Day 6 - What do hills, lakes, and ski jumping have in common?

Day 6 – Canton to Saranac Lake, NY – 72 miles – 4,612 ft of elevation gain

As we were leaving the hotel parking lot it started to drip, but quickly ended. The threat of rain followed us all day. Several roads were wet, but we missed the rain in that spot. After our rest stop at mile 26 it started to spit again, and then it stopped.

The sun did appear at some point, and there was hope that we would avoid the rain for the day. Most of the roads we had to ourselves, but there were a few as we got closer to Saranac Lake that picked up in traffic. My climb-o-meter had 11 registered climbs, I’d say that two of those were significant in length and effort. It was a rolling day for sure, with a steady ascent all day, in addition to the actual hills.

 It did really let loose with the precipitation right as we got to our lunch spot. So we ate quickly and got on the road. It was dumping small buckets for about 5 miles, and then it eased up. I had a lake in my shoe for my toes to swim for a while, they really enjoy being included in the experience. When we got about 5 miles from our destination the sun came out. I hope my shoes are dry by tomorrow because I didn’t get to stuff them with newspaper. I might be wearing my waterproof socks tomorrow just to protect me from my shoes.

One of the boys has had 5 flats, and 4 of those were when he wasn’t even moving. We discovered a defect in the one tire that probably led to 3 of the flats. One of the flats was from a small piece of glass. So, we stopped at a bike shop in Lake Placid to buy 4 more tubes to make sure he is covered for the rest of the trip. We also picked up 2 tires to ensure he can roll the rest of the way should a tire blow (because his previously new tire is the one with the defect). Otherwise, everyone is rolling along without incident, and we’d like to keep it that way.

We were greeted in Saranac Lake by Pete, he is the one that arranged for us to stay in a church tonight. Pete was a great host and took us around town and to Lake Placid pointing out things of interest. Several in the team have now decided that ski jumping is their next adventure, although I think I’m the only one that skis in the group, so not sure how well that will bode for them. We went to dinner at Tail O’ the Pup just outside of Lake Placid, which was a treat with live music and great food. Pete then took us back to his house for ice cream by the lake. We decided that devotions were better by the lake as well. It was an amazing view, and we were very tempted to call off the rest of the ride and just stay with Pete.

Tomorrow, Pete is making us breakfast and then we will hit the road. There are some options for tomorrow, but the weather is iffy, so we will make a call in the morning as to which way we roll.

Everyone is doing well! At this stage of the game, it becomes a mental battle, as the body adjusts to the demand of cycling multiple days in a row and climbing hills.