Pictures: Bruce entertains us while in line at the US border
Teenagers jumping off a bridge in the Erie Canal
Kamla rides along the Erie Canal
Paul’s rear wheel setupPaul changing gears
This morning, when we were pulling out, we saw another loaded cyclist headed our way. His name was Bruce. He rode along with us to the border crossing telling us stories while we waited for 30 minutes with the cars in line. Crossing the border without a passport went smoothly for Kamla. Just like at the Canadian Border they asked where she was born and typed her name into the computer then let us all cross. Bruce went on his separate way soon after we crossed. We ate lunch in Lockport before getting on to the Erie Canal. The canal made for an easy ride along the crushed gravel and a day of relaxing conversation.
At Medina, famous for its sandstone some of which was used in Buckingham Palace, we met a cyclist named Paul. He is an organic farmer who is headed to work near Detroit because of the opportunities that are nearby. He built his own panniers and wooden front rack. His panniers are made of leather and canvas that he waterproofed with linseed oil, beeswax and pine tar (I think). He made his own wooden fenders too. His bike had two chain rings and on his rear wheel he had 2 single freewheels on one side and a fixie on the other. Oh yeah, did I mention that he didn’t have any derailleurs. To shift he has to get off the bike and loosen the rear quick release then manually move the chain.(Ol’ School style made by Rivendell in SF) He was a cool guy that even let Bill ride his bike around the parking lot. What a way to ride around America.
Cool bike that Paul has...would not want to have to shift like that. I would probably just MASH all day long.
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of the kids jumping off the bridge!