NIAGARA FALLS RUN - DAY 2 - OH CANADA!
We awoke at our hotel in Kenmore NY, Erik and I well rested as we slept in the comfort of separate double beds. Cool Cal and Ice Man were a little more frazzled after their night in their cramped quarters, and the early morning train passing through. We grabbed our breakfast at the hotel, before checking out. Cal had made arrangements at another hotel in an area that Tim, the local Chapter VP had recommended. After breakfast we saddled up and headed over to our new home in our new neighborhood . . . Real Estate is all about Location, location, location . . . and so are good stories from the road, and this new hotel was chock full of good stories . . . Though at this time, we didn't;t realize it, as we were only there long enough to dump our stuff and meet Tim for the ride north into Canada to see the famous Falls.
We crossed the border at the Peace Bridge. Timmy, riding behind me was a seasoned pro at Canadian border crossings, having crossed it a few with Dave and Kevin and once with me when we rode into the Yukon from Alaska. But this was the first international border crossing for me on my bike, and she now has been ridden by me in 48 States and 1 Canadian Provence, we picked up a new sign along the way!
The Falls were spectacular - well worth the trip. They will get their own separate posting. This post is about the ride. Tim led us on a nice ride, following the Niagra River through very nice neighborhoods with beautiful homes and sights. We stopped for a stretch at a Tim Horton’s. Now, from another blog I follow (#workhard-rideharder) I have learned that when riding in Canada, you have to stop at Tim Horton’s and get a picture of your bike in front of the place - I think its a law there . . . I regularly drink Tim Horton’s K-Cups at work, but had never experienced their fresh brewed coffee or treats . . . I must say - I am a fan!
After the stretch and introduction to Fresh Tim Horton’s coffee, we headed tot he Falls (again - to be covered in a separate post). When we finished taking in the wonders of the Falls, Tim had to depart to get to his daughter’s graduation. The rest of us headed further north into Lake Niagara for lunch. Along the way the skies were threatening to open up, but aside from a few large drops, they didn't, until we were seated on the only uncovered section of the porch at the restaurant we chose to eat at. We were able to move inside to stay dry, and enjoyed our lunch very much.
One thing I must say about Canada - When you eat at a restaurant and pay with a credit card, rather than taking your card to the credit card machine (and taking the card out of your sight and subjecting it to possible skimming by unscrupulous wait staff), they bring the machine to you - Why this isn't standard in the good ‘ol USofA is beyond me . . .
After lunch, we saddled up and headed south returning to our hotel and finding out just how entertaining this location was going to be . . . That may also be covered in a separate post, but the names may have to be changed to protect the . . . well to protect everyone!
