CYCLING AT 70 - Empire State Trail New York - Days 1 & 2. No Excuses Tour

Cycling the Empire State Trail in New York State. Days one and two I cycled from the Canadian border to Lock number C2. Most of the two days were riding on the road with limited shoulder. Looking forward to the trail turning into a dedicated paved cycling trail. The weather was fantastic and the ride was grand. No excuses!
Music: www.epidemicsound.com

[@katsujinkin60]

I'm 72, with a new hip and knee, and planning to ride The Ohio/Erie Trail from Columbus to Cincinatti and back this summer. I'm warming up with a three day bike camping trip this week. I did Columbus to Xenia and back last year. Thank you for your inspiration. I see more of us greybeards out on the trail than anyone else. We are redefining what it means to age, and it's about time. Be Well, my friend, and Prosper! By the way, I rode from Albany to The Bronx, 200 miles, in 23 hours when I was 45, back in the 90s, before any of the new bike friendly trails existed. It was epic!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thank you for your comment! Good to hear that you are riding again after your hip and knee replacement. Good luck on your bike trips this year. All the best, Steve

[@davidmathews5794]

Thanks for the video, Steve. You are an inspiration to young guys like me (63 yrs old)!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey David the youngster. Thanks for watching and the nice comment, Steve

[@JosephDowski]

Turning 60 in July and here to say the same thing! :)

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@JosephDowski Hey Joe, good to hear from you and I hope you’re doing well. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@Biking360]

Me too at 62!!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks David

[@MedfordHills]

Awesome. Thank you for sharing

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for your comment. Have a great weekend, Steve

[@FrankySP2]

fascinated greetings from Switzerland…😊

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Franky

[@frankducett9]

I cycled this area while stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 1973, 74. Great country if you like it rugged.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Frank, thanks for the comment and yes it’s not for the faint of heart. Nice area. I remember when the Air Force base was a major part of the community there. Still a nice place. Thanks again, Steve

[@frankducett9]

@Steve Retired and Cycling I was crew chief in the Air Rescue detachment at PAFB. Some missions were a great success others were frustrating. We had the silver HUEYs, that area holds lots of fond memories for me.

[@StephenMarceau]

Welcome to my neighborhood, I worked as a bike mechanic in Plattsburg for years and rode on some of the roads you filmed on....great isn't it.....your videos are very well produced...Thanks

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Stephen, the trails around Plattsburgh are awesome. Thank you for the nice comment! Have a great day, Steve

[@rex758]

Thanks for the video, Steve. Like hallways you are an inspiration. Keep on Riding Steve... Take the time to contemplate nature. Upstate NY sure is beautiful. tip before going to sleep a nice hot chocolate will do the trick . :)

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Werner, hope all is well with you. The hot chocolate suggestion is a great idea. Thanks again as always. Have a great day, Steve

[@joegiunta5635]

Hey Steve great video. I turn 75 tomorrow and bought myself a new Trek bike for my birthday. One confession though, I added a small motor for those large hills. .......Not sorry , it works great

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Joe, thanks for the nice comment and have a great Birthday today! E-bikes are awesome and give that extra boost when needed. Thanks, Steve

[@PeterSdrolias]

No better way to see the world than with a bike.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Peter. You are so right!

[@Evan-lr8nq]

My roommate and I want to do this same thing. Still in the early planning stages. Thank you for the video.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Evan, thanks for watching. It was a great trip! I hope you and your roommate make the ride. Take care and all the best, Steve

[@Biking360]

Like many other 'older' guys here (I am 62) I continue to be inspired by your tours and rides. Take care and keep ignoring those crazy bike lanes!! JP

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Jay and thanks for the comment. Bike lane symbols and my favorite road signage that says "Bicycles share the entire lane" are a disaster waiting to happen. Having retired from the Traffic equipment business, I've found there are too many Traffic engineers with way to much time on their hands. Retirement is grand. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve

[@qm7669]

Steve thanks for posting this. Great job. I am a bit surprised and disappointed how much of the "empire state trail" left you on roadways, some of which didn't even have a shoulder. I was under the impression most of it was dedicated bike trails and rail trails.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for watching! Yes, the first 135 miles was not the safest, however the rest of the trail was just about perfect. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Wow, there is no shortage of great views so far. Very nice ✌

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Tony, thanks! It was a very picturesque ride, Take care, Steve

[@greg_loper]

Well done!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Greg, great to hear from you! Hope you are doing well. Thanks again, Steve

[@andythousand345]

Amazing journey Steve. Just discovered your channel today and had to subscribe.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Andy and thanks for your comment and subscribing! I appreciate it. It was a really fun trip. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@andythousand345]

@@steveretiredandcycling You’re welcome Steve.

[@RScesium]

Great video. I vicariously enjoy the adventure - but the 18% ascents hurt even just watching. Russ in CT (Avon).

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Russ, thanks for the comment. We're almost neighbors as I live in Winsted. Those hills were tough but a nice walk combined with cycling builds character but taxes the muscles. Thank again and have a great day, Steve

[@RScesium]

@@steveretiredandcycling Steve. We should ride sometime if you are ever home for more than a day! Russ

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Hey Steve, great video and pretty countryside. Those narrow roads without shoulders do look dangerous. You're a brave soul. Thanks for video!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Mike, thanks for watching and the comment. I had to walk some of the extreme hills with corners and no shoulder. Got through it but was very happy to reach the protected trails. Thank again and take care, Steve

[@GOBBYBOY333]

A Grand wee video, I have just found your channel and seen two vlogs so far, I like your style and the fact that you are cycle camping in your wonderful countryside. I'm looking forward to looking at your back catalogue. ATB Big Dave Scotland

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Dave, thanks for the nice comment and watching. I appreciate your encouragement. Jan and I hope to visit your beautiful country next year. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@stoutdog56]

Thanks for the video! You have a fine piece of equipment, I have a 600. I'm surprised you travel alone.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks for watching. All the best, Steve

[@elizabethburgess3969]

Wow! Stunning scenery - just loved the waterfalls! I have been curious about that part of the Empire Trail and can’t wait to see your whole ride. I am pretty sure that I would be walking the hills with you!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Elizabeth, hope your having a fantastic day! Those hills were hard with a fully loaded bike. It's good to get off the bike every now and then to stretch the legs. take care, Steve

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Your bike looks amazing, I thought about getting a priority 600 but I just love my bike shop and I have a hard time buying anywhere but there. Now I am set for a very long time with bikes (2020 Trek Domane and 2023 Trek FX2+ e-bike)but hey if I am riding in my 70’s which I hope to be well then I get a new bike, every 10 years 😊😊😊

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi again and thanks for the comment! You do have a nice stable of bikes. A new bike every ten years sounds good. Thanks again, Steve

[@macs2015]

That’s some impressive gear! The bike, the Zpacks tent. It’d be nice to see a load out video

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for watching. I will eventually do a review of my complete setup. Quality gear makes a long distance ride most enjoyable. Although the ride with even the most basic gear is awesome too. Thanks again, Steve

[@sparkyvespa]

Great film, much appreciated! After our family holiday in France I am cycling back to England while the family drives back. This way we all get a bit of what we all enjoy about a holiday. Thanks again.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Sparky, thanks for the comment and watching. Sounds like you have a nice trip planned. Thanks again, Steve

[@bmanaudio]

Agreed with Dave M., you are an inspiration. Belt drive and Pinion gear drive.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Bertrand, thanks for the nice comment! Belt and Pinion drive is the way to go! Thanks again, Steve

[@markfeldman6509]

Beautiful ride and video. You’re showing us old guys can still do it. Stay safe. Just had my 71st birthday last week and did a birthday ride. 73 miles. Just kept cranking here on Cape Cod.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Mark and thanks for the comment. Cograts on turning 71 and your 73 mile birthday ride! Love the Cape and hope to get out there after Labor Day. Thanks again, Steve

[@markfeldman6509]

@@steveretiredandcycling …if you are coming to the Cape this fall please give me a heads up and you are welcome to stay with us and use our home as “home base’”. We have a large private guest suite in our home and it’s available for you to use. . We can ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail, the Shining Sea Path and the Cape Cod Canal trail. ,a;l beautiful and different.

[@Biking360]

Lol! I had my 62nd birthday yesterday and pretty much did the same thing with a 62 mile ride :)

[@markfeldman6509]

@@Biking360 congrats to you. Just stay in shape and keep checking them off year by year. My goal,is to ride my age in miles and shoot my sage in golf on the same day. I shot a 78 after my ride…..walking 18 and carrying my back. Missed a-few short putts. Maybe next year.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@markfeldman6509 Hi Mark, thank you for the generous offer. Jan and I would love to take you up on the offer. We both look forward to riding with you on those beautiful trails. Send me an email so we can communicate easier [e-mail]. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve

[@treyquattro]

great channel! It'd be fantastic to see you and Ryan riding your Priority 600x's together. Ryan Van Duzer that is.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Trey, thanks for the nice comment! I've reached out to Ryan and he gave me an invitation to come out to Boulder to ride together. Maybe next year. Thanks again, Steve

[@FollowThomas]

Hey Steve, I see you're doing well and heading out to another trail. I was thinking to do the Empire State Trail later this year glad to get a preview. 👍

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Thomas, it was a beautiful trail. Good to hear from you! Steve

[@briantyhy4880]

Turning 70 in April and cycling in Chiang Mai Thailand every day

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Brian and thanks for your comment! I hear it's a beautiful area to ride. Pedal on!!

[@dolittle6781]

Very cool! Really enjoyed seeing your setup, your bike, panniers, frame bags, and so on. Sure looks like you know what you are doing. Surprised, though, that you tackled such an adventure all by yourself. I realize that cyclists do a lot of long distance riding alone, but it seems unwise to me at any age. Indeed, some of those roads looked really dangerous with cars passing you like that and no shoulder for cyclists. But, yes, you grabbed many amazing pictures of waterfalls and other breath-taking vistas. I used to live in that part of the country and feel pretty nostalgic seeing you there. I ride a Specialized Crossroads around a small city with plenty of parks to ride through and tame-enough roads to run my errands. Your adventures are such an inspiration for seniors to just get out there and ride, though, it's obvious that you have to be in good health and know what you are doing to stay safe while still having fun.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for the nice comment! I enjoy riding long distances by myself since it give me opportunity to have total solitude and not worry about going too fast or slow for the pace of others. I cycled the entire east coast of the USA alone and found it most enjoyable. My wife and I cycle together and with friends on shorter adventures. Four of us are going on a 4 day tour in Quebec in two weeks. Should be nice. When riding alone there is always the question of security. Never had a problem but I am as prepared as legally allowed. Life is full of risks isn't it. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@dolittle6781]

​@@steveretiredandcyclingI totally get it! Yes, the solitude of cycling really is priceless. It’s an intangible quality that I subconsciously seek out when riding my bike. Even on my rides around town, it's really the “aloneness” in the saddle that’s a big part of why I enjoy my rides so much. Of course, I meet people along the way, here and there, which provides just the right amount of marvel, many of whom I may or may not ever see again just like the many miles just traveled on my two-wheeler. I’m excited to see your upcoming uploads. Have a great time. Wish I could be there with you, but I’d probably be a "pain in the neck" ☺ Noticed that you seem to use only a helmet mirror. I have right and left handlebar mirrors. Could be I like this setup for me since I ride on fairly busy city roads from time to time and want to know where "everybody is" around me at all times for my safety. Interesting that I often see cyclists around town with no mirrors at all. Looks like we all have different comfort levels on our bikes.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@dolittle6781 Good idea to have two mirrors. Especially on busy streets. Thanks again, Steve

[@bakerstreet101]

Love this. This is a great way to feel alive. Adventure and a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day!

[@pattytabaczynski4079]

Hey this is amazing! Reminds me why I'm moving back home to Buffalo when I retire! I have a bike packing tour planned to go from Colorado to Buffalo in summer of 2025- my first of hopefully many summer tours across the country to start and maintain a scholarship for kids on the East side of Buffalo NY. Love this- thank you so much!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Patty and thanks for sharing! Good luck on your big tour! Sounds like fun. Take care and all the best, Steve

[@berenicek9467]

Those roads looked hilly and dangerous in some areas. Thanks for taking us along on another long distance bike ride. I feel inspired to do more every time I watch your videos.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Berenice, great to hear from you! Hope you are doing well. Take care of yourself and all the best my friend, Steve

[@fennec13]

Wow - I will be watching this is quite an ambitious ride for anyone,. The Empire State Trailway should carry you all the way to New York City, specifically Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx ! I've been up and down the first 130 miles of hit from the Bronx to Kingston many times and by and large its a well maintained and easy going trailway - one day I'll have to take to take your example and try to go from the start in NYC to Albany or Buffalo -

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for the comment! starting in NYC to Albany would be a great trip. Riding to Buffalo is a nice flat trail all the way. Jan and I started in Lockport and cycled to Albany two years ago. It was fantastic! Thanks again, Steve

[@noah-kotlarek]

Your light-hearted commentary makes me smile bigly. And the stop motion effect at 4:15 is so good!!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey I appreciate your comments. Have a great day, Steve

[@castle228]

Did a search for 600x reviews and your channel was the first one that came up. I've watched a few of your episodes and it's great stuff! Good job, Steve!! Keep at it! I'm 49 and I've been an avid rider for about 25 years, mostly road. But I'm craving a change and dreaming about owning a 600x of my own some day to do trips just like this one!! Cheers!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for watching! The 600X is a great bike. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@peterquest6406]

When you were talking about temperatures I thought that was hot,then I realized that is Fahrenheit,I'm in Celsius here in NZ😊.Good to see your not riding an electric bicycle.your an inspiration .I'm only 59,so there's hope for me yet.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Peter, thanks for the comment. No e-bike for at least 10 years.

[@juliandrr]

Thanks so much Sr! Your positivity, energy and enthusiasm are not only inspirational but admirable. For a while, I have been thinking to do such trip. I did the state of NJ north to south so I want to do NY next. Would love to have the opportunity to meet you in person and ride with you up in CT.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Julian, thanks for watching and the nice comment! Riding the State of NJ sounds like a great trip. The Empire State Trail is great too. Thanks, Steve

[@KJ-sd2ne]

Awesome content Steve! Thanks much for sharing and keep the wheel side down!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey KJ, thanks for watching and the nice comment. Have a great day, Steve

[@hopehendrickson-wb5tw]

Awesome! Looks like a fun trip - thanks for sharing with us!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Hope, thanks for watching and the nice comment. Have a great day, Steve

[@PumpkinVillage]

Looked like a good time and started not to far from my house. Glad the bike is working out. Chilly start. Take care, Al

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Al, it was a great ride and cold start but it warmed up. Take care, Steve

[@pbrown239]

Thanks Steve, that route is on the bucket list, It may become part of a Lake Champlain Loop. You are really putting down the miles.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Peter, thanks for watching and the comment. It was a great ride! Take care, Steve

[@AdventureCyclist]

Really cool that you're doing this and especially starting in the freezing cold. 🥶 The 4:15 Sequence is awesome. Some good insight into what to expect and that falls are a sight to be seen. Pretty surprised that the EST follows some dangerous roads for cycling. The Ausable Chasm looks fantastic from the road. I was thinking of stopping here during a tour but I guess I will do what you did and see it from the bridge. Then take the family for a more in-depth adventure another time as they have things to do inside. I've been following the video with the Komoot to see if I can avoid some of those hills and include some of the places you've been.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Buck, it was cold but warmed up in the afternoon. Good choice to take the family to Ausable Chasm. There are a lot of hiking trails. Jan and I will go back with friends in a few weeks to get a closer look. The trail is mostly on road for the first 135 miles and I don't recommend it. Komoot may have some alternatives to follow more back roads along the lake. A really good long cycling trip would be to start in Lockport on the Erie canal and take a right in Albany on the EST to Manhattan. Mostly nice off road trails with much less climbing. Thanks again Buck and have a great day, Steve

[@lizzypicardi]

Just saw this video again, didn't realize this is by where I GREW UP! I don't think his trail was there all the way south when I was a kid. Lovely . Was it a nice trail

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Lizzy, the trail was really nice. The views are spectacular along Lake Champlain as I cycled south. Wow, you grew up in the Plattsburgh area. Small world. Thanks again and have a great weekend, Steve

[@lizzypicardi]

@@steveretiredandcycling Little more south actually , okay a lot more south - I just knew they were connecting the path that went to Canada and worked hard on it! I would love to bike to canada! I grew up by Hudson river valley

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Beautiful area! Actually the trail is the best starting 135 miles from the Canadian border. At that point it is 95% rail / canal trail all the way to the southern end of NYC.

[@agarriga]

Thank you for taking us along on your journey. That is one heck of a tour. I live close to the Dutchess Rail Trail and Maybrook Trailway, both part of the Empire State Trail. I met a younger bicyclist on the DRT who was going from Niagra Falls to NYC. I give you tons of credit for your long ride. Looking forward to the next video.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Aristides, thank you for watching and the nice comment. The section of your trail was very enjoyable and the ride to Niagra Falls is great. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@agarriga]

@@steveretiredandcycling You're welcome. I am glad you liked the trail in my area.

[@leiferic]

Love your videos! Thanks for sharing the adventure! Ride on!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there Eric, thanks for watching. Have an awesome day, Steve

[@deadlazlo]

Steve, awesome views on this one. Only thing worse that a vehicle speeding past a cyclist on the road is when they pass you on a dirt road! Stay safe buddy!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Lazlo, hope you are doing well. Thanks again and take care.Steve

[@doriskeil-shamieh8852]

Nice ride Steve! Thanks for the video.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Doris, thanks for watching. Have a great day, Steve

[@danhoang6335]

Lovely ride, can't wait to see your entire adventure!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Dan, it was fantastic. All the best, Steve

[@stephenmorton8017]

nice ride and very impressive mileage. especially with the elevation. earlybird ride at 28deg. inspiring! love the new bike.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Stephen! I always start out early and try to end mid afternoon. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve

[@PabbyMan2000]

I'm 61. I walked the trail from NYC to the C9 Lock. But North of there it was mostly road and very little trail. I took an Uber to Ticonderoga and called it quits. It's really not very safe. You even mentioned how dangerous it is. I'm going back after Thanksgiving and I'll do the leg from Albany to Buffalo. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Patrick and thanks for sharing. Yes, I wouldn't recommend the Northern part of the Empire State trail to anyone. Unsafe indeed. The canal route from Albany to Buffalo is one of my favorites. Have a great trip! Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@joanoconnor8552]

So glad I just found your channel, your videos are great. I'm 65 and just finished Toronto to NYC on my bike. How many miles did you do the first day? It sounds like you did around 65 on day 2 but what was the first day mileage if you were starting from Canada?

[@pgreenx]

Based on the temps it looks like your videos are delayed. But if not, I live right off the trail in chappaqua (right on the trail about 35 miles north of nyc if you need anything. I’m up and down this trail between NYC and Brewster all the time training for my trip later this summer. Have fun.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for the nice offer. Yes my videos are delayed about 2-3 weeks. You live in a great place for cycling that beautiful trail. Hope you have a great trip later this summer. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@pgreenx]

@@steveretiredandcycling thanks. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos

[@VictorElGreco]

Bravo! 👏🏻☺️ No shame in hike-a-bike when on a heavy, loaded tour bike. I’ve done the NYC - Albany trail and last week I did the Albany - Buffalo on the Erie Canalway. Did you come down on the “official” route of the Empire State Trailway?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Victor and thanks for watching. I'm sure you enjoyed your rides from on the Erie Canal and NYC to Albany. Yes, I did the "official" Empire State Trail from Rouses Point to NYC. The first 135 miles was mostly on roads with little shoulder and shouldn't be recommended. The rest of the trail was very nice. Thanks again and take care, Steve

[@VictorElGreco]

@@steveretiredandcycling Thank you for your candid feedback, Steve. 🙏🏻 Next fall I’m trekking up to Boston on the East Coast Greenway but in 2025 I want to do the route you did, from Albany northward. I will follow your advice and terminate in Plattsburgh or across the VT border, in Burlington, avoiding too much exposure to motorized traffic. Thanks again and happy trails! 🚴☺️👍🏻

[@itrecinque9022]

Se viene in Minnesota, fammi sapere.....buon bici..🚲

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for watching and the comment. I don't have plans to come to Minnesota but it is a very nice area. Thanks again, Steve

[@user-sh4vy1yp7n]

Love your videos, I am planning this ride for early May. Where did you stay the 1st night? Can’t make it out in the video

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for watching! I believe it was the Golden Gate motel in Plattsburgh. Not a bad place and very economical. I was going to camp, however the campground did not appear safe due to the other campers allowed to "live" there. Thanks again and have a great trip, Steve

[@marks6041]

Nice job and seems your conditioning is paying off. Sorry about the cold start at 28 degrees and all the climbing! Im curious to see what the mileage break out is between roads vs protected trails on the Plattsburgh to Battery Park portion of the Empire State Trail. Stay safe and strong Steve. I'm originally from Guilford, CT but haven't lived there since age 18 (I'm now 65). I live in Cary, NC now (next to Raleigh) and typically cycle 5k+ miles a year.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Mark, thanks for watching and the nice comment! It was a cold start but worth it. i spend many days on the trainer during the winter to stay in reasonable shape for riding. It pays off since we tend to lose our muscles easier as we age. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve

[@gandrewboyd]

Hey Steve, which camera are you using for your audio? And are you using wind protection for that camera? Your audio is clean, very nice!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Andrew and thanks for the comment. I use a Sony HDR-AS300 mounted on my handlebars with a small piece of foam rubber covering the internal forward facing microphone. 5 year old camera but it works. My handheld is a Sony ZV-1 with a wind blocker (dead cat) mounted over the uni-directional microphone. I also carry a Sony HX-99 point and shoot with an equivalent 800mm zoom. Hardly use it although at the end of this tour I shot awesome footage of the Statue of Liberty from Battery park at least 1 mile away. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve

[@socaljoe]

Perfect timing, I'm contemplating doing this ride this summer. Where were your overnights?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Joe, I'm away from and don't have all the info with me, however I purchased the "Guidebook" at www.ptny.org/shop There is a wealth of information on their website. Hope that helps. Take care, Steve

[@GeorgeAlexa]

Today June 5th, I turned 79 years old. If you are in your early 60s, you have no excuse not to bike! I only have 30 percent of my lungs working, but I haven't had to have knee or hip replacement! I have a full head of hair that is brown...no grey yet! Today I did only twenty-two miles, and in the past six weeks, my friend and I biked 670 miles. If you want great trails, the W&OD trail in Virginia is paved 45 miles long, and the Chesapeake and Ohio trails are 184.5 miles long! The canal and towpath trail extends along the Potomac River from Georgetown, Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Steve is talking 30-some degrees...we have beautiful 70 and 80 degrees.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey George,congratulations on turning 79 and being in such great shape! You have some amazing trails in your area. And I can see you are taking full advantage of them. You’re a true champion my friend. Thanks, Steve

[@bibianhuynh]

Hi Steve, nice video. How do you get to starting point with your bike? I live in Boston and want to do the trail but don’t know how to get myself and a bike up there.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Lily, I got a one way car rental at my home airport in Hartford and drove to Plattsburgh, NY. Dropped my bike and gear off where I was sleeping the first night. Returned the car to the Plattsburgh airport, Ubered back to where I was sleeping for the night and started my journey the next morning. Thank Lily and have a great day, Steve

[@saravanankumar640]

Wow 69 miles 2nd day✨ grt jisaab Superb👍 what's d average speed you move on . Best wishes more videos. wish you Gud health thalaiva

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Saravana, yes that was a long day. With a fully loaded bike I usually average 8-10 mph. Not in a hurry and I'd rather spin in a lower gear than stress my muscles on a long trip. Thanks for watching and the nice comment. Steve

[@saravanankumar640]

Thku so much for your reply sir , very surprised I thought won't get reply but got a detailed reply ds is ur perfection & success thku jisaab Thku

[@lizzypicardi]

I hope I am cycling when I am 70

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Lizzy, you can be very active at 70 or any age with the right mindset. I can tell you are a determined person since you have your own KZbin channel. Perseverance gets us a long way doesn't it.. Have a great weekend, Steve

[@lizzypicardi]

@@steveretiredandcycling Thansks steve. Did my 1st trail run and there were some amazing athletes at 50, 60 and 70 incredible and inspiring keep it up!

[@nonamehawg7068]

What gps do you use??? Good job young fella!!!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Noname, I use a Garmin 1030. Love hate relationship with it. Freezes up from time to time. Thanks fro the comment, Take care, Steve

[@douglaslangella7782]

No shame in a hike a bike every now and then 😊. Does your bike have front suspension?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Douglas, hike a bike is all part of the great experience. Yes my bike does have front suspension. I keep it locked out when riding on pavement or smooth gravel since it seems to take just a little more energy when riding. Thanks for the nice comment, Steve

[@danielcruz-wg4td]

Como

[@dog-so1vj]

So with the 600% Pinion gearbox ratio, how well does the bike climb fully loaded as compared to your derailleur bike?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Climbs better. You can compare it to a rear 52 tooth cassette and 28 front. Hills are still hills. I found myself walking up long hills of 12-18% grade

[@dog-so1vj]

@Steve Retired and Cycling ok cool. I had considered buying the standard 600 a few years back. My biggest concern was I was unable to test one as there is zero dealer support in my area for Pinion gearbox bikes and also the concern of getting support if I were out touring and something went wrong. I've seen bloggers with both good and bad experiences using them.

[@seniorripper]

How did you shuttle your car back from the start?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

I rented a car near my home, drove to Plattsburgh, dropped it off, rode to NYC and took a train back to my home area. Complicated but it worked well

[@lancelot6011]

Hi. What kind of saddle is that at 2:22? Thanks

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there, its made by the Infinity Bike Seat company www.infinitybikeseat.com Very expensive, however worth the money if you put thousands of miles on your bike every year and have saddle problems. Thanks for asking and have a great day, Steve

[@mattfoley6082]

Date?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Matt, it was around the 8th or 9th. I'm traveling so I would have to look up the date when I return.

[@mattfoley6082]

@@steveretiredandcycling Thanks. What are the 12 gears in gear inches? The "gear range" of 600% is not useful. Can't find this on their site.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@mattfoley6082 As you've noticed, Priority doesn't show that information. The only explanation I've found is on the Gear Monkey site. The 600X has a 12 speed gearbox. GM's chart breaks it down although you still must do the math. www.cyclemonkey.com/blog/calculating-gear-ratios-pinion-gearbox

[@mattfoley6082]

@@steveretiredandcycling Thanks. I find it incredible that Priority doesn't give this spec! What do they think they have to gain by withholding it? Cyclists need to know what gearing is on a bike!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@mattfoley6082 Hey Matt, I met their marketing guy and I don't think he has a background in cycling. I will ask them to include an explanation and comparison to traditional systems on their website. Thanks again, Steve

[@robertengstrom1183]

Tks for a wonderful video. I have watched several of yours and enjoyed them all. I too am 70+ and ride locally, I want to do some trips like yours, but want company. Watching you I get a lonely feeling. Need partners. In 2 days I start BRAG. (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia) 400 to 500 miles. There will be more than 1000 riders, so I won't be lonely this trip.😊

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Robert, thanks for watching and the nice comment. I ride with friends but enjoy the solitude and total freedom of long distance touring alone. Good luck on riding BRAG. Should be a fun experience. Thanks again, Steve