NOTL Solo Bike Tour - Apr 2025
A Rainy, Peaceful Solo Journey
This was my first major bike tour of 2025, and the first one I rode completely solo — something I didn’t know I needed until I was already deep into it. Jay dropped me off in Pittsford so I could skip the busier roads and jump straight onto the Erie Canalway Trail. The spring weather was cool, damp, and often rainy, and it added to the quiet beauty of the ride. The trail was almost empty, and the solitude turned the miles into something meditative.
One surprise: the canal had been lowered and partially drained for maintenance, so the scenery wasn’t at its prettiest. But the emptiness, the sound of rain on my jacket, and the freedom to stop whenever I wanted made the journey feel personal and restorative.
Day 1 — Medina, NY
My first night was spent at the beautifully restored Hart House Hotel in Medina. Getting off the bike, getting settled, and peeling off wet layers felt like heaven. Medina has a quiet charm, especially in the early evening, and ending the day warm and dry made the rainy miles entirely worth it.
Day 2 — Buffalo, NY
This was a very rainy riding day. By the time I reached Lockport, the rain had intensified, so I ducked into the public library and stayed for several hours. It was one of those unexpected blessings — a warm refuge filled with books, quiet, and a chance to reset. After the rain eased, I continued into Buffalo and checked into the hotel, Best Western on the Avenue, feeling proud of sticking with the plan despite the weather. Lisa met me here and we had a nice evening out, having dinner with Bryce and Laura downtown and visting our old haunts, recalling the days we shared our duplex in Buffalo.
Day 3 — Crossing Into Canada & Riding to NOTL
Crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada by bike was one of the highlights of the entire trip. It felt exhilarating and symbolic — a small act of courage, independence, and adventure. The Canadian side of the trail was more unfamiliar, which added some thrill to the day.
Near Niagara Falls, I met up with my brother. The mist from the Falls was blowing across the path, making everything wet and chilly. Because he was still recovering from orthopedic surgery, he didn’t feel comfortable biking through that slick stretch, but he joined me for about 10 miles farther along the route. It was a sweet moment — riding together, catching up, easing back into something he hasn’t been able to do much lately.
We arrived at the Harbour House, a beautiful historic inn right at the water. Inside, the lobby greeted us with wine, snacks, soft lighting, and the kind of cozy elegance that makes you instantly exhale. Later that evening, Lisa, Suz, and Serge arrived, and we all had a wonderful dinner at the golf course — warm, relaxed, and celebratory.
We spent the weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake. NOTL is one of those rare places that feels like it exists slightly outside of time. Tucked between the shores of Lake Ontario and the mouth of the Niagara River, this little Canadian town is known for its storybook streets, 19th-century architecture, and gardens that always seem to be in full bloom. Boutique shops, flower-draped verandas, cozy cafés, horse-drawn carriages, and elegant old inns line the historic district — all wrapped in a calm, refined atmosphere that makes even a simple walk feel special.
The region is also surrounded by vineyards and orchards, giving the countryside a soft, rolling beauty. Wineries and farm stands appear along quiet rural roads, and the light off the lake makes every view feel luminous.
What makes NOTL unforgettable is the balance it strikes; charming but not overly touristy, historic but never stuffy, peaceful yet full of life. And the best part about it is that it is close enough for an easy mid-way meeting spot between Toronto where my brother lives and the Fingerlakes area.
It’s the kind of place where mornings start with a stroll along the harbor, afternoons wander into wine tastings or garden walks, and evenings end in candlelit dining rooms or sunset along the water. Whether arriving by car or by bike, the approach into town always feels like a gentle exhale — a soft landing into beauty.
Days 4–5 — Back to work - in Buffalo
On the way back, Lisa and I spent two nights at the Hyatt in downtown Buffalo. For me, the trip ended with a blend of workdays and relaxed evenings, giving me time to transition from adventure mode back into everyday life.
Reflections
Riding solo turned out to be the heart of this adventure. The quiet trails, the rain-softened landscapes, the ability to move entirely at my own pace — it all made the ride feel peaceful, grounding, and deeply satisfying. Even with imperfect weather and drained canal views, the journey was beautiful in its own understated way.
And the moments with family — meeting my brother on the trail, gathering in NOTL, and winding down in Buffalo — added warmth and meaning to the adventure.
