The day began under cloudy skies, a perfect backdrop for the pumpkin patch I wandered through. I might be wrong, but I think it was a better place to capture a sense of autumn than at a pumpkin stand.
After I climbed back on the bike and started into the hills, the fog or clouds slowly burned off, and it turned into another sunny day, with temperatures perfect for cycling.
My first stop was Skaneateles, where I had a great latte at the Vermont Green Mountain Speciality Co, and met a cyclist who had moved from Montreal to the area some 30 years ago. I also chatted with a lovely woman who had grown up in the area, and who had all kinds of suggestions for my ride. She also invited me to stop at her place for lunch, but I had already ridden past her place so I reluctantly declined, as I genuinely enjoyed my conversation with her. (Janine she reminded me so much of you!)
From Skaneateles, I headed east on the Cherry Valley Turnpike, which might aptly be named the Apple Picking Trail, as there were many farms along the route, offering a chance to pick your own apples, or to munch on a fresh apple fritter. Did I long for an apple fritter? You bet. Was I willing to tackle jammed parking lots, over stimulated children, and cranky parents? Not on your life. I kept pedalling past them all, grateful for the wide shoulder that kept me well away from traffic. It was a stunning ride with plenty of steep climbs, and I was grateful for my arm sleeves and wind vest on the long descents.
When I reached Cazenovia, I headed north on the Chittenango Gorge road, which was the highlight of the day. Suddenly the traffic disappeared, and I was in blissful silence, winding along on a newly paved road, the leaves gold and red in the trees on either side of me.
I am so glad I changed my route plans this morning. I had originally intended to head north from Cortland to Syracuse, then get on the Erie Canal Trail, but I didn’t feel like navigating Syracuse, and wanted to enjoy more lakes and climbs. Well I got my wish. This ended up being my biggest day of climbing, with lots of 9-12% grade. Suffice to say I spent plenty of time in the biggest cog (easiest gear).
From the town of Chittenango, it was a quick dash east to Canastota, where I am staying near the Boxing Hall of Fame. It is a very small town with some nice old homes, and tree lined streets. I just walked to downtown and back in the golden sun of late afternoon, feeling grateful for this perfect autumn day.
There used to be a restaurant in Skaneateles that was one of my mother's favorites. I think it was called Krebs? Great looking ride!
If it's on your route, the town of Clinton south of Utica is a pretty place.