A shorter easier ride today with two distinct parts. The first half was cycling across suburban Albany to Schenectady. The second half was on trails along the river/canal. There weren’t too many hotel choices and the weather forecast suggested afternoon showers so a good excuse for a shorter ride.

Last night the hotel was least expensive but not ideal. The water didn’t work to take a shower. The neighboring room was blasting the TV so loud I finally went and complained at 1 am. It became quieter after that.

Good example of a streetscape including small store and residential areas. I didn’t realize “metro Albany” has ~600,000 residents even though the city itself is closer to ~100,000. I got a better feel when the first 15 miles were mostly through city areas. It was busy for a while and at 9 miles turned off to calmer roads towards Schenectady.

Dutch names including Rotterdam. Also Guilderland.

Downtown Schenectady. Despite the calm view this city has some of the worst timed lights. Seems like I got five or six red lights in a row.

A little bit about the town.

At 17 miles I reached the river. The second part was very different cycling. Most was smooth pavement with a few miles of bumpy path due to tree roots.

This country store was advertising for business.

Lock number 8.

I got the sense parts of the waterway were along but not in the river.

Sign about an old lock.

What surprised me was the narrowness of the original canal. Perhaps 12-15ft. So those first boats were not wide.

Trail crossings had these buttons with flashing lights.

Lock #10. I don’t know what happened to #9.

Amsterdam has this old castle. I am staying elsewhere but it looks interesting: https://amsterdamcastle.com/ I reached Amsterdam early so had lunch while some rain showers came through.

Strava says: 34.67 miles in 3:53:23 for 8.9mph. 886 feet climbed and 2417 calories burned.

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