Day 31 - 119 Mi to Amsterdam, NY

We're closing in on the ocean...but first,  another day in the saddle along the Mohawk River and a hot and humid day and again no rain.   Our route started out with 11 miles of navigating through Syracuse but after mile 12 we were in the quiet New York countryside until mile 40. After that, we basically rode route 5 east to Little Falls then cross the Mohawk River and ride on the south side until crossing back to get to Amsterdam. In this area the terrain changes from rolling farmland to small plots along the Mohawk River Valley with mountains on either side of the river carpeted with greenery.   The view from the high areas on the south side of the Mohawk are awesome.  Today Jim and I were joined my Norm from Australia and we were able to average 18 mph for the 119 miles.

Big Amish population the last week of riding

With 5 miles to go on the ride we stopped at Karen's Ice cream for our daily end of ride treat and then we would coast into the hotel.  What we did not know is we had an immediate big hill.  That was tough right after having all that ice cream.

Tonight we are staying in Amsterdam NY which was once a thriving textile center specializing in manufacture of carpets. At one time they also had interest in the small computer industry, but now everywhere you look around the motel you see storefronts that are empty and it appears the town is dying.  What is nearby though is The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (PWHF) and Museum.  

End of ride Ice cream Place

The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (PWHF) and Museum

(Most Photos taken by Mike Munk- Bamacyclist.com)

The Hotel welcomed us to Amsterdam, NY

We only have 2 more days of riding. Tomorrow's really hilly as we ride into VT and NH with at least 3 major climbs to contend with on our way to Keene so I had a very large pizza for dinner and a beer.

Carbing up for tomorrow's ride in VT and NH