COOPERSTOWN CAMP & BIKE WEEKEND July 31-August 3

Rich W. led a combination camping/bed and breakfast weekend for 28 people packed with a variety of fun for all interests. Thursday we had a rolly ride to the Canojaharie Gorge. It was almost as deep as Letchworth Park.

Thursday night it rained hard. Steve M. woke up Friday morning to find himself floating in 3 inches of water. Fortunately he had a good waterproof tent. Bob D. was quite proud of the trench he dug to direct water away from his tent to keep his princess Connie dry. The rain we got Friday paid off by giving us time to explore the town’s brewery (beer with a 7% level of alcohol), shops and numerous museums: Baseball Hall of Fame, James Fenimore Cooper Museum and Farmers Museum. The weather cleared by evening for the campers’ group dinner and campfire.

Saturday we had a fabulous, sunny day for 25 of us to participate in the Magical History Bike Tour that offered rides up to 100 miles. Many opted for the 38-mile loop complete with beverage, lunch and ice cream stops along the way, which accounts for why it took some of us so long to complete the ride. It was like riding in a 19th century watercolor painting. Beautiful! Money from the trip went to support various local historical societies.

We had six riders tackle the Mountaineer Century with ten mountainous climbs: Gary C, Jackie M, Dan K, Steve & Kathy R, and Wayne S. Dan completed the last 15 miles standing up after his seatpost bolt broke. Wayne quit after 93 miles with leg cramps and chose to save himself to bike more on Sunday. The others said it was the hardest 100 miles they'd ever done! There was a combined rise of over 7000 feet.

Saturday evening, after all this biking, many dressed for the Glimmerglass Opera production of Don Giovanni. This was an odd sight for fellow campers to see their neighbors so dressed up in a state park. Instead of the opera, some favored a group meal at the park with evening entertainment by the fire provided by George ("Willie") M. on guitar. While known to do plenty of backpacking, George was sighted with a screened in porch and a refrigerator(?).

Sunday the group split up to do different rides, depending on their desire to tour the area, eat in town or swim at the beach. Al and George chose touring the area in kayaks. Some rode to a quaint Cider Mill at Fly Creek. Many thanks to Rich for a job very well done.
- Rich W. & Gail U.