Thursday, 9/2, leaving Avon on NY 20, and a beautiful day of 75F--a day that will take them through East Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Geneva, and across the top of the "Finger Lakes through Waterloo,Auburn to Skaneateles.

They parallel the Seneca-Cayuga Waterway/Canal, and at Waterloo, find that it was the Birthplace of Memorial Day. The first celebration was on May 5, 1866, celebrating the service in the Civil War, and eventually it spread to be come a National Holiday, and was so recognized by LBJ in the late 1960's.

Along NY 5/20, they saw signage recognizing the 1779 expedition of Generals John Sullivan and James Clinton against "hostile Indians" who were in league with the English. This was early "westward expansion". Today there are massive mobile home/manufactured housing communities along this corridor.

Arriving at Skaneateles, they find a "touristy" town, many "mansions", and no fast food franchises in the downtown area. Larry met a 91 year old gentleman of Polish background, sprightly, quick witted and energetic. He attributed his condition to his 85 year old Scottish wife.

They also saw signs indicating that the Cayuga/Seneca tribe was protesting, and a sign read "No Water-No Reservation"

Friday, 9/3, and they realize they are facing the steepest climbs and descents since Colorado---which makes sense when you think of the way the glaciers carved the N/S ridges through this area. The route seems like it was designed/constructed by British Engineers---straight up and straight down---hard climb and massive/fast descent. They arrive in Pompey at Binkies' Diner for breakfast, enjoying pancakes with genuine NY maple syrup. and "old fashioned" oatmeal made in a double boiler.

From Pompey, South on NY 91 to 80 at Fabius, then through Sheds and Georgetown to Sherburne. The area was characterized by dairy farms, small towns--usually with a "general store"--reminiscent of the early part of the journey in the "West". It also reminded them of European roads and they again enjoyed the corn, hayfields and silos, as well as horse farms with the white fences, red barns, apple orchards and fruit stands. It was not the image that most people have of NEW YORK.

The farms typically "announced' that they were Registered Holstein, or Bland Angus, or Ayrshire cows, and were well tended and "proud". It was a relaxing atmosphere with forested hills, green valleys with occasional Haze.

Saturday, 9/4 and they split up, with Will going directly to Oneonta where he found a bike shop to get a new rear wheel, and to rotate his tires

Inga-Lill, Hans and Larry go East to Cooperstown crossing 10 ridgelines in 50 KM with small dairy farms on the hillsides and valleys, and several "hilltops" occupied by very upscale, but public, golfcourses. It was misty in the valleys until about 10, and was truly the "sleepy Hollow" scenery of the poem.They met a biker on a "local" ride--only the 2nd biker since crossing the Mississippi.

They spent several hours in the Baseball Hall Of Fame, and enjoyed the "history of the game as presented, the development of the equipment, and the way the rules evolved(early on, the batter could "select" a strike zone between the shoulders and waist, or between the waist and knees). Today it is difficult to recall that players made about 4 times the wage of a laborer, and that they traveled by RR.

Heading South on 28 it "merged" with I-88 for the last 8 miles to Oneonta. A NY State Trooper took issue with three bicyclists on the Interstate, and after a less than friendly exchange ordered them off at the next exit, and "laid rubber" just to express his authority. On arriving in Oneonta, finding Will and telling of their encounter, the "locals" conceded that several of the troopers "have a reputation" in the area.

Sunday, 9/5, they plan to take NY 23 and 30 to Margaretville (a longer but "less hilly route), NY 28 to Big Indian, and NY 47/55/42 to Woodbourne. After a "rest day" at The Yoga Ranch, Will and Larry will proceed to West Point.

This is the last report---Nell and I will Leave Tuesday to arrive at the Marriott on Wednesday afternoon.