Lake Erie Bike Loop - Part 1 - Niagara Falls to Sandusky, OH
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- čas přidán 18. 08. 2019
- This video summarizes the first 5 Days of my solo bicycle trip around Lake Erie. All of the clips in the video were filmed between Saturday July 27 and Wedneday July 31, 2019. The trip began with a 9am GO Transit Excursion train from Toronto to Niagara Falls, ON. From Niagara Falls, I crossed the international border into the State of New York, USA. For 5 days I followed along the Lake Erie Shoreline including Grand Island, Buffalo, Irving, Dunkirk, Ashtabula, Geneva-On-The-Lake, Cleveland, and Lorain. When I reached Sandusky, OH, I caught a ferry to Pelee Island, ON.
STRAVA LINKS
Day 1 - Niagara Falls to Evangola State Park, New York: / strava
Day 2 - Evangola State Park to Lampe Campground, Erie, Pennsylvania: / strava
Day 3 - Erie, PA to Geneva State Park, Ohio: / strava
Day 4 - Geneva Stat Park to The Cleveland Hostel, Cleveland, Ohio: / strava
Day 5a - Cleveland, OH to Sandusky, OH: / strava
Day 5b - Pelee Island Ontario Loop: / strava
The bike I used for this trip is a Linear Limo Recumbent Bike made in New York. I carried my gear in 2 Giant Waterproof Panniers, and mounted my tent and sleeping pad on the top of the rack.
Campsite Overnight Oats: • Campsite Overnight Oat...
My Bike Camping Gear: • What do I pack for a 1...
May 2019 - Ontario Bike Tour: • Oshawa to Cobourg - On...
July 2018 - Ontario Bike Tour: • Aurora to Brechin - On...
May 2018 - Ontario Bike Tour: • Burlington to Niagara ...
I hope you enjoyed this video. Please COMMENT and subscribe!
Thanks for watching. - Jak na to + styl
Every time he looks at the camera smiling, take a drink.
You'll be hammered in no time!
Your excitement is so contagious. Could not stop smiling.
Glad to hear! Bike touring is truly a great way to spend a vacation, so it's hard not to smile :D
May we all stay as simple and happy as this man :)
haha thank you!
I also live in Cleveland Ohio. Great review great video great commentary Keep On Keepin On.
Immensely enjoyable.
Thanks!
Thank you for the great vid. I moved back to Ashtabula after many years traveling & Lake Erie is underappreciated. (fine by me, less tourists). So fun to see this area from a different perspective!
Awesome. Ashtabula seemed like a nice place to live, based on my short visit there.
love your videos, keep up the good work. History at ground view. Meal stops is a wonderful touch, thanks.
Epic trip very nice! Fortunately the Cuyahoga River caught fire only once every 8 years before they got it under control; ugh but we now have the renowned Burning River Festival. When life gives you lemons.... nice video
Thanks! haha good to know. While reading the history, I remember finding it kind of hilarious that the river had caught on fire multiple times. It just seemed incomprehensible.
I live in Sandusky. It was really cool to see you travel around town. I think it is remarkable that you had the time to travel around Lake Erie. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Thanks, I enjoyed my visit to Sandusky and my tour around Lake Erie was a very memorable vacation.
Nice job! Very detailed and informative. Thank you for the awesome video and inspiration!
Yesss! Pumped for these trips!
Thanks!
This is an awesome route! I spent my summers in college on Lake Erie working a Cedar Point. You’ve inspired me to wanna try this tour and see it in a new way.
I am excited to see another Bike trip video!
Thanks!
Great video chronology of your bicycle vacation! looking forward to the next video!
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying following along!
Awesome! I live in cleveland its so fun to see someone do this ride and swing through here and have a good time
Thanks! I really enjoyed my visit to your city. Cleveland Rocks!
I quite enjoyed the video CJ, nice work all around. My favorite aspect is your consistently positive interpretation of your surroundings and your experience.
Excellent video! Interesting to hear about the easy border crossings, surprising to see the wildlife and beautiful to see those sunsets!
Awesome video! I always find these videos so interesting! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoy them!
Thanks! I have often considered this tour as an Ohio resident. You did an excellent job narrating. Heading over to your second part now.
What a beautiful ride, you make it look easy. I ride along the Lake Erie shoreline east of Cleveland on Lakeshore Blvd. I dream about riding to Niagara Falls.
This was a fun ride and I really recommend it!
Nice video! A very ambitious bicycle ride! Thanks for posting.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Chris, thanks for your video . Love to see your adventures. The ice cream sundae looked fantastic!
Thanks!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video CJ. Getting to explore the countryside the way that you do, from the seat on your bike must feel great.
Thanks!
Thank you CJ. It seems like you had a great vacation, always doing something different! Thank you for this ride in the USA. I have only been in the state of NY around Niagara Falls years ago ( I live not far from the state of Maine). It was nice seeing a bit of PA and OH. Looking forward ( as always) to your next installment.
Thanks!
Excellent video CJ! Appreciate you sharing them.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your awesome video. I always enjoy them. I'm originally from the Detroit area and enjoy the scenery. Thanks again from Phoenix Arizona.
Thank you! Since I decided to visit Pelee Island, I missed visiting Toledo and Detroit, though maybe I'll get there some day.
Very informative. Thanks... on to PT2!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed part 1!
great vlog
Such a cool idea for a loop! I'm just catching up with all your tour videos now. It's so nice to have so many ahead of me to watch!
One of my favourite things about this tour was how easy it was to explain to the people that I met where I was going. With most other loops that I've done, people couldn't really picture it very well. Glad you're enjoying the videos.
What a great ride! I grew up in Niagara and love seeing your local adventures!
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
You have an excellent eye for documentary videos! Excellent editing and narration! I thoroughly loved this!
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!
Fantastic video, I'm super jealous.
How were you able to keep your electronics charged ?
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! My GPS uses alkaline AA batteries which last for 3+ days. Camera uses rechargeable batteries which I recharge each night at my campground. I keep my phone in Maximum Power Savings mode while I'm travel and save it for emergencies. I use USB battery banks to recharge my phone.
Enjoyed your video very much. I've worked for the ferry company for a long time...glad to have you on board. Looking forward to the rest of your journey!
Thanks, I enjoyed my trip on the Pelee Islander, and my short visit to the Island!
I thoroughly enjoyed your video especially how your narrative is precise and to the point the filming is perfectly matched to the audio..Keep making more of these wonderful trips...
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy and appreciate the format!
This is awesome!!!
Damn! Too bad I didn't realize you were doing this. You probably rode by my house near Cleveland Ohio.
What area of Cleveland are you near? In the description box of this video I have links to my Strava trips from each day which will show you exactly where I rode. I really enjoyed my time in Cleveland, it's a cool city!
Hello there. I am enjoying your Erie trip a great deal. When I did my coast to coast trip in 2014 I followed pretty much the same path you did on the south side of Erie. My next adventures include circumnavigating each of the Great Lakes. Thus, your videos are giving me not only the itch to get out there again but also some good information about the logistics of going around Erie, especially on your side of the "fence". (Being a Michigander, Canada is a always great neighbor to hang out with!) Thanks again for the video. Tailwinds!!
Thanks! It was a really fun trip and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'm definitely planning on eventually doing loops of the other great lakes. Safe riding!
I enjoyed this!!! Much love . 🤙💚 #keepPedaling
Thank you, This is an awesome route!
No problem, it was a really memorable trip.
That was excellent!!! Your narration reminded me of some FZ lyrics"and carried on without a comma".
Been looking forward to making the same ride. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
ahah thank you. I try to pack as many details into these videos as possible...who's got time for commas? :P
Great video, I'm planning an east coast to Mississippi river ride in the next couple of years, this video will help me bridge the space between the Erie Canal trail in New York and the Ohio to Erie trail in Ohio. I really appreciate you including the Strava routes and camping locations. Super helpful. Keep on truckin!
Glad you enjoyed the video. That sounds like an awesome trip!
Amazing trip! Really enjoyed the coverage.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic! Thank you!!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video! I lived in Ohio 48 years and you have been to more places in Ohio on your bike tour than I have my whole life.
haha wow. I do find that when you travel by bike you get to see a lot of places that you wouldn't otherwise see. In the last 3 summers I've visited so many new places in my home province of Ontario.
Awesome trip!
Thanks, it was one of my all-time favourite trips!
very thorough!
I definitely tried to pack a lot of information into this video!
Great video, looking forward to part 2!
Thanks!
Love it!! Live in New Jersey these days and miss the "northshore". Inspires me to take one of those trips in the near future! Thank you!
I have so many fond memories from this trip and I really miss it too!
I enjoyed the route and the excellent commentary. I too am a cyclist and enjoy these types of trips. BTW I grew up in Huron, OH and enjoyed seeing my hometown through your lens. If you haven't done so already, I recommend the Ohio to Erie Trail ride, 326 miles from Cleveland to Cincinnati (or the reverse). Thanks!
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I have fond memories from my brief visit to your hometown.
Good job and great video.
Thanks!
Great to see I’m live next to Geneva on the lake great park!
Awesome, I enjoyed that area!
Sweet loop, the peelee island pit stop...👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Thanks! Pelee Island was really nice, I'm glad I decided to lay-over there.
That's an excellent video! So you had a great vacation! 😎👍
Thanks! Yes it was great, one of my favourites for sure!
Looks like a great trip. We are contemplating doing part 1 of your trip.
Thanks! This is a trip that I remember fondly. I strongly recommend it!
Enjoying. This March I do it from Buffalo to Canada - Ride the Adventure Cycling Lake Erie Connector to Leamington, ferry to Pelee Island, ferry to Sandusky, end trip in Cleveland seeing the R&R Hall of Fame
Awesome! Enjoy your trip.
Good for to take the time to do this. It should be an inspiration to others I’m sure.
Thanks! My primary motivation for making these videos is to inspire others.
I simply loved this video, CJ! Your narration is captivating and your camera work captures the story in great detail. Of course I am partial to this particular video since you traveled right through my hometown of Cleveland😄 Looking forward to Part deux!
Thanks Gary! I thoroughly enjoyed my short visit to Ohio, especially Cleveland!
Amazing video.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
great to see someone touring on a recumbent! i ride one but havent toured on it; helps to be on reasonably flat terrain! cheers Andrew Mackey
Thanks. I was definitely spoiled with a lack of hills on this tour, but I've seen my fair share of them on other tours.
Great Video. Really well done. I’m came looking for info because I’m interested in doing the same loop 8n an old Ford I’m restoring. Your video was well edited and narrated. I can tell you did a little home work on each spot and I love the history bits and back story. I’m a “stop and read the plaque kind of guy”. I’m intrigued by the contrast in pace and different perception making the trip on bike vs. old car versus modern car. Thanks for the perspective.
I had to watch this since I am from Ohio and you went through my area. I have also spent many times at Geneva on the Lake. The lift bridge in Ashtabula harbor has been there for many years. You went past Lake Shore Park where you could have stopped for a swim. Sounds like a fun ride.
Thanks, I have a lot of fond memories from this trip, and I actually rank it as my favourite bike tour I've done. I really enjoyed riding through Ohio.
Thanks for sharing this! I was wondering what it would be like to bike from Erie, PA to Niagara Falls. You have given me some great tips for multiple day bike trips.
No problem! It was a nice ride, I would recommend it.
Thanks, nice to watch during this COVID lockdown. We (my brother and me) were planning on driving around Lake Erie last summer but COVID put an end to those plans. I think if this COVID situation changes we'll take the ferry from Sandusky and then drive up to London since there is not much too see along the lake but farmland. Then we'll head east towards the Falls. We are Lake Erie sailors and have been to Pelee Island many time as well as towns along the Canadian shoreline. We live in Cleveland. OH.
Sounds like a fun trip. This is still at the top of the list of bike trips that I've done!
Thank you for this!! Giving us a great route to bike next! Appreciate the content. Keep it up! More ontario trials!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. I've lived my whole life on the southern shore of Lake Erie, both in Erie and Cleveland. Very cool that you cut through on the Lake Erie Islands too. If you ever come that way again, I highly recommend a stop at Presque Isle State Park. Best beaches on the whole lake, if not the entire Great Lakes.
Thank you! When I was planning out my trip, I had ambitions of visiting Presque Isle State Park. Particularly, it would have been very nice to go for a swim at the beach on that very hot day when I arrived in Erie. Sadly, the distance from the campground to the the state park and back was more than I had time to cover. If only there was a bridge from the tip of peninsula to the mainland (very close to where I was camping)! I will try to find a better way of working in a visit to that state park the next time I visit.
Sleeping bear dunes national Lakeshore have the best beaches along the Great lakes. But this is also bias and subjective lol.
ok, when i saw you playing guitar, i knew i liked you. rock on dude.
haha thanks :)
this is cool
It's interesting how often we stopped at the same places or at least cities/towns along the way. I kept going and crossed back into Canada via Detroit/Windsor although I did spend some time on Put-In-Bay. Looking forward to Part 2!
Awesome! Did we happen to camp at any of the same parks? As I recall there weren't an awful lot of choices in some areas.
@@cjhoyle Evanola and the one on approach to Cleveland. I stayed at Presque Isle SP at Erie and Put-In-Bay State Park. My route differed from your significantly on the north shore.
Put-in-Bay is actually a town on South Bass Island. Good video.
Thank you. Yes, you're correct.
Hi CJ, so glad you post these videos! I did my first two overnight bicycle trips last summer and was hoping to do more this summer. That is obviously a bit up in the air now. Watching your videos is such a nice second option though as I really feel like I'm along on your adventure with you! Do you have any hope that you will get out this summer?
Thank you Rebecca, I'm glad you're enjoying my trip videos. I definitely am hoping to do more bike touring this summer, but just like you, my travel plans are completely up in the air right now.
First-rate video!
I''m orig. from NW Ohio. Next time, plan a day at Cedar Point alone ;)
Thank you! With so much time to kill in Sandusky, a visit to Cedar Point would have been tempting, but I guess I wouldn't have really had a place to store all my gear.
You went through some of the worst areas of Cleveland. Ever hear of the Emerald Necklace? It's a 100 mile ride around the valleys of Cleveland, and it's a great ride you would really enjoy
I noticed that the west side of the Cleveland lakeshore seemed much more affluent than the east. No I haven't heard of it, but I'd definitely enjoy riding more around that region.
Just a quick note of thanks for the video. Myself and a buddy are planning a 'around the lakes' turn this spring, including Ontario and Erie. We're also from Toronto and it has been informative to watch the videos. I really appreciate the level of detail you have included in the video. The recumbent looks so comfortable, if only I had one to use on this tour. Can I ask why you decided not to go to Toledo and then cross at Detroit Windsor.
Your upcoming trip sounds awesome! My Lake Erie Loop has been my favourite bike tour so far and having ridden most of the Canada side of Lake Ontario I'm sure that'll be a nice loop too. The initial reason I did Pelee Island instead of Toledo/Detroit was because of distance. I only had a limited number of days set aside for this trip, and doing the full loop would have put my daily average distance a bit higher that I thought I would be comfortable with. Looking back I'm sure it wouldn't have been a problem. The second reason is just because once I discovered there was ferry service all the way across the lake with the opportunity for a lay-over on such an interesting island, I instantly really wanted to do that! In the past few years I've become really interested in islands and ferries.
Hi CJ. Was there a turn stile at the border crossing or gate to get your bent through? What is the best crossing in that area for bicycles, other options? Another great video that constantly inspires. PS ever test ridden a tadpole trike?
At the border I was directed to wait in line with the other vehicles, so I just went through the regular vehicle gates. I remember I did some reading beforehand and found that the Rainbow Bridge was probably the best option. Yes, I took a test ride of a trike a few years ago.
Great video like always... any reason that you didn't make 10 daily videos of this trip like you usually do?
Thanks. There are several reasons, but the main one is that my bike touring videos require an enormous amount of post-production time, and doing 9 or 10 videos for every trip is unfortunately not sustainable for me.
Wow, That Is A Far Ways!
It was a long adventure, but a very memorable one!
@@cjhoyle Yah, I Bet, I Guess It Was Worth About $1,000, You Also Went Through My State. Ur Good At Answering Ur Comments!
Thank you for the video, we are planning on doing this trip in late August. Anyway we can get a copy of your route?
Awesome! In the video description I have included Strava links for each day of the trip. From there you should be able to view the map and even download the gpx files.
Awesome video! I'm considering looping around Lake Erie this summer. What resources did you use for catching a ferry from Sandusky - Canada? I can't seem to find the ferry service for Pelee Island.
Thanks! I just used the schedule on the ferry company's website (Owen Sound Transportation Company).
How often can one stop and cast lures on foot directly into the water by waterside access on foot?🙂
Hi CJ - Thanks for sharing. I'm doing something similar this summer if the borders are open. Can you share what route planning tool you used and if you had a Garmin device during the trip?
This is a topic that I've wanted to cover in a video, but have never gotten around to it. Unfortunately there aren't any magic tools that I use. I just start with Google Maps cycling directions and then I tweak the route based on what the roads look like using StreetView. It can be pretty time consuming, but it's worth investing the time at home before the trip when I have the most resources available. It also means I can rest easy each night in my tent knowing that I have a safe well-planned route waiting for me the next morning. Yes, I have an old Garmin eTrex 30 which I load my planned routes into.
@@cjhoyle Great reply -- thank you! That's interesting using StreetView to see the road before you get on it. That would help a ton. What software did you use to get the different colors for the routes based on day? That is really cool.
@@Howell-to-Adventure Google Earth Pro (the desktop version). Similar functionality is available in "Google My Maps" (web based).
Would love to join you on a trip. Seems like such an awesome time..I'm in toronto too.
Thanks!
I use Strava when i`m out riding.
Can you recommend a source for maps for the Canadian side of this trip?
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail website has a recommended route for the Lake Erie shoreline. I referenced this when I was planning this trip, but didn't always follow their route. In the description of my Part 2 video for this trip I have Strava links which show the exact route that I followed each day.
You did all of that without being arrested?
What did you think they might have arrested me for?
Great trip. I'd have to filter through the meat places for the Vegan options. Wonder if a vegan cycle route is available. Why a recumbent?
You also don't necessarily need to eat your meals at restaurants, if you can't find ones that are compatible. I switched to recumbents because of nerve related issues that developed with my hands when riding conventional bikes.
@@cjhoyle and you didn't say how it was getting across the border at this time. Did they ask about vaccines? The way you told it they hardly noticed you, on a bike, and just waved you through without further questions.
@@BrigidSamhain This trip was in the summer of 2019. It was a very standard border crossing. They asked the same standard questions they normally ask when crossing in a motor vehicle.
Why did you skip the west end of Lake Erie shores. There is a lot more scenery through Toledo and Southern Michigan.
The initial reason I did Pelee Island instead of Toledo/Detroit/Windsor was because of distance. I only had a limited number of days set aside for this trip, and doing the full loop would have put my daily average distance a bit higher than I thought I would be comfortable with. Looking back I'm sure it wouldn't have been a problem. The second reason is just because once I discovered there was ferry service all the way across the lake with the opportunity for a lay-over on such an interesting island, I instantly really wanted to do that! I really enjoy visiting islands and taking ferries. However, I'd love to one day do a tour which covers the sections of the Lake Erie shoreline which I missed on this trip.
Arby's! Good choice. If you're Canadian how dare you pronounce pannier so bad (it's pan-yay isn't it?). You're a beast. Where do you get the energy and courage? Do you get lonely out there?
Living in Canada my entire life, I've heard the word "pannier" pronounced 3 different ways. I say it the same way that my parents say it (who are also Canadian). Thanks! I get my energy from all the delicious food I eat along the way :P Solo travel isn't for everyone but I really enjoy it.
@@cjhoyle Fair enough. Do you chat/text with people along the way? When I see something cool while alone I wish there was someone to share it with. I'm getting my bro an inflatable kayak so he can come along.
CJ do you strava? I use this app ,let me know if you use it I`` can put you r name there?
Yes, I use Strava. If you check the video description you'll see links to my rides.
@@cjhoyle ok i will my friend.
it is best to skip Detroit
haha, it was nice that I had the option to cut the loop a little bit short.
this guy lives life while I sit in my recliner and watch a guy live life by not living mine. Buffalonian here,those were chicken fingers at Carbones not wings
Thanks. If I recall correctly, they were boneless wings. Admittedly less authentic, but less annoying to eat.