First thing I did in the morning was to Google Map Syracuse to find out where the motel was in Syracuse.  The big surprise was that Syracuse is 90 miles away, not 60, a big difference on a bike.  I packed up quickly and headed out.  In addition to being a longer day than expected, the route has become very hilly, additionally slowing me down.  I’m still biking on Hwy 5 that goes into Syracuse.  I will bike through Lima, Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Geneva, Waterloo, Seneca Falls, Auburn, Elbridge, and Camillus.

            The area is very scenic, but the hilly.  I was told that the USA Bicycle team used this road for training before they moved to Colorado.  If I didn’t need to do 90 miles, and not having to get to Syracuse, it would be a lot more fun.  To make sure I get to Syracuse, I take fewer and shorter breaks.  At least the temperature is a little cooler, and I was treated to a refreshing shower in the afternoon.  This route takes me through the Finger Lakes area of New York.  Unfortunately, being pressed for time, I just ride through.

            Just outside of Canandaigua, I met Vera pushing her bike and cart up a long hill.  Vera is a Mennonite who went into town on her bicycle with cart to do her shopping.

            Late in the afternoon, I passed a large field of sunflowers.  I finally arrived in Syracuse a little after 6:00 pm.  The motel was right on Hwy 5.  I called “Coach” and met him and Sharon.  We went out to dinner at a pizza place, and caught up on the last two years.  “Coach”, is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan.  I knew he has hiked and biked a lot, but leaned he has written a couple books.  One was a guidebook on his canoeing of the Missouri River.  It was really great seeing him again and meeting Sharon.  I still can’t get over the coincidence that our paths crossed here n Syracuse.