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LifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024
  • Dales Ventures
  • Dales Ventures

LifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024

LifeCycles, a mentoring program for girls and boys, is geared around long distance cycling. This trip is one of our summer challenge rides and mostly goes across New York state from Alba, PA to Niagara Falls, NY (290 miles). Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 20, 2024
    Dales VenturesLifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024Traveler
    Susquehanna River

    Day 1 - July 20 Alba, Pa to Sayre, PA

    July 20, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Our highly anticipated day for embarking on our Lifecycle challenge ride finally dawned as we gathered in Lancaster and made the three-hour journey to our starting point in Alba, PA capturing the moment with a group photo, naturally.

    We began with a cohort of 8 youngsters, accompanied by 4 ride leaders, and Grace, our exceptional support and sag wagon driver. Fortunately, after days of scorching heat, we were blessed with splendid weather and gentle breezes. The 38-mile route featured undulating terrain, interspersed with occasional tough climbs every 7 or 8 miles.

    Our group naturally split into two factions: a swifter contingent and another more inclined to admire the scenery and engage in conversation, though both groups maintained a brisk pace.

    I plan to gather daily reflections from various riders. Today, Elijah rode with the faster group and performed admirably. He found the pace comfortable overall, but admitted the climbs posed a challenge.

    Personally, I was very happy with the pace in the slower group. The pace these youngsters can maintain is pretty challenging, but I have been able to feel comfortable.

    The video included on this post is us taking off from our starting point.    Read more

  • Dales VenturesLifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024Traveler
    Paceline
    Issac & IsaiahOnly 2 flats so farEvening meeting and presentationWatkins GlenWatkins GlenWatkins GlenNew York CountrysideA little break on the road

    Day 2 - July 21st - Sayre to Corning

    July 21, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    It was a mostly flat day with gentle rolling hills, marking our first long stretch of 60 miles. However, anticipation loomed over the looming challenge of the trip's largest climb, which lay ahead. But more on that later.

    For lunch, we stopped at a park just outside downtown Watkins Glen before making our way along a delightful bike trail to Watkins Glen State Park. Here, we took an hour to explore the park, marveling at its magnificent canyon carved through ancient sedimentary rocks and its 19 stunning waterfalls—a perfect opportunity for the boys to soak in the beauty of nature.

    After Watkins Glen, my bike computer signaled the beginning of the big climb a mere 328 feet from where we parked our bikes. There was little time to warm up for the one-and-a-half-mile ascent, rising 525 feet—roughly the height of the Washington Monument in just 1.5 miles. It was a challenging climb, but all the boys rose to conquer it.

    I like to spotlight one of the boys each day, and today I had a chat with Issac. Together, we brainstormed names for our two riding groups. We settled on "Swifties" and "Blue Crew," the monikers we'll now use to distinguish the two teams.

    What's a typical evening like? After showering, the boys usually unwind at the hotel pool before we head out for dinner, providing a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better. Following dinner, we gather for a team meeting where one of the youngsters presents on a topic relevant to the area we're exploring. This year's topics include the Susquehanna River, the Finger Lakes, and Corning, New York. Each night, the ride leaders also lead a brief devotional lesson.    Read more

  • Dales VenturesLifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024Traveler
    Some great New York scenery
    1Steve making good use of a rest stopAnother lovely New York townGrace - our wonderful sag wagon support personDerek and Tolo - two of our "Swifties"Issac & IsaiahEvan & ElijahDinner at the hotelKai & Kadin

    Day 3 - July 22nd - Corning to Hornell

    July 22, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 81 °F

    Upon waking, our primary concern was the weather forecast. It predicted warm temperatures but also a chance of thunderstorms later in the afternoon. After cycling 60 miles yesterday, today's 43-mile stretch seemed like a breeze. With mostly flat terrain and few hills, most of our riders anticipated an easy ride. We reached our hotel by 2:00 pm, ensuring we avoided any showers on the road. Arriving early was a treat: we could launder our sweaty riding gear, the boys could unwind in the pool, and the ride leaders could enjoy a brief respite before dinner.

    Today's ride was once again enjoyable. Much of our route winds through valleys between mountains, offering picturesque scenery and relatively flat terrain. We also relish passing through the charming small towns of New York.

    I plan to compile a comprehensive 5-7 minute video after our trip. Over the past few days, I've been capturing footage and photos using my phone and a dedicated camera. Today, I carried my drone in a small backpack, capturing aerial shots that required careful planning and execution. Included in today's blog is a captivating drone video tracking our "Swifties" group as they cycled down the road. It is an unedited version that I will eventually clean up a little when I return home.

    Instead of going out for dinner, we feasted on take out pizza, wings and salad at the hotel.

    Today, I will include some photos of our participants. I have included all the young men and our extraordinary sag wagon and support person, Grace.    Read more

  • Dales VenturesLifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024Traveler
    Letchworth State Park
    Leaders-Jon Lyttle, Steve Hackman, Dale Johnson, Eric & Grace MillerThe team and van entering Letchworth State ParkLunch stop in the parkLetchworth State ParkLetchworth State ParkGroup photo at Letchworth State ParkLetchworth State ParkTown of Mt. Morris

    Day 4-July 23-Hornell to Mt. Morris

    July 23, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Total Miles: 50....Pretty flat, except the last 15 miles

    The highlight of our day was the 15-mile ride through Letchworth State Park, often dubbed the Grand Canyon of the East. The park was stunningly forested, and our route followed the canyon rim for miles. While mostly flat or gently rolling, we encountered some challenging hills, including one with a steep 17% grade. Jon, our primary leader, had planned a leisurely trip through the park, with stops at various overlooks.

    Our leadership team, pictured today, has been outstanding. Eric leads the "Swifties" group, while Steve supports them as the sweep. Jon leads the "Blue Crew," with Dale as their sweep. Evan, our aspiring leader, also assists with this group. Grace is our invaluable support as the sag wagon driver. Dale also serves as our team photographer, videographer, blog writer, and drone pilot. Jon, the overall team leader, excels at keeping everyone united and organized with remarkable attention to detail. I've jokingly decided that if I ever need brain surgery, Jon should handle the prep work!

    The boys have been a delight—a wonderful group full of laughter, yet they can be serious when needed. As someone who doesn't have children, I truly appreciate the tremendous job their parents have done. They should be proud of each of them.

    Tomorrow will be our longest day, spanning 65 miles, but fortunately, it seems the route will be mostly flat with few challenging hills.    Read more

  • Dales VenturesLifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024Traveler
    The entire Blue Crew
    The Blue Crew on the bikeEntering Niagara CountyEvan on the bikeKadin on the bikeJon on the BikeBikes ready to go at the hotel

    Day 5-July 24-Mt. Morris to Lockport

    July 24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    We anticipated a lengthy day in terms of mileage, assuming it would be relatively flat. Much to our surprise, the first 35 miles involved significant climbing. The terrain leveled off after lunch, but new challenges emerged. A brief, refreshing 15-minute rain shower interrupted our ride. Throughout our journey, winds had been mild except for this afternoon when a persistent 20-mile headwind slowed our progress. I ended up riding alongside Kadin for a considerable portion of the 65 miles. We both concluded that the final stretch, the last 60 miles, proved to be the most demanding. Nevertheless, everyone finished strong.

    After tackling numerous hills, we discussed who among us would be the top hill climber in the "Blue Crew". Kai was unanimously crowned "King of The Mountains".

    Before the wind intensified, I managed to capture some stunning drone shots. It seems I'm developing a penchant for artistic drone photography. The drone offers a unique perspective of the world, and I'm constantly experimenting with innovative ways to document our journey. Today, on a tranquil stretch of road, I had fun exploring a new technique.    Read more

  • Dales VenturesLifeCycles-Niagara Falls 2024Traveler
    Group photo
    Group at Niagara FallsElijahToloGroup fix a flatThe SwiftiesEvan and IssacPicnic lunchSleeping in the van1

    Day 6-July 25-Lockport to Niagara Falls

    July 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Let's see if I can write the final episode of this blog on my phone while traveling back to Lancaster after our ride today.

    Today, we had a short, relatively flat ride of 30 miles with just one challenging hill. During the difficult climb, Kai, our “King of the Mountain” for the Blue Crew, caught up with the Swifties group and then stayed with them for the rest of the day. Great job, Kai!

    Upon arriving at Niagara Falls, we took a group photo and individual shots of everyone. After some sightseeing, Grace treated us to our final picnic lunch in Niagara Falls State Park.

    After packing the trailer with all the bikes and luggage, we began our long ride back to Lancaster.

    Reflecting on the trip, the boys were fantastic on so many levels. The ride leaders worked exceptionally well together to provide the youngsters with a marvelous adventure and a chance to grow and learn. Once again, I am always amazed by the Lifecycle organization, their leadership, and how well they support their volunteers.

    Within the next week I hope to clean up all my photography and make it available to all. If you would like access to the photography, please shoot me your email in a few days.

    Thanks for following the blog.

    Dale Johnson
    dale.johnson99@gmail.com    Read more

    Trip end
    July 25, 2024
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