Fifty Plus (50+) - My Magical Mile

I'm sure everyone has a favorite spot, a long smooth flat or twisting downhill for example. I've posted a few pics here of mine. I have several long smooth stretches that are slight downhills and as much as I enjoy and appreciate them, my all time favorite spot is the pier at Charlotte Beach Park. I ride out onto it and back every opportunity that I have. It's 1/2 mile long, 1/2 mile straight out into good old Lake Ontario.

Here's a view of the pier from the Boardwalk along the beach, notice the red & white tower and the far end. It is the navigational light...

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2664.jpg


Here we are looking Northward out onto the pier from the cockpit of the Tour Easy.....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2665.jpg


One of the more popular pasttimes in this area is "Walking the Pier". Folks drive accross the city just to stroll out onto the pier on a hot summer day. Of course the fact that Abotts frozen Custard stand is here doesn't hurt tourism any either. This is a typical "Light traffic" day out on the pier.....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2667.jpg


Notice the row of dark spots running the length of the pier in this photo?....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2675.jpg


Here's a close-up of one of them....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2673.jpg


Here's a pic I pulled off of the internet showing the Catwalk that used to be bolted into the pier to provide access to the old light at the end of the pier during nasty weather. I can remember walking up on it as a young child. All that remains now are some old photos, fond memories and that row of cut off bolts....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/charlotte_genesee_cg3_westpier.jpg


Here's a closer look at the new light. Up top you can see what appears to be a light sensor or Solar panel of some kind. I don't know much about it....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2678.jpg


Let's not forget about our feathered garbage collecting freinds. Which one is the female? What are they looking at?....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2677.jpg


They're watching this coming into port....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2670.jpg


Time to turn around and ride back to the beach....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/IMG_2682.jpg



Ahhh. That was a peaceful, relaxing ride. It's almost imposible to go out on the pier without engaging in a pleasant conversation with at least one person, usually several folks. It's easily my favorite mile, flat, friendly, lots to see. Sometimes it takes me almost an hour to ride that mile.

Now I think it's time for an Ice Cream but fear not, I'll not tease you by posting any pictures of it.

Lenny,

Thanks for sharing the pics with us. I can almost feel that nice breeze blowing on a warm 90 degree day. :)

Nice pictures. Thank you.

Thanks, cranky old dude. That was a great ride!!

Lenny,

Thanks for sharing the pics with us. I can almost feel that nice breeze blowing on a warm 90 degree day. :)
Not on that day - it appears flat as a mill pond in the pics.

They are great pics Lenny - I really like that area, would consider living there if it were closer to the Adirondacks. Bet those pics sure would look different in Feb. BTW - the new modern lights on a stick that replaced the old light houses just don't have the charm. Kind of like diesel trains vs. steam.

The spotted "Flying Rat" is the youngster born this year. Have a lot of Gulls round here and they are a protected species. Just tell that to the locals at 4AM.

Great pics of a local landmark. Just a pity about the Human rats that have to desecrate the scenery.