Day 14 - Niagara Falls (Canada to US and back again)

This morning Dave and I were hoping to do an 80k loop ride from Ontario into New York state.  However, the weather this morning was not what we'd hoped.  There was a definite threat of rain. Although flash backs of our Michigan ride were the top of our mind, we figured if we didn’t go, it wouldn’t rain, and if we did, it would (I think that's one of Murphy's Laws).We headed out, rationalizing that we would turn back if the weather was not on our side.  When we got to the Peace Bridge (Fort Erie, Ont. to Buffalo, NY), we had experienced a little bit of drizzle, but decided to cross.  While waiting in the secure area OUTSIDE the customs office on the US side it sprinkled some more, but of course we could do nothing because we were committed to entering customs (actually locked into the small waiting area). Once through customs, the rain had abated so we decided to keep going.  It wasn't until we were on Grand Island that the rain found us again, but still only a light mist.  What really plagued us, or I should say, Dave, was a flat.  This took us off our planned route in search of air pumps to keep the tire inflated.  After a few brief stops at various gas stations and mechanics, we made our way back across the border by way of the Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls, US & Canada).  With the home stretch in sight we decided to stop for lunch by the Falls.  It was a great decision, because the skies opened up and it poured. We took our time eating lunch waiting for the rain to stop. After we finished eating, we waited for the rain to stop.  And waited. And waited. And debated calling home for a ride, because it was NOT stopping.  But we were SO close (less than 10k). Finally, we clipped in and peddled our way through the down pour. By the time we got home we were drenched (Michigan...again...)

But we DID it!

Ontario/New York 80k

While we were gone, the kids rode their bikes and swam in the river in the rain.  Basically, had a blast with their cousins. 

In the evening, after a warm shower and drying off, I had a very nice dinner with my childhood friend, Amy. Once again, another great opportunity to catch up with a good friend.