First post

If you've ever biked in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, you'll know what I'm talking about.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of doing so, this blog will give you an idea of this excellent biking region.

Why excellent?

First, we're located in upstate New York, where pretty much all state highways -- at least all relatively new ones -- have wide, paved shoulders. I never appreciated our shoulders until I took my bike down to Pennsylvania one weekend and found no shoulder at all.

Second, the population density isn't too high, so most state highways aren't too heavily trafficked, and there are plenty of country roads with virtually no traffic that will get you where you want to go.

Third, the beauty of the region. I've travelled to a lot of places in the US and abroad, and I don't think it's just my local bias when I say this is one of the most beautiful places. The rolling hills, the lakes, the waterfalls, all add up to a really great biking experience.

Yeah, there are some downsides. Winter is long, and it can be cloudy. But still...

Why the blog? Just a place to share routes and thoughts and photos of the biking I'm doing in the region. I've been bike-commuting for years, but just last year bought a road bike and started exploring this area. While I've driven a lot around here, biking really does bring you closer to the land, and it's made me appreciate this area.

So that's it for first post. Now, onward...