Day 46 Buffalo, NY to Canandaigua, NY  90 miles and 3414 feet of climb

Today was a day like no other on our ride across America. It rained most of the day, and our trip through scenic upstate New York was quite literally punctuated by multiple flat tires on almost an hourly basis. The Brits and I got in at around 4:30, the latest we've ever finished a day of riding on this tour. I only had one flat myself, but our group of 6 riders combined had probably 15 flats between us. Andy had 5 flats himself. Each time you get a flat you have to take the tire off and check it for whatever caused the puncture (as well as other burrs and wires that might be sticking to the tire that could eventually cause a flat). Then you have to insert a new inner tube, reseat the tire and re-inflate it. It probably takes at least 20 minutes or so to do it right. So just do the math, and you can see why we arrived at the hotel so late.

At one point when we were quite a ways from any towns, we happened upon an auto repair shop, and we ditched into their well-lit garage to fix multiple flats. The mechanics were so nice. When the British National Cycling team inquired about where they could find a cafe with coffee the mechanic smiled and told them that they were in the country and there was not much of anything for miles up the road. But then he offered us the coffee and donuts that they had in the break area of their office. The Brits had great admiration for the friendliness and hospitality shown to us by the mechanics who were working in that garage. The mechanics even asked if we needed any tools or tire patches to get us on our way.

Young Zak, who rode by himself today had 6 flats. Another rider, Doug from Petaluma, CA, not only had multiple flats but evidently he needed to replace both of his tires because of all the junk on the road today. The rain really did a number on us today.

We have 15 riders now, Ned from South Carolina joined us in Buffalo for the last portion of our journey. Between all 15 riders, we must have had over 30 flats.

Tomorrow promises to be better with only a slight chance of rain for our ride to Syracuse, NY.