BUFFALO, NY
DAY 14 JUNE 10 48.2 MILES
A man on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourists can in a hundred miles. Edward Abbey
The day started out as another perfect one. And then it became even better as a slight tailwind developed to aid us on our way. Although very familiar with headwinds and crosswinds, I had to look up the definition of tailwind as it had been so long since I had experienced one either on the bicycle or in the air.
The Warren's Corner Church, where we had stayed last night, has an interesting history. After the War of 1812, a soldier returned to Lockport and married a widow who owned a tavern. Shortly thereafter, they experienced religious conviction and shut down the tavern. The man poured out all of the beer, wine and liquor in the yard behind the tavern. It seems that several pigs liked the taste of this new liquid and there were many drunken pigs staggering around that night. He then donated the property to a small local church along with a sum sufficient to build a sanctuary. It is a very nice little church--but the part most of the locals remember is about the drunken pigs.
Today, we rode a short 20 miles to reach the Niagara Falls. Although I have been there several times in the past, it was the first time for many of the others. It was exciting to see it from a bicycle and also to watch the expressions of those seeing it for the first time. At least a gazillion photos were shot. If conventional photography still were employed, Eastman Kodak stock certainly would have increased a couple of points.
The Falls continue to be spectacular. Their energy is breathtaking! More water flows in one minute than any of us will consume in a lifetime. People misuse the word awesome for many everyday things but, in reality, the Falls truly define that word.
Our group stopped at a TOPS supermarket a few miles short of the Falls to pick up supplies for the next few days. When our team leaders asked the owner for permission to park our vehicle on his property, he not only granted the permission but also made a $1,000 contribution to the MS cause. Other donations also have been received along the way and it is extremely encouraging. It seems that everyone has one or more friends or family members with MS. It is a terrible situation and I hope a cure can be found soon.
Tip: Lubricate your chain and shifting mechanism regularly. They will operate better and also last longer.
