Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 2
Abandoning the E-Bike Dream (For Now)
The electric bike project is benched due to reliability issues
Reflections on bike trust, touring logistics, and rethinking the approach
New trip plan: use the RAV4 Prime to support bike day rides
Pre-Booked Lodging Dilemma
All lodging was pre-booked and non-refundable
How that shifted priorities to maximize the trip by driving to each spot
The “acoustic” bike becomes the tour hero
Day One Route & Destination
Base: North of Webster, NY
Original plan scrapped; new mission: mini bike adventures in each locale
Exploring route options en route to Oswego, NY
Riding Past a Nuclear Legacy
Passing the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant on Lake Road
A personal memory and historical reflection on the 1982 radioactive steam release
Commentary on U.S. nuclear energy anxiety vs. European acceptance
Beechwood State Park to Sodus Point Ride
Decides to ride directly from Sodus Point due to better parking and facilities
Observations of the ride: comfortable unloaded, with scenic lake views
Reflections on Sodus Point, tiki bars, and surprisingly modern homes
A Sentimental Apple Orchard Memory
Flashback to camping with dad in a lakeside orchard
Emotional moment recalling powdered milk, childhood camping trips, and family history
Reflection on development replacing orchards with McMansions
Lunch, Tiki Bars, and Town Vibes
Tiki bar surprise: Jack’s Good Time Tavern!
Bike parking logistics and electric vehicle charging frustrations
Exploring local businesses
Bonus Ride to Sodus Point Beach Park
Beautiful weather, sandy beach, and kite-filled skies
Soaking in the views with the acoustic bike and good mic in tow
Ferry Fiasco Averted
Critical discovery: the expected ferry from Oswego isn’t operating
Realization: the whole trip could’ve collapsed if not for the car-based pivot
Learning: Always confirm ferry schedules
Oswego River + Downtown Bike Loop
Late-day ride along Oswego’s waterfront and Cahill Pier
Thoughts on Oswego’s economic history, SUNY Oswego, and bike-friendly waterfront
Scenic photo ops with a sailboat and lighthouse
Infrastructure Observations
Comments on visible power plants, nuclear and traditional
Reflections on energy production, environment, and how the infrastructure shapes the town
Memory-Making in Motion
How a disappointing start turned into a meaningful, flexible, and scenic experience
New appreciation for blending car support with bike touring
Looking ahead: next stop, Canada – via car, not ferry
Statistics
Miles biked 10
Nuclear power plants 2
Tiki bars in Sodus Point 2
Kite flying festivals attended 1
Misidentified rivers 1
Flats 0
