Reply to Weedsport to Sycracuse

Weedsport to Syracuse on June 11, 31 miles.

Had a somewhat short day to get to Syracuse. Plan was to ride to the YMCA to shower and change into the clean clothes I had been carrying all week and then head to the Amtrak station to catch the train back to Buffalo.
Made sure to pick up an extra sandwich before I left Weedsport because it looked like options for food might be a little sparse on the way to Sycracuse. Picked up the off road trail just a mile or so outside Weedsport, it was a little muddy from the rain but not a problem and there wasn't much "traffic" to deal with. Hit paved trail after about 20 miles or so, and had pavement (either trail or road shoulder) to the end of my ride. When I got to the NY State Fairgrounds I was unsure where the trail went. The sign seemed to indicate to go through a small gate and into the fairgrounds. Right across the street was the Byrne Dairy and Deli so I opted to get a sandwich and drink and contemplate the situation. Became apparent that through the gate and the fairgrounds was the correct route, there was even a shelter with some benches under it just inside the gate where I sat in the shade and finished my sandwich and drink. After riding through the fairgrounds there is a bridge that goes over a highway and into a pretty large parking lot; keep your head on a swivel here (and at all times). I was riding along a chain link fence on the road (because the easiest route is always the correct one, not!) looking for a good place to take a picture of Syracuse off in the distance when I realized that way on the other side of the parking lot was a trail sign. I backtracked a little to an opening in the fence and got back on the trail. Not far down the trail was a scenic overlook and I got my picture, and that led to a nice downhill to Lake Onondaga. Got to the Onondaga Creek Walk and thought I was in the clear when I hit another detour. At this point I knew I was close to done, so I googled the Y, was only a mile away, and decided to follow the phone's directions. Got a hot shower, put on fresh clothes, and googled the Syracuse transportation center and within 2 miles and 15 minutes I was at the Amtrak station. Amtrak station had a Subway, a couple of other food places, and a convenience store. Also had outlets for charging and wifi. Train was on time, had plenty of room, and I had booked a spot for me and the bike so we got loaded and headed to Buffalo. Got to Buffalo, unloaded my bike and the gear and got things together to do the 5 block ride to the Adam Ramp where I had started. Got to the parking garage at 7:10pm and by 7:30 I was driving out of the exit. Cost for parking was between $40 and $50.

In conclusion, I have to mention that one of my favorite things about the ride was stopping where ever there was an information sign to read about the history of that part of the canal and the areas I was riding through. And the people I encountered and interacted with along the way, they were great.

I would also mention the dozens, and I do mean dozens, of snapping turtles that I saw digging holes along the edge of the canal trail to lay eggs. Google says in 80 to 90 days they'll hatch, so look out! The snapping turtle is the state turtle of New York.

Safe riding!