Upper body symptoms of ALS (Cervical) • Hand weakness • Limited range of motion • Upper body muscle spasms • Trouble with dressing/hygiene • Impaired handwriting • Difficulty preparing food
Today was almost exclusively riding alongside the Erie Canal. We saw some very quaint little towns that were so inviting with outdoor cafes, pubs, beautiful gardens, interesting bridges and locks and a variety of scenic sites. If we weren't pushing our way to Boxford, MA I think we all would have loved to be able to stop and sit for awhile. While riding, I got to thinking about the history of the Erie Canal and I must admit, I didn't remember much. I was also trying to remember the song about the Erie Canal as Dave and I both seem to like to sing when we ride although neither of us are very good at remembering all the words.
The trails were mostly stone dust and a few paved miles. The stone dust wasn't too hard to bike on but we all were filthy when we finished with a coating of sand and grime. The weather was perfect, overcast and not too hot. Rain has been forecasted for the last two days but thankfully, we have avoided any rain while on the bikes. There were very few incidents on the bikes although JJ did try to make it interesting with a slight fall due to not being able to unclip and another intimate encounter with a chain link fence. Luckily, he was back on the bike after a quick first aid stop at the Newark Chamber of Commerce. Thank you Mary Kate. His family met him at the end of the route and we said our goodbyes to the Jorling family as they head home to DC. Maybe we will see them for the final party in Topsfield next week! My hip is not doing great, but for the most part, it doesn't hurt while riding. Walking continues to be challenging. After consulting with Nurse Rick, our plan is to alter my medication a bit for tomorrow and try to ride again as tomorrow is expected to be flat. Sunday is our rest day and I may take an additional day off on Monday so that I will be able to finish the ride when we get to MA. After three strong days on the bike, Charlie decided to join the Luggage Guy crew for today.
The Luggage Guys met us at the end of our route in Clyde, NY and drove us about 30 miles to our Air BnB in Geneva. We are staying in this very old house with only 1 shower!!! We made it work with extreme grace considering how nasty we all were feeling. Steve, the resident bike expert took on the task of cleaning and hosing down all the bikes from a long hard day on the trails. Thank you Steve!!! The Luggage Guys kicked in to prepare a wonderful chicken parmesan, spaghetti and green bean dinner topped off with garlic bread. Charlie and Doug kicked it in for the clean up crew. Dessert was a trip to a local ice cream shop treated by Franko.
Another wonderful day filled with memories and hope. Thank you for following along and keeping us in your thoughts.
Dolly
Glad it was a good day for riding along the canal, but I'm disappointed that the path was rock dust.
Sleep well tonight in lovely and historic Geneva, NY.
PS Whoever heard of an Air BnB with one only one shower for so many people??