lean-to.

Chairs, cooler, good food, and beer - plus my guy - were welcome additions.

Packing up the dusty bike for the return ride home.

Enough pink for ya?

The trip was a success. I love when a simple overnight works out, you get to test gear, and miles of smiles is worth the simple getaway. Jack the Bike Rack works better on this older bike, keeping front weight low. As expected the Hard Rock handles touring weight just fine, and the cushy tires add a plush, comfortable ride.

Gratitude

As we roll into the holiday season, I can't do what I do without the support of those around me. To my gracious, loving, helpful, and supportive husband, thank you for all you do to keep our lives in balance, for having coffee ready every morning to prop my eyelids open and get out the door to help support my mom in her home. I'm thankful for both sons, the eldest flying home for a weekend to celebrate his dad's birthday, the younger for his patience and bicycle knowhow, for upgrading my fleet, not laughing when I ask stupid questions, for slowing down when we ride together. For the beauty around our home, river view, two bike paths, wildlife, spotting deer on night rides, eagles and herons, turtles butting against our home that we gently guide on a different path, and the colorful diversion that I'm finding within myself, exploring painting again. The role that the bicycle plays in my happiness is another constant, a steadfast companion that keeps me on even ground - to you I'm eternally grateful.

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra - Great Utility, and Then Some!

1993 Specialized Hard Rock Ultra: unique pink and purple fade.

I didn't know I would replace my much loved Trek Antelope so soon! I have always admired 1980-1990s rigid mountain bikes for their relaxed geometry and utility - they make great all around bikes, whether that's commuting, touring, riding with family or, in colder climates are adept as winter beaters - add studded tires and don't worry too much because it's an old bike. Added bonus: frames are upgradeable with new components.

Amazing shape for a 30 year old frame! I feel very lucky.

Our youngest son is a bike mechanic at a shop that accepts bikes and parts donations - they rehab older bikes for resale or to help lower income folks get decent transportation at nominal cost. I happened to mention months ago that if he ever came across a certain model and color in my preferred 20" size, then give a holler, expecting it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Granola handle bars set a little higher than my seat. Stem is at maximum height. I expect there will be tweaks down the road like a taller stem or bars with more rise, non-traditional fenders, etc.

I got a text and photo while I was just starting a solitary mountain bike weekend. "Hey mom, look what I found." When he said it was in great shape, it didn't take long to give him the green light. I was ecstatic of course, thinking about the possibilities, then, if I'm honest, wondering how I could personally justify this new addition, bringing what I thought was a perfect number of bicycles from 4 back to 5.

From August to November we started collecting parts. I bought the VO Granola bars as an alternative, though aligning width-wise with much loved Soma Oxford and Ritchey Kyote bars. Had the VO Crazy bars been narrower, that would've been my first choice. I also chose a loved saddle - the Terry Topo - at least for starters. 

Between our son's knowhow, sourcing new and used parts, and my industry discount - I work for Terry Bicycles - we saved money, and honestly I wouldn't have considered this project on my own otherwise. 
 

He put together a 2X assortment of components that would play nice together. The only hiccup was configuring the V-Brake setup, necessitating ordering a top tube clamp to correctly guide the rear brake cable. He also added his signature two colored spoke nipples, bordering the valve, when building wheels.

Immediate riding impression: I felt at home! I've missed this kind of comfort, 2" plush tires, and diamond frame. I immediately transferred the Jack-the-Bike-Rack for needed utility, and more recently, repainted an older, discontinued Blackburn Mountain rack, installing it fairly easily - saved from the Trek Antelope, so that old beauty lives on through this recent reincarnation. And, I have now fulfilled a dream of owning a purple bike!

Rack and my commuter pannier makes this bike more useful.

And I shouldn't have worried about the Hard Rock's place in my collection. Shortly after acquiring the frame, my husband and I rode a rugged Northern Rail Trail where my Rachel, unfortunately in her current setup, wasn't the best choice. I kept thinking how the Hard Rock would be a perfect complement, lending comfort to rough terrain.

For those seeking build details...

The Most Versatile Bike Bag - Repurposing for the Win

It's more than a trunk bag...

Reconfiguring this old, oversized Gregory fanny pack into a versatile bike bag has been my most satisfying project to date.

The rugged Gregory backpacks from the late 1980s were constructed of Cordura material with numerous pockets, strong zippers with leather zipper pulls, and a myriad of accessory attachments. I got rid of the backpack a few years ago, but kept the removeable top pocket plus a gargantuan, overengineered, fanny pack that could be used with the backpack's hip belt. 

I decided the fanny pack, already embellished with external zippered pocket, four webbing loops on the bottom, straps with buckles that could be configured in different ways, plus a daisy chain webbing along the top would lend itself - simply by its features - to an interesting bike bag conversion. Like I mentioned, this fanny pack was overengineered and because of that I don't recall ever using it for it's intended purpose more than a handful of times. 

The Process

I slimmed the overall width (upper left photo) by cutting off the padded sleeve, opening up the side wings, removing the stiffeners, and pulling in and restitching the sides to form a shorter bag. The height stayed to same, that way I could use the zippers as is. Upper right photo shows the flaking internal coating - though the exterior is in great shape. The rear of the pack came with an internal stiffener, so the plan was to stiffen the bottom (lower left photo, a piece of ground pad) and front while also covering the peeling inside, attaching a piece of old green jacket (lower right photo). The cutting, piecing, and sewing was difficult - between wedging the pack into the sewing machine and getting the dimensions just right, I broke 6 needles, and gave up toward the end, so I hand-sewed the last two inches. I even went so far as to leave an opening in the green material so the blue piece is removable should I decide I don't want it in the future.

Bottom view - affix hook and loop to existing webbing straps to secure the bag to any rack.

The retrofit didn't cost anything - I even had double-sided hook and loop attachments from my stash, though I wondered how strong they would prove to be. Like my other projects, I think about the process a lot before starting, then often work slowly, reevaluating as I go because sometimes new ideas prove invaluable.

The water bottle holder was constructed with pieces of the large Gregory backpack.

First test was heading for a sunset picnic on the Dahon. I attached the four bottom attachments to the rack, then looped one buckle/strap around the seat post for extra measure. 

Additional views of the setup. Note the versatility with the two buckled strap attachments.

Carrying a lightweight picnic blanket under the second strap.

The pack didn't budge! Now I have a "trunk bag" for my folding bike.

The bag also performed flawlessly as a front carrier. Like attaching to the rear rack, all four bottom attachments are secured to the front rack, with the other two straps wrapped around the rack and fastened to lend extra strength.

I carried home a 4-pack without any wobble!

I had recently borrowed my husband's mountain bike front handlebar bag for extra storage and understood how useful it could be. There isn't enough storage in my small frame wedge for more than a lock, wallet, and phone - and wanting extra space on my mountain bike rides for a first aid kit, snacks, and extra clothing, etc. I wondered if the new purple pack would work.

The photo illustrates how I threaded the two straps through the daisy chain webbing and over the bars, tightly secured! I can access the exterior pocket easily, and the internal area by lifting the cables out of the way, but certainly doable.

There is plenty of clearance above the tire.

The bag efficiently fits three of my bikes - a testament to the existing, multiple attachment points, plus added internal stiffeners. I never expected this outcome - not in my wildest dreams!

Fanny packs are sold with the ability to attach to handlebars, or handlebar bags converted to a purse, but I've never seen a pack that's as versatile as this one.  (Let me know if you have. :) )

Coffeeneuring 2021 - First Cup Under a Full Moon

A windless, warm evening, listening to geese honking overhead, sipping tea and watching the full moon
rise over the Green Mountains, the glow reflecting on Lake Champlain.

I was surprised when I gazed westward and the camera flash captured all my bike's reflective bits
plus the western glow.

Mug of choice with companion Guard Dog, surrounded by maple and ash leaves.

Art for art's sake

This is my ninth year of the Coffeeneuring Challenge! I'm dedicating this year's miles to beauty in the natural world. Building upon coffeeneuring queen Mary, who places artful leaf designs on the ground and shares them via Instagram (@coffeeneur), I am opting for a similar arrangement surrounding my coffeeneuring mug. There is so much beauty in the world and I plan to revel in it!

For the inaugural sip, I set out after sunset - a practice that's necessary with long work days - to embrace night riding, heading for the causeway (former rail corridor across Lake Champlain) because of it's expansive views both west and east, this time to, hopefully, watch the full moon rise over the Green Mountains. The evening was a balmy 60+F and windless! I cruised out just far enough to park and scrambled down onto a flat marble block, my perch as the moon rose, ducked behind clouds, then eventually glowed, reflecting on the lake. Such a beautiful, rare evening. 

Reluctantly, I eventually headed the other direction to pick up groceries. As I crossed the bridge toward home, the full moon lit up the river. 

The Place: Colchester Causeway
Date: Wednesday, October 20
Drink: Ginger Tea
Observation: There were walkers and other cyclists in the darkness, including a guy with a tripod, capturing the moonrise.
Total Miles: 12