Back To The Climbs...Back to the Headaches

We have been having cool sunny weather for our last few days. It makes the cycling easier to deal with for those who suffered through the dessert in July. It was a lovely morning, quiet as the sun came up over the lake and we were on the hunt for a Taughomack water fall that Pieter had told us was just outside the city of Ithaca. We are now in the Appalachians so we knew we were going to be having some climbs throughout the day. The first 20kms was a gradual slope that now seems more reasonable after the Rockies and as we looked around it was surprising just how high we had gotten.
There was a small road joining the two highways and as I looked at it, I thought- I bet with some lead in I could coast the whole thing, 2kms. So I took the turn, unclipped and away I rode. Although I lost speed on the first uphill, I maintained my coast and made it all the way. COOL!
Soon we were at the Lookout over the falls.

Unfortunately while taking pictures my bike fell over and the bracket holding my basket bent so much it was dragging against my rear wheel. Scott, who is from my church, held my bike while I tried to bend it back.

I must have developed stronger arms than I thought as I snapped the support pole in the process. This is where carrying duct tape comes in handy so a quick patch job was done to get me into town.

It was then down to the main entrance to hike to the base of the falls. Less than a mile and a beautiful stroll.




I then headed into Ithaca to meet Pieter to find a bike shop. As we coasted into the city I looked up as the houses rose on the hills around the downtown. Now this could have been a beautiful view but all I could think was...I bet I get to climb up and get a close up of those houses. I was right. No luck in finding a bike shop or Pieter and our route took an extreme incline through the city that I have lovingly named-THE ITHACA PASS. Anyone who has joined the tour after the Rockies and were disappointed that they didn't do a mountain pass can rest assured that today they did an equally difficult feat. It was 5kms(I clocked it) and steeper than most of the passes we had done. I was able to make it up but I think the steep change caused the migraine that started setting in. I quickly took my medication which mostly worked on the headache but caused me to loose all strength for the next 2 hours. Marge and Peter caught up with me and we braved the rest of the route together. It was great to have their company and support.
Marge unfortunately had her 2nd flat in as many days and I when I found a few staples in her tires I advised her to quit touring through the office supplies stores!
My basket bracket was still duct taped together and with no bike shops in sight, I decided to try a motorcycle shop I was passing. It was operated by 2 British guys who specialised in restoration. Could they restore my bracket? Well it couldn't be welded but they make a custom brace that would hold it until I got home. They were really amazing at the scope of Sea To Sea and did the repair for free. Very Kind.
Struggling with the remnants of the headache we finished the ride and were welcomed to an incredible dinner hosted by Valley CRC.

We had a sandwich called a Speedy, grilled marinated meat on Italian bread-scrumptious and ice cream and brownies.
It was a long day so an early evening is a goal. Only 3 rides left.