Wise words from the sage of Raquette Lake

Our trip was punctuated with days of great riding and wonderful scenery. Each day brought us new road challenges and great views. What really made our trip great was the people we met along the way. We met a boat restorer, a young lady from Australia working here in the United States so she could learn to snow board. We crossed paths twice with a couple from the Netherlands. We met a couple from Ontario who regularly cycle tour. We met many solo cycle tourists as well. Each day we met people who enriched our trip. The most colorful character we met was the philosopher of Raquette Lake. His name was Vito.

On day thirteen we had left Old Forge, New York heading for Newcombe, New York. About twenty miles east of Old Forge is the small resort community of Raquette Lake, nestled on the shores of Raquette Lake. We met Vito after we took a coffee and donut break at the local pub. We had decided to check out the lake and parked our bikes outside the general store.

Wes’ recumbent is always an eye catcher. The Tour Easy caught the attention of Vito. He came over to investigate and to discuss with Wes the advantages and disadvantages of riding a recumbent bike.

He informed us that he had recently quit smoking and was using the money he was saving to buy a bicycle. After he purchased his bike he realized there was a flaw in his plan. Had he waited for the soon to take effect increase in cigarette tax, he could have “bought a more expensive bike!”

You just can’t argue with thinking like that!

Brian