Day 46: Utica, NY to Troy, NY

Distance: 101.94 miles

Elevation gain: 2,357 feet

Avg speed: 15.8 mph

Max speed: 31.6 mph

Moving time: 6:27:59

That ride yesterday really kicked my butt. Yes, yesterday, as I am writing this a day late. (Today’s ride kicked my butt too, but you’ll have to read about that in my day 47 post.)

The ride from Utica to Troy was a century ride - it came in at 101.94 miles - and it was on the first truly hot day we’ve had on this tour. We had an early start yesterday (mass start at 6:45am), and at that time it was ALREADY 69 degrees Fahrenheit (with a feels like temperature of 71, and with 87% humidity) - I know, 69 isn’t that hot. But by the end it was 95 with a feels like of 104! Plus, it WAS a long ride, with a moderate amount of climbing. As a result, my after-dinner nap was EPIC, and after that I still didn’t have the energy to write this. So here it is, a day late. 

The ride was a long one, but other than the length (and the heat and humidity), it wasn’t too challenging. A moderate amount of climbing, but nothing crazy (though that one climb towards the end on the bike path was pretty challenging). Speaking of bike paths, the last part of the ride (from Schenectady to Troy) was almost entirely along a bike path. Also, much of the route was spent riding alongside the Mohawk River, which was beautiful! (Since it is getting late and I still have another blog post to write, these pictures are in no particular order.)

The bridge across the Hudson River up in Troy, NY

Today’s action shot

Another view of the Hudson River bridge

The Mohawk River, which was on our right for the majority of this ride

Is this what they mean by a flower bed?

Well, if it isn’t Tow Mater!

One of the tunnels under the road along the bike path at the end

For dinner I joined a couple of people in our group who headed over to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which was right next to our hotel and was delicious! We started with their deviled eggs and I had their brisket and their pulled pork, along with baked beans and I think I also had potato salad. Everything was delicious, I highly recommend this place!

Of course, a riding day just wouldn’t be complete without the corresponding video:

Our next ride (which was today) was from Troy to Brattleboro. Another state line crossing, and lots of climbing including one that was eight miles in length. I need to conclude THIS post so I can write THAT one. I’m determined to get that one done tonight so I can go back to being caught up….