Day 56 – July 29 – Lake Erie State Park, NY to Buffalo, NY – 54 Miles

We spent about an hour planning our route into Buffalo.  While it delayed our start, in the end it would make navigation easier.  Our primary source for directions was the New York State Department of Transportation web site and its directions for following Bicycle Route 517 into the city.

Traffic became gradually heavier the nearer we progressed toward Buffalo.  The bicycle route followed State Highway Route 5 for the first 30 miles.  As we moved from community to community, and township to township, the road conditions varied markedly.  Today we were blessed with a slight tailwind to make our progress easier.  From Highway 5, Bicycle Route 517 was routed over city street through the suburbs of Buffalo, into Lackawanna, NY and finally into Buffalo.  The final portion into Buffalo, took us along the Lake Shore which is in various stages of re-development.  What was once an industrial shoreline of steel and grain mills is being transformed with wind turbines and recreational paths.  While the steel mills have been erased, several of the elevators remain as a reminder of the city’s once industrial wealth.

Near the intersection of Lower Terrace Drive and Washington Street, we parted company with Dylan Atkinson, our riding partner. We first met Dylan in Ashkum, IL 10 days ago. Dylan would be spending a day or two with a friend at Buffalo State University in Amhurst, just north of Buffalo.  We would be spending our rest day at First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, with the Rev Phil Gittings.  It has really been a great experience riding with Dylan.  We found our pace compatible and his easy-going attitude a pleasure.  We wish him safe passage on the rest of his journey and best of luck in pursuing a teaching career and graduate studies.

From Central Buffalo to First Pres, we made our way north and west.  Despite Google Navigation wanting us to go the wrong way down a one-way street we made it to our destination by late afternoon.  Phil met us at the church and showed us to his office that would be our home for our rest day.  First Pres of Buffalo is a church of historical significance to the community and one with outstanding architecture.  We look forward to spending some of our rest day visiting the area and delving into the history of the city.