5/24/05 The new tire was delivered by UPS first thing this morning. With a new tire in hand I had to decide should I pay someone to put it on or do it myself. With a long road ahead of me I decided I had better get some practice at changing tires, so with a smile on my face and tire irons in hand the fun began. After an hour, some scraped knuckles, and allot of F bombs I had the new tire on the bike. The bike being roadworthy once again I would be able to hit the road. I decided to stay another night and get a fresh start for Boston in the morning. That night Dave, Deb, their daughter who was celebrating her 19th birthday who rode with me , and myself went for a ride and dinner that night out in the country. It was a nice 100 mile ride. Today’s Specs Weather: Sunny Distance: 0 miles, Ludington Mich 5/25/05 Today I finally have to leave my adopted home in Michigan. I was having fun here but it is time to get on the road and head off to Boston. Today was about logging some miles and trying to get to Boston. I road across Michigan into Canada and finally stopping in New York for the night. I got see Niagra Falls from the Canadian side, the falls were definitely impressive though I thought there were going to be bigger. Today’s Specs Weather: partly cloudy, 70F Distance: 475 miles, Ludington Mich to Niagra Falls 5/26/05 I hit the 5000 mile mark today. The plan for today was to get on the New York toll road and make it Boston by dinner. Today’s riding was all freeway miles so it wasn’t that much fun. I noticed that riding on the freeway causes stress, I decided it isn’t the riding that causes the stress it is that freeways are built to get you places quicker. The second I was on the freeway my goals change from enjoying the ride to hurry up and get somewhere. I even find myself not enjoying the scenery. Unfortunately I had to ride on the freeway to make good time so I could enjoy a couple days in Boston. When I go to Europe I am definitely going to try to stay off the freeways. I made it to my friend Fishers house by 7:00 just in time to grab some dinner and have a couple cocktails. After have a cocktail with Fisher and catching up we headed downtown to meet up with our other friend , Dylan, who is in town on business. I have to give a shout out to Dylan for putting work in for me allowing me to come in for the easy close. Today’s Specs Weather: Blue sunny skies in the morning then it rained on me. Distance: 480 miles, Niagra Falls to Boston