Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY

It was a cool clear morning and we were leaving Erie, PA and would be entering into another state, New York, on the way to our destination. It would be 81 miles to Hamburg, NY, just South of Buffalo. Most of the route followed the shore of Lake Erie and provided many nice views with Vineyards and Lake Erie as a backdrop.

I had been struggling with saddle discomfort for sometime and it had worsened at the end of the 5 day stretch which ended in Erie. I am not alone with this problem. I don’t know if the cause is my bike seat or what, but I suspect it is the cumulative effect of sitting on that bike seat for over 3,000 miles with very little rest time to recover.

I could write a book on the causes and remedies. But I’ll spare you. Once word got out that I was suffering, others would ask me what I’m doing to address it and would share their ideas. Some offered to share what they were using to prevent the problem. I wasn’t sure I would be able to ride today. With the day off and some rest I prepared to ride.

I told Rick who I’ve ridden with most days that I was going to ride alone in an attempt to find a pace that I would be comfortable. Or at least be able to complete the ride. So I began the day riding by myself. I poked along enjoying the scenery. I rode a while with Tom and Susan. I stopped more frequently to take photos. It was a beautiful day and I was feeling relatively comfortable. I rode a while near John and Amy. Skip came up and rode beside me and inquired about my condition. I was actually a little tired talking about it. Skip told me that he had been struggling with seat comfort also and related that he had two blisters.

After arriving at the only SAG stop of the day at 47 miles, I took this picture of Andy Hiroshima and his cool Seven bike with Carbon fiber 620 wheels.

I saw Rick there and he said he heard that there was a Dairy Queen about 4 miles from the hotel. Rick has been known to start rumors that don’t necessarily come true. After fueling up I departed. I had eaten two oatmeal cookies on the way to the first stop and had one left for the rest of the route. I added some Fritos to my bag and headed out to finish the ride or at least make it to the DQ.

On the way I saw this cool Dodger Challenger retro version that chrysler has produced. I had seen pictures in magazines, but this was parked in a dealers lot. I couldn't resist. It takes me back to the late 60's when I had a cool 68 Plymouth Barracuda.

Sure enough there was a DQ, about 2 miles from the hotel. I pulled in and there were 5 bikes already parked outside. It was Skip, Don, Jose, Kip and CJ enjoying refreshing treats. I ordered a Strawberry milkshake and joined them.

After finishing our rewards we finished the last couple miles to the hotel together, arriving about 2:00 PM.