Hey Brian! Always enjoy your Erie Canal videos. I live in suburban Rochester, and ride a couple of times a week on the Canal, although usually not any farther west than Brockport. Like you, on April 8, I sat in my lawn chair and watched the clouds go dark very quickly, and everything went black. The tree frogs went nuts. Lots of chirping! Then it lightened up in no time. We had an 80% eclipse back in 2018 I think. For this year's I bought glasses for the grandkids and Gramma and I, which we didn't have to use. It was a bit of a disappointment, but unlike you we didn't have to travel to be disappointed. Keep up the good work!
@@RideAlongAdventures Bryan, I always enjoy the videos. I have been riding so much on the Canal lately because I have been in AFIB for about the last year and have had to cut back on the mileage and speed of my riding. The Canal is flat, and I can do a 20 mile ride without killing myself. I've been reading lots of literature which says that being a long-term endurance athlete can have negative health (heart) effects. Like you, I ran marathons in my late 30s and early 40's and started cycling at 55 years old after a knee operation made running impossible. I've done lots of week-long supported tours and typically did a 60-100 mile ride on the weekends. Well, the literature says that too much exercise can actually damage the heart and make you susceptible to AFIB. Don't know whether knowing this earlier in my life would have stopped the endurance cycling and running, but now I know that all of that exercise does not make you immune to heart health issues. I'd love to be able to do the Canal end-to-end some day, but unless I can get past this AFIB or get an e-bike, that may never be possible. Cheers, Mike
Right after my wife and I watched TOTALITY from the back deck, I went out for a ride on the local bike trail where a number of folks were setup with coolers, food, lawn chairs, and ebikes for hauling it all! A new use for the trail😁
I found your eclipse experience awesome. I was in Evansville Indiana and we had clear skies. Our experience was great but so was yours. I was in Hopkinsville KY for the last one and it got darker there than the darkness in Evansville IN. Love your videos!! I am an E-bike rider. 🥰🚴
What an amazing experience even though you didn't see the sun itself. Sometimes you just get what you get, it's all part of an adventure. Looking forward to your Florida adventure. 😊
It was…but you know what’s even cooler? Dudes going out there winning trophies for motocross!!!! 🏍️ I’ve enjoyed following your new adventures. Awesome. 👏🏼
Hey Bryan, just finished watching your eclipse event. It was great even with overcast. As always I like your and Thomas's video's. Have you completed your Florida ride yet?
GM Bryan. Another enjoyable video and learning more historical facts on the Erie Canal. It was interesting to see the canal drained and your eclipse experience. Thanks for sharing.
Great video! We were on the ECT a little further east in Rome.. same story with the clouds but what a great ride. At one point my husband, who is a huge fan of your videos, was like huh I wonder if we will see Bryan out here today 😂
Weather for me looked like it was going to be a total fail with total cloud cover but it parted just in time for totality. It was almost like a miracle.
Bummer about the overcast weather for your viewing! Of course, on the way home, it is sunny! Question: Have you considered having a live chat on YT? That would be awesome!! Oh, I am finally riding the GAP!! Beginning of June on my way home from Cedar Point!! I am doing it kinda funky, though. I will be riding it in sections, because I will be car camping for most of it and one night at Hanna House!! Anyway, waiting patiently for the next Florida adventure!! Keep pedaling, my friend...
I’m not interesting enough for live chat. 😂 that sounds cool about the GAP. I’m also thinking of a summer trip, visiting trails with my van. In some ways, it’s easier. In other ways, harder. I’d love to hear what you find.
Was overcast here in LA too. Sun broke through for a minute. Beth and I have goals to ride the Erie Canal trail and camp. One day… Enjoyed the video, Ryan ✌🏽
Too bad those clouds didn’t clear out for you, although just seeing the light go to darkness and back to light was pretty cool. You’ll be looking for clouds next week in FL when it’s 90°. BTW, the next total eclipse is coming right over Tampa 👍🏼. Looking forward to your next adventure.
I wish I knew you were going to be up in this area. I was riding the Empire State trail In the same area filming a video on the eclipse also. Great video even with the clouds.
@@RideAlongAdventures Only a few miles above it, the actual intersection was in a town (wide spot in the road) called Makanda IL. I was going to ride my bike there, but there was just too much traffic on those two-lane roads.
lol...it feels like everywhere BUT the Erie Canal had a perfect day!!!! I didn't realize, until your message, I probably could have done another animation with just emojis.
I’m watching the Pine Creek Rail Trail video for like the 12th time (seriously) and was wondering what your wife thinks about all your trips and does she ever worry about you doing them alone? My husband and I love doing everything together but also like alone time…just curious if she just gets used to it or silently worries🥹
@@sharonbrown1149 loaded question. 😊 I’m hesitant to answer for her because I’m sure I won’t get it 100% accurate but…yes, she worries (by nature). She doesn’t like to ride more than about 10 miles at a time. She hates camping. We bike together on occasion but touring is probably not in our future. I better stop while I’m ahead.
I was on my bike just southwest of where you were along Lake Erie on Chautauqua Rails to Trails near Chautauqua Gorge. The clouds opened up for us and we had a phenomenal and amazing experience. We were lucky. The birds stopped singing, the peepers started peeping, it got so dark with a 360° golden orangish glow on the horizon. As it started to lighten up the chickens and roosters at a nearby farm started crowing and cackling. Quite an emotional experience.
It is emotional. Even with the clouds, it was a really awe-filled moment of silence...well, even though the crowd around us was cheering (which was fun). Glad you had a good experience!
Thanks Bryan... seeing the canal almost empty was a bit bizarre. I'm glad you explained that they do that every winter for repairs and to prevent ice damage. Incidentally, what keeps the tunnel crossing under the canal from flooding? There has to be some kind of water barrier the prevents canal seepage from flooding that little tunnel. Sorry you didn't get to see the eclipse in open skies. But the momentary darkness was still the best part anyway...😊🙈 🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌑🖤🌑🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕 Gord
Thanks, Gordon. I don't recall his name off-hand but there was a dude who invented a totally new cement for water, during the planning for the canal. it was used for 100 years before more modern material sciences took over. In fairness, i noticed there was a bit of moisture dripping down into the tunnel but, regardless, it's a really amazing little place to visit. With regards to the eclipse, it is funny how many friends shared their stories which went something like, "yeah...it was totally clouded over and then it broke just in time for the eclipse to begin!" :) Oh well...twenty more years...the countdown has begun.
@@RideAlongAdventures Indeed... The thing with all cement is that it cracks over time... hence, the bit of seepage you observed. I wonder why they built that little tunnel in the first place? It is clearly just a pedestrian feature. Draw bridges would be the way to go for traffic. Gord
well...the clouds DID make it a tad dramatic and the timelapse sort of picked up on that. It just wasn't the "real deal". So, I learned there will be one coming up in Spain in several years. Then, Egypt. I've got unfinished business to deal with now.
Bummer on the clouds friend. We lucked out at a rest stop on route 2 in Vermillion Ohio. It’s still special and this was my second eclipse. I am now an eclipse junky. Hopefully Spain in 2026. We’ll see! I get the disappointment because I missed the Diamond Ring shot somehow; although I did get some good shots. I had a real letdown missing that shot. Oh well it was still a thrill.
The Eclipse brings a different kind of Darkness. Here in Montana, I didn’t get to experience the partial Eclipse this year, but in 2017, I was able to experience a total Eclipse in Boise Idaho and it was amazing. Me and my group experienced a high mental chemical reaction, I definitely would love to experience that again!!! You must have felt something…..or maybe the clouds blocked that drug free chemical experience. Don’t get too down about it. I’m also a bit down for the fact that I cancelled my plan to the East Coast exactly during the time of the Eclipse! Oh well….all we can say is… ”Hopefully Next Time.”⏰👵🏽
Bryan, I'm glad you made it back. It was a great time even cloud covered. Wish the canal was fuller, though. Getting excited about my trip to the Pine Creek in June. I'll send you an email later.
It was wild to see the canal drained. i remember you telling me about it but seeing it was something else. One question: how do they fill it and how long does it take? I can't find anything online about it.
@@RideAlongAdventures I believe it is filled from Lake Ontario via the Welland Canal. It's connected to the Erie Canal, I'm just not sure exactly where .
yeah...honestly, i'm still in denial. I was talking with a friend the other day with whom we discussed the eclipse almost every day for a month. Twenty years is a long time to wait. :)
Hi Bryan, had a similar cloudy experience in Troy.NY .Our kids went northeast to Vermont and had a perfect experience. Oh well! Just started out training for the ECT summer ride today on the swamp rabbit trail in Greenville SC. Down here visiting for a few days We would like to know how many times you have ridden the ECT?
lol. Seems like everywhere BUT the ECT was clear. 😂 I’ve ridden it end to end twice and have done a few segments on three different occasions. In my opinion, it is an incredibly special place. So much wonderful history and natural beauty. Hope you thoroughly enjoy your ride! And thanks for watching.
Yeah, the curtain never went up on the big show. But, fresh air was breathed, sights were seen, pedals were pedaled, laughs were laughed, and friends were made. What more can you ask for, really.
@@RideAlongAdventures You know I didn't think about it at the time, but for Sunday's ride I wore my bike clubs Bill Bauer memorial jersey, commemorating a club member whose (achieved) goal was to ride 500,000 miles. Appropriately enough, on the back of the jersey are Bill's words......"TO THE MOON AND BACK"
I was right up there with you on the ECT. I was visiting my son over at SUNY Brockport and got in a ride before the eclipse. Being at SUNY Brockport was cool. We had complete cloud cover and never saw the sun but we were right on the center line and thoroughly enjoyed totality. Thanks for the video.
Great video! We were on the ECT a little further east in Rome.. same story with the clouds but what a great ride. At one point my husband, who is a huge fan of your videos, was like huh I wonder if we will see Bryan out here today 😂
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Brian! Always enjoy your Erie Canal videos. I live in suburban Rochester, and ride a couple of times a week on the Canal, although usually not any farther west than Brockport. Like you, on April 8, I sat in my lawn chair and watched the clouds go dark very quickly, and everything went black. The tree frogs went nuts. Lots of chirping! Then it lightened up in no time. We had an 80% eclipse back in 2018 I think. For this year's I bought glasses for the grandkids and Gramma and I, which we didn't have to use. It was a bit of a disappointment, but unlike you we didn't have to travel to be disappointed. Keep up the good work!
Thanks. How awesome you get to ride that trail so often! (Fighting back jealousy 😊)
@@RideAlongAdventures Bryan, I always enjoy the videos. I have been riding so much on the Canal lately because I have been in AFIB for about the last year and have had to cut back on the mileage and speed of my riding. The Canal is flat, and I can do a 20 mile ride without killing myself. I've been reading lots of literature which says that being a long-term endurance athlete can have negative health (heart) effects. Like you, I ran marathons in my late 30s and early 40's and started cycling at 55 years old after a knee operation made running impossible. I've done lots of week-long supported tours and typically did a 60-100 mile ride on the weekends. Well, the literature says that too much exercise can actually damage the heart and make you susceptible to AFIB. Don't know whether knowing this earlier in my life would have stopped the endurance cycling and running, but now I know that all of that exercise does not make you immune to heart health issues. I'd love to be able to do the Canal end-to-end some day, but unless I can get past this AFIB or get an e-bike, that may never be possible. Cheers, Mike
Right after my wife and I watched TOTALITY from the back deck, I went out for a ride on the local bike trail where a number of folks were setup with coolers, food, lawn chairs, and ebikes for hauling it all! A new use for the trail😁
That is awesome! What an experience. That's right: you were totally in the path, weren't you? That's great.
I found your eclipse experience awesome. I was in Evansville Indiana and we had clear skies. Our experience was great but so was yours. I was in Hopkinsville KY for the last one and it got darker there than the darkness in Evansville IN. Love your videos!! I am an E-bike rider. 🥰🚴
Thanks for watching! Yeah, it was a fantastic experience.
What an amazing experience even though you didn't see the sun itself. Sometimes you just get what you get, it's all part of an adventure. Looking forward to your Florida adventure. 😊
lol. absolutely--life is often just that: you get what you get.
I biked from my place in Ohio on the erie to Ohio trial to Canal Fulton and had a pretty good view of the eclipse. Very cool!
Very cool. Yeah, I heard it was clear starting around Erie, heading south.
I rode the Little Miami over the weekend and caught the eclipse at Buck Creek State park out of Springfield!
Very cool!!!!
I'm sorry you missed it, but you could have came home and rode with me and caught it :)
2045, find out where I am!
Michigander here, got to see an almost total eclipse on a clear day. It was pretty amazing.
awesome. i've been hooked on watching youtube vids of the event. so incredible.
It was deffinalty way cool !!
It was…but you know what’s even cooler? Dudes going out there winning trophies for motocross!!!! 🏍️ I’ve enjoyed following your new adventures. Awesome. 👏🏼
@RideAlongAdventures haha our life is full of adventure. we deffentaly have a lot of fun !! Headed to west Virginia this weekend !!
I would be all in for the ride.
hey, I enjoyed your video. You got some great footage. I was impressed by how clear it was in the darkness.
That is such a beautiful trail! I bought the trail guide, and I'm planning a late spring trip with my kids. Loving your content and trail ideas.
Thanks, Nathan. Have a great time!
Hey Bryan, just finished watching your eclipse event. It was great even with overcast. As always I like your and Thomas's video's. Have you completed your Florida ride yet?
Glad you like them! Yes, a new video is on the way. 👍🏻
GM Bryan. Another enjoyable video and learning more historical facts on the Erie Canal. It was interesting to see the canal drained and your eclipse experience. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video! We were on the ECT a little further east in Rome.. same story with the clouds but what a great ride. At one point my husband, who is a huge fan of your videos, was like huh I wonder if we will see Bryan out here today 😂
Thanks for watching.
Weather for me looked like it was going to be a total fail with total cloud cover but it parted just in time for totality. It was almost like a miracle.
Very cool.
Bummer about the overcast weather for your viewing! Of course, on the way home, it is sunny!
Question: Have you considered having a live chat on YT? That would be awesome!!
Oh, I am finally riding the GAP!! Beginning of June on my way home from Cedar Point!! I am doing it kinda funky, though. I will be riding it in sections, because I will be car camping for most of it and one night at Hanna House!!
Anyway, waiting patiently for the next Florida adventure!! Keep pedaling, my friend...
I’m not interesting enough for live chat. 😂 that sounds cool about the GAP. I’m also thinking of a summer trip, visiting trails with my van. In some ways, it’s easier. In other ways, harder. I’d love to hear what you find.
Was overcast here in LA too. Sun broke through for a minute. Beth and I have goals to ride the Erie Canal trail and camp. One day… Enjoyed the video,
Ryan ✌🏽
Thanks….you will love the canal trail. Thanks for watching!
Too bad those clouds didn’t clear out for you, although just seeing the light go to darkness and back to light was pretty cool. You’ll be looking for clouds next week in FL when it’s 90°. BTW, the next total eclipse is coming right over Tampa 👍🏼. Looking forward to your next adventure.
Let's go, buddy!!! I'm ready.
Aug. 12, 2045. Let's mark it down.
@@RideAlongAdventures you can stay with us if you remember. I’ll let my wife know in case I’m not around or, I know, I won’t remember.
@@kmccarr lol.
I wish I knew you were going to be up in this area. I was riding the Empire State trail
In the same area filming a video on the eclipse also. Great video even with the clouds.
Very cool! hey, next time, ok? I'm wondering if we couldn't organize a group ride on the canal sometime.
@@RideAlongAdventures I'm in!!
I was on hand for the 2024 eclipse in Carbondale IL, which made history by also having been in totality as recently as 2017.
No way. Was that at the intersection point? Those people got definite bragging rights.
@@RideAlongAdventures Only a few miles above it, the actual intersection was in a town (wide spot in the road) called Makanda IL. I was going to ride my bike there, but there was just too much traffic on those two-lane roads.
Thanks for the “janky”😂🌝🌚🤗.Your hometown enjoyed a perfect day!
lol...it feels like everywhere BUT the Erie Canal had a perfect day!!!! I didn't realize, until your message, I probably could have done another animation with just emojis.
🤪
I’m watching the Pine Creek Rail Trail video for like the 12th time (seriously) and was wondering what your wife thinks about all your trips and does she ever worry about you doing them alone? My husband and I love doing everything together but also like alone time…just curious if she just gets used to it or silently worries🥹
@@sharonbrown1149 loaded question. 😊 I’m hesitant to answer for her because I’m sure I won’t get it 100% accurate but…yes, she worries (by nature). She doesn’t like to ride more than about 10 miles at a time. She hates camping. We bike together on occasion but touring is probably not in our future. I better stop while I’m ahead.
Ha! Fair enough. And I’m totally with her😂
I was on my bike just southwest of where you were along Lake Erie on Chautauqua Rails to Trails near Chautauqua Gorge. The clouds opened up for us and we had a phenomenal and amazing experience. We were lucky. The birds stopped singing, the peepers started peeping, it got so dark with a 360° golden orangish glow on the horizon. As it started to lighten up the chickens and roosters at a nearby farm started crowing and cackling. Quite an emotional experience.
It is emotional. Even with the clouds, it was a really awe-filled moment of silence...well, even though the crowd around us was cheering (which was fun). Glad you had a good experience!
Thanks Bryan... seeing the canal almost empty was a bit bizarre. I'm glad you explained that they do that every winter for repairs and to prevent ice damage.
Incidentally, what keeps the tunnel crossing under the canal from flooding? There has to be some kind of water barrier the prevents canal seepage from flooding that little tunnel.
Sorry you didn't get to see the eclipse in open skies. But the momentary darkness was still the best part anyway...😊🙈
🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌑🖤🌑🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕
Gord
Thanks, Gordon. I don't recall his name off-hand but there was a dude who invented a totally new cement for water, during the planning for the canal. it was used for 100 years before more modern material sciences took over. In fairness, i noticed there was a bit of moisture dripping down into the tunnel but, regardless, it's a really amazing little place to visit.
With regards to the eclipse, it is funny how many friends shared their stories which went something like, "yeah...it was totally clouded over and then it broke just in time for the eclipse to begin!" :) Oh well...twenty more years...the countdown has begun.
@@RideAlongAdventures Indeed... The thing with all cement is that it cracks over time... hence, the bit of seepage you observed.
I wonder why they built that little tunnel in the first place? It is clearly just a pedestrian feature. Draw bridges would be the way to go for traffic.
Gord
That might have been cooler than the unobstructed eclipse. No special glasses needed either!
well...the clouds DID make it a tad dramatic and the timelapse sort of picked up on that. It just wasn't the "real deal". So, I learned there will be one coming up in Spain in several years. Then, Egypt. I've got unfinished business to deal with now.
Bummer on the clouds friend. We lucked out at a rest stop on route 2 in Vermillion Ohio. It’s still special and this was my second eclipse. I am now an eclipse junky. Hopefully Spain in 2026. We’ll see! I get the disappointment because I missed the Diamond Ring shot somehow; although I did get some good shots. I had a real letdown missing that shot. Oh well it was still a thrill.
Excellent, dude. Great experience.
The Eclipse brings a different kind of Darkness. Here in Montana, I didn’t get to experience the partial Eclipse this year, but in 2017, I was able to experience a total Eclipse in Boise Idaho and it was amazing. Me and my group experienced a high mental chemical reaction, I definitely would love to experience that again!!! You must have felt something…..or maybe the clouds blocked that drug free chemical experience. Don’t get too down about it. I’m also a bit down for the fact that I cancelled my plan to the East Coast exactly during the time of the Eclipse! Oh well….all we can say is…
”Hopefully Next Time.”⏰👵🏽
Yup. Yeah, it was an amazing experience even with the clouds but I hope to be around in 20 (or 21) more years! 😊
Bryan, I'm glad you made it back. It was a great time even cloud covered. Wish the canal was fuller, though. Getting excited about my trip to the Pine Creek in June. I'll send you an email later.
It was wild to see the canal drained. i remember you telling me about it but seeing it was something else. One question: how do they fill it and how long does it take? I can't find anything online about it.
@@RideAlongAdventures I believe it is filled from Lake Ontario via the Welland Canal. It's connected to the Erie Canal, I'm just not sure exactly where .
I would be disappointed 😕💫🌒.. look forward to seeing a new C2C Florida Route 🚐🚴♂️😎
yeah...honestly, i'm still in denial. I was talking with a friend the other day with whom we discussed the eclipse almost every day for a month. Twenty years is a long time to wait. :)
@@RideAlongAdventures yes 20 years is a long time.. I’ll be in my 80’s
Hi Bryan, had a similar cloudy experience in Troy.NY .Our kids went northeast to Vermont and had a perfect experience. Oh well! Just started out training for the ECT summer ride today on the swamp rabbit trail in Greenville SC. Down here visiting for a few days We would like to know how many times you have ridden the ECT?
lol. Seems like everywhere BUT the ECT was clear. 😂 I’ve ridden it end to end twice and have done a few segments on three different occasions. In my opinion, it is an incredibly special place. So much wonderful history and natural beauty. Hope you thoroughly enjoy your ride! And thanks for watching.
another coast to coast? rut row
lol. Yeah, my buddy Kevin came across a different route. We start tomorrow morning!
@@RideAlongAdventures that was fast! A more northern route then the C2C or one by lake Okeechobee? Welcome to summer here
Yeah, the curtain never went up on the big show. But, fresh air was breathed, sights were seen, pedals were pedaled, laughs were laughed, and friends were made. What more can you ask for, really.
Right on. 👍🏻
@@RideAlongAdventures You know I didn't think about it at the time, but for Sunday's ride I wore my bike clubs Bill Bauer memorial jersey, commemorating a club member whose (achieved) goal was to ride 500,000 miles. Appropriately enough, on the back of the jersey are Bill's words......"TO THE MOON AND BACK"
Totality goes by so quick, I got 3 minutes at my location. I can see why there are eclipse chasers.
lol. True.
I was right up there with you on the ECT. I was visiting my son over at SUNY Brockport and got in a ride before the eclipse. Being at SUNY Brockport was cool. We had complete cloud cover and never saw the sun but we were right on the center line and thoroughly enjoyed totality. Thanks for the video.
Great minds think alike! 😊
Great video! We were on the ECT a little further east in Rome.. same story with the clouds but what a great ride. At one point my husband, who is a huge fan of your videos, was like huh I wonder if we will see Bryan out here today 😂
Oh wow! Lol. Yeah, like you, I was SO glad to have been able to at least get in some rides.