Day #46 - Utica to Troy, NY

103.3 mi, 2,503ft gain, 68-95F / heat warning & humidity

We knew today would be warm and humid. There was a heat warning for basically all the northeast. The heat index said today would feel more like 101F. So as a group we decided to leave at 6:45am. You might not think 45 min would make a difference on over 7 hours of riding.. but it can. I’m happy we left early. Even though we were still warm, I think it helped.

I had 2 things I wanted to check out for sure on route. The shrine for Tekakwitha and the Historiric area is Schenectady. Luckily both were pretty much on route. All other sight seeing got cut due to heat.

I rode with a few different groups today. Everyone seems to be really holding it together to finish strong! I didn’t hear much complaining of the heat or distance. Maybe we’re all just tough as nails at this point!? Haha

The above are pictures from the first 56 miles or so. We passed 4 Amish buggies again today. They wave, not sure if they want to or are pressured when we all smile really big and wave enthusiastically. Pretty to see them rolling down the road as we roll the other way. We continued to ride along the Erie Canal. Pretty views popped in and out as we went. There such thick tree cover that it goes out of sight more than you might think.

The Shrine of Katari Tekakwitha.. you might say “who?” This is the name sake for the first unit I was a camper in and the first I was camp counselor for at Ondessonk. I remember looking into the history of the name sake.. I never ever dreamt I would ride a bike across country and happen to ride through her home land. She was a Mohawk Native American who chose to follow the Cathiolic faith, leaving everything behind. She was canonized as the first Native American female in 2012. Camp has long prior to that named the unit after her. She is the patron saint of ecology and environment among a few others. It was surreal to be there with so much history.

Once I got to the 2nd of 3 SAG stops, the heat was setting in. It became a game plan of get home when possible. So we pedaled on as a group until we got to mile 78, the historic district of Schenectady, NY. The housing here dates back to 300+ years. I rarely get to see this in America, so I created a plan to ride a few extra blocks to check out the houses, Tanny came with me. Honestly these side adventures are what make the trip for me. I could ride all day at home, but I can’t see these unique locations but here.

After that we were on a nice bike path for 20 miles! I think that was the longest path section on this trip. The shade was needed for the heat! It took us almost all the way into town. Once in town I took a few side trips to see the Uncle Sam statue, this is his home town, as well as a mural. Walking to get food I took a few extra blocks to look at the buildings. Such cool architecture. I found a great Mexican place for dinner, Nutella empanada was awesome!

Tomorrow we’re starting early again for the heat. Shorter mileage but lots of climbing. Jason and Luca have officially started theirs way East today, landing in Amarillo, TX for the night. So excited to see them.

Total mileage to-date:

3,262.2 mi

Total elevation gain to-date:

102,129 ft