Wednesday, September 10, 2008

105 Miles and another Flat Tire!

It wasn’t supposed to be a 105 mile day, but we experienced destination creep. According to the biking map, Montezuma to Rome was barely 70 miles and I wanted at least 75. Orisanky was the right distance but had no campgrounds and neither did Utica further on. We found an option in Frankfort, but when Mary got there, it was closed as in no longer operating. The next town was Herkimer, which has a beautiful KOA. She called me to explain the situation. I was feeling good so I said OK, on to Herkimer. I rarely check my bike computer, so I had no idea of the distance until I arrived. It was a beautiful day with the temperature in the mid 60’s and very little wind. My computer said I spent six and a half hours peddling 105 miles.

Meanwhile I also had my fourth flat tire in seven days. This one was in Utica and the culprit was a rusty wood screw. Fortunately, the tire can still be used. So far, across the east I’ve seen bicyclist sign (peach pits, apple cores and banana peels) but no bicyclists. As I was pumping up the replacement tube, Mike came by on a tadpole recumbent pulling a Bob. He had a better pump than mine and I greatly appreciated his assistance. By the way, a tadpole recumbent has three wheels with two in the front. A Bob is one of the best brands of single wheel trailers for bicycles.

By one rural house, I was startled by domestic turkeys. They were standing beside the road making comments on what they observed. They reminded me of the turkeys my brother-in-law Darrel once had on the farm. They were semi tame and highly social and would gather around him while he worked, making comments like the birds I saw today. If he laughed they’d all gobble as though they were laughing too. Then he started telling them jokes and laughing. They gobbled in response as though they were in on the joke and thought it was very funny. I laughed just remembering it.

Herkimer is the source of the semi precious Herkimer diamond. Once again we’re camped by a stream. Probably 20 kayakers have gone past this evening.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Greetings from Pella. I have enjoyed your blog and hope things continue to go well. When do you expect to reach Salem, MA? Stop at Dunkin Donuts and have a cup of coffee for me. Your turkey loving brother-in-law.

Cal Meuzelaar said...

Actually, there's a Dunkin Donuts right beside the McKownville United Methodist Church where we're camping tonight. Instead of my usual bagel and espresso, I plan to go there for breakfast tomorrow.
Cal

Cal Meuzelaar said...

Actually, there's a Dunkin Donuts right beside the McKownville United Methodist Church where we're camping tonight. Instead of my usual bagel and espresso, I plan to go there for breakfast tomorrow.
Cal