Day 36 Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY 78 milesI think I've got this butt thing figured out. It takes about 3000 miles of riding to get your butt conditioned so it doesn't hurt any more when you ride. Either that or I just learned to ignore it. So Chas, stop buying bigger bike seats and save your money for beer. Just put in the miles.
Sue, who reads all the blogs, has probably heard the dog story from Harold. It happened on the way to Erie. Michel was about 200 yards ahead of me. Two Saint Bernards ran out to chase him. They quickly gave up the chase and stopped in the middle of the road. I thought they had me. As luck would have it, the dogs saw some horses in the field on the other side of the road and went barking at the horses. I was home free. About that time the owners came shouting and chasing after the dogs. Harold and Roy were behind me and either stopped or were stopped by the dog owners who were very upset that we had bothered their dogs. They were screaming at Harold and Roy and calling them vilest names and threatening to have their dogs attack them. (Saint Bernards attack dogs?) This prompted Harold to call 911. Harold got a lot of questions from the 911 operator but no help. ( Apparently 911 doesn't respond to potential dog attacks or cursing dog owners.) This all happened unknown to Michel and me who by now were miles down the road.
Today we got a police escort out of town. (I think it was a courtesy not a demand.) Two motorcycle cops met us at the hotel at 7:15 this morning. We lined up behind them and took off through downtown Erie blue lights flashing. The cops leap-frogged each other stopping the traffic at each intersection. (I think they've done that before.) At the city limits they let us go. Who says a cop is never there when you need one ?
Today was good. Wind and weather perfect, not too many hills. Tomorrow will be tougher - 94 miles and lots of climbing.
You are looking better and better....I am certain this life style agrees with you....and we are all happy that your butt has adjusted to its new life. It seemed a perfect day and we are glad for that. Jim however, thinks the police escorted you all out of town because they wanted you out of there. Hey, what can I say, he's your brother. Sleep well and prepare for the hill tomorrow. I checked the route, I believe you will be using your thighs regularly. Have fun. I also believe that Harold comes upon the wierdest situations than most any of you. He may have bad karma. I would stay in front of him at all times. Enjoy the back of your eyelids.
ReplyDeletefrom Jim....the picture that you sent shows that two miles of the highway is available for adoption.....why don't you adopt it and tell them you will pick up the trash on your way through next year....he is something isn't he.He also says, it must have been a cyclist that "coined" the expression "hard ass."
ReplyDeleteHi, Sammy!
ReplyDeleteWe are so proud of you! We are toasting your success with a glass of wine! We hit the road on Monday to drive to Maine. We go through the back way through NY and CT. We will look for you. Barbara is going to let us know where you will be Monday. Our love to you!
Beth, Marge, and Mary Alice
Sam,
ReplyDeleteGreat picture -- however, the dogs might have been chasing you because you were wearing those red flags on your head!
Harold would probably be better off calling a police dog next time!
Signs You Have a Dumb Dog (from a Letterman Top Ten):
5. Suffered over two dozen concussions from toilet seat falling on his head
4. Thinks "Snausages" is a real word
3. Voted for Fred Grandy, Love Boat's gopher, because he really thought he'd be a good congressman
2. Spends hours staring at kitchen cabinet, waiting for tiny horse-and-carriage to come out
1. Constantly chasing people named "Katz"
Glad you are all safe -- although I have wondered if you should bike with a couple of dog biscuits. I guess they wouldn't be able to peddle fast enough to keep up with you anyhow!
Hope the climb didn't take too much out of you today. If you need motivation, just remember what Woody Hayes said (this was before he punched that Clemson player):
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
Do us all a favor and don't do anything stupid in your last week.
Old Dick