The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is pretty touristy. And busy. If you've never been though, it's something to experience. Also touristy, but with good views, is Skylon tower. I've been to the Falls like 20 times and had never went there. Last time my wife, daughter and I had dinner there (have to reserve in advance). It's a 360 rotating restaurant and gives great views of the falls and surrounding area. Pricey but food was okay. If you want to relax on a beach, try Crystal Beach. If you all had bikes, could ride along the parkway bike path to Niagara on the Lake. Let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy :-)
On Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 11:23:36 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote: > My son finally got his gear mounted at 10:30 pm. 🙄 Here it is, atop his > 59 Clem. We unloaded it, then put the Rivs on the Telluride’s rack and > went in…where I saw he’d left his packing cube with all his clothing. 🙄🙄 > [image: 515420781_18514276759011110_7525248299957909221_n.jpg] > > Leah Peterson on Instagram: "It’s 10:30 at night and my son has finally > put his gear on his bike. 🙄 And only because I nagged. I will also point > out that he thought I bought Voile and Infinity Tools like a reckless fool > and here he is, using Every. Single. Strap. I came back inside to realize > he forgot his packing cube with his clothing inside the house. I have > serious doubts. We had to pull it all off again and then loaded up our > bikes onto the rack. We will get dropped off in Cleveland tomorrow and > start our ride Monday morning. #rivbike #mothersonbikecamping #bikecamping > #clemsforkids #thecollegeclem" > <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLwAkP4umhc/?igsh=MTl0ZXc4djgzbTMyag==> > instagram.com > <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLwAkP4umhc/?igsh=MTl0ZXc4djgzbTMyag==> > <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLwAkP4umhc/?igsh=MTl0ZXc4djgzbTMyag==> > > A still pic: > [image: image0.jpeg] > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jul 5, 2025, at 11:02 PM, Leah Peterson <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > Jay, I brought my passport so I can get on over to your side!!! I had no > idea there was so much to do at Niagara. We are STOKED! > > On Jul 5, 2025, at 6:21 PM, Jay <[email protected]> wrote: > > I hope you and your son have a wonderful time! I can't wait to read your > ride report :-) > > Enjoy the falls! I'm on the other side, the better side ;-) at least the > view is better, right? > > On Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 4:51:42 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! > wrote: > >> Here is the crumbiest video I’ve ever made but this reel is my gear >> check, for those who wanted to know what I ended up with. Tomorrow’s the >> trip! We don’t start riding until Monday but will be dropped off in >> Cleveland tomorrow. I’m sure I have forgotten 15 things but who can carry >> anymore stuff than this?!? >> >> [image: 515884097_18514231915011110_5177201299678025140_n.jpg] >> >> Leah Peterson on Instagram: "Here is a poorly and hastily done Gear Check >> to show you what I chose for gear on my first-ever bikepacking trip. My >> college boy and I are taking our Rivs, loading them up with camping gear >> and pointing them towards Lake Erie. We will start in Cleveland and follow >> along the coast of Lake Erie until we arrive in Buffalo, NY. It is 215 >> miles. 50-60 miles/day. 2 nights in campgrounds, 2 in hotels. When we >> arrive in Buffalo, my husband and other son will meet us by car, pick us up >> and we will check into our hotel for the weekend for a Peterson vacation to >> visit the iconic Niagara Falls. Where is his bike gear check video, you are >> asking. He is refusing to do a practice run and refusing to let me help. >> All my planning is unwarranted and overkill, he is sure of it. He did >> submit to taking his bike to the shop to have it converted to tubeless, and >> to have some niggling mechanical issues worked out. The mechanics >> discovered a loose spoke and a wheel that need >> <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLvVZHJOwVf/?igsh=NjR4eWlmem9icmc3> >> instagram.com >> <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLvVZHJOwVf/?igsh=NjR4eWlmem9icmc3> >> <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLvVZHJOwVf/?igsh=NjR4eWlmem9icmc3> >> >> >> On Jun 19, 2025, at 7:45 AM, Ryan <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> Hi Leah >> >> >> A chair like this might work... >> https://www.rei.com/product/199538/crazy-creek-hex-20-original-chair >> >> I was going to direct you to my go-to Mountain Equipment Coop >> (MEC)...but tariffs :( >> >> Yes, you will need rain gear....in my touring experience, I do not think >> I took one trip where it didn't rain. I think I just used a rainshell. Yes, >> sometimes I got wet and one time(on a windy , cold (5 C Canada Day) quite >> miserable but some kind soul in Roland Manitoba let us stay in the curling >> rink instead of the sodden campground in the ball field we paid for... >> bless his heart. The next day we decided to cut a day off our itinerary >> and rode 60+ miles home to Winnipeg in intermittent rain that got heavy as >> we hit the city in rush hour(not fun); Leaving civilization, not entering >> it, IMO. >> >> You could set up your phone to video you unboxing and unfolding that tent >> :) which is very nice, by the way. Make sure it's well aired and dried out >> before you pack it up for your next trip...I know this is common sense but >> I'm mentioning it anyway. I used to hang mine up on the clotheslines set up >> in the laundry room of the apartment I lived in. >> >> All this aside, I think you will have a great trip and whatever >> challenges you run into make it real. Wouldn't it be boring if everything >> went without a hitch ? :) >> >> I can't wait to hear how you and your son fared. >> >> Ryan in Winnipeg >> >> On Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 8:24:58 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! >> wrote: >> >>> I’ve read and will reread all of these again before our trip. It’s been >>> so good to have these pointers and recs before we just set off. Some of you >>> told me to do a practice run (which I’m excited to do, by the way) and do >>> you know what E said? “Mom, we don’t need to do that. You don’t need to >>> plan everything out. That’s not an *adventure.” * >>> >>> >>> I do not understand this point of view. I would like to be SAFE and >>> PREPARED and I don’t think that takes away from adventure. Again, this is a >>> 19 year old male. We are not the same. >>> >>> My tent arrived today and I can’t believe how compact it is. I almost do >>> not dare open it. I suspect it will be like folding a map. You know you’ll >>> never get it the way it was again. But I will open it soon, promise. The >>> sleeping quilt order got royally messed up by Enlightened Equipment and >>> won’t arrive until next Monday. So, I can’t load up my bike and see how it >>> all fits yet. >>> >>> We’ve talked mosquitos and food storage and now I need to move back to >>> gear again. >>> >>> 1. What do you wear for rain gear? Pam wears a rain skirt and water >>> proof socks. Her skirt is out of stock. I remember The Lone Wolf saying >>> something about a rain cape. So I know these are two options. What is >>> everyone using for rain? Do we even need rain gear? >>> >>> 2. Are you bringing a chair? Pam has, of all things, an actual tiny >>> chair she sits in and I had never thought of this. >>> >>> 3. Do you run a front rack? It seems most people don’t. I waver between >>> the red bike which has 700c wheels and one Nitto Big Rear rack with >>> Backabikes OR my purple bike with 650b wheels and Nitto Big Back Rack and >>> Nitto Basket Rack + basket up front. Not sure if I’ll be on a train, but >>> that might factor in and affect a bike with a wide front rack like that… >>> >>> Fun facts! You can get merino wool underwear, bras and bike shorts and >>> they are awesome. I think most men here knew about merino underwear but >>> bras and bike shorts were new discoveries for me and I think they will be >>> great on a bike tour. Talking underthings on public forums…not a thing I >>> thought I’d do. >>> >>> Ok! That’s what I got for now. >>> Thanks again! >>> >>> On Jun 16, 2025, at 8:30 AM, ascpgh <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> I have 650B x 42 Babyshoe Pass tires set up as tubeless on my traveling >>> bike and because of the potential for losing a bead's seal with the rim on >>> a tire punctured enough to need a plug I carry exam gloves, a few sheets of >>> paper toweling and an inner tube to meet that possibility. The tubeless >>> format has been better than I imagined when seeking improvement over my >>> previous 700 x 32 inner tube set up. I've had to add air on a trip but >>> neither sealant nor put an inner tube in when a bead seal came loose >>> (gloves and paper towels for cleaning out the sealant in prep for a tube). >>> You'll also have to remove the valve stem held to the rim with the threaded >>> ring so you can put the inner tube's through the hole. >>> >>> >>> >>> For ticks I've used this recommendation with success from our >>> longstanding vet who lives in the woods and fields north of here: >>> >>> <BB27A788-6D5A-4908-AA34-3BDAA4EF7E5A_1_105_c.jpeg> >>> >>> Safe for dogs, not sticky or deeply chemical smelling to upset your >>> experience. A little less convenient than a concentrated container of DEET. >>> >>> A tick tool in case of an attached critter is a good thing to have: >>> >>> <B8FCDD02-AEB6-44E4-964D-8C1AD9DD795B_1_102_o.jpeg> >>> >>> >>> Andy Cheatham >>> Pittsburgh >>> On Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 4:45:31 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! >>> wrote: >>> >>>> This is all good. I’ll plan some practice runs before we leave. I even >>>> have the perfect destination with the perfect mileage. I told my kid and >>>> those of you who have been 19 year old men can guess what came out of his >>>> mouth. >>>> >>>> “We don’t need to prepare! The adventure is just going and DOING it, >>>> Mom.” >>>> >>>> No. No, no, no. The adventure is when you know the things you have and >>>> planned for will WORK so you don’t ruin your trip worrying and/or working >>>> out kinks. >>>> >>>> Here are two more questions: >>>> >>>> 1. How do you avoid ticks? I live in fear of Lyme. >>>> >>>> 2. What tools do you bring? I have tubeless and have a Dynaplug for >>>> that… >>>> >>>> L >>>> >>>> On Jun 13, 2025, at 11:12 AM, Matthew Cook <[email protected]> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Unfortunately, from what I've gathered, Ken was struck and killed by a >>>> drunk driver while riding near his home sometime in 2003. There is a >>>> Wikipedia page stating this. >>>> >>>> To whoever is hosting his site and keeping it going, it is much >>>> appreciated as the articles provided me so much learning when I was new to >>>> cycling and more specifically touring. >>>> >>>> M. Cook >>>> >>>> On Fri, Jun 13, 2025, 1:39 AM Craig Montgomery <[email protected]> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I haven't thought about Ken Kifer for years. Loved his site. Common >>>>> sense (for the most part), informative, and fun to read. Wonder what >>>>> happened to him? >>>>> >>>>> Craig in Tucson >>>>> >>>>> On Thu, Jun 12, 2025 at 6:40 PM Matt C. <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Leah, >>>>>> >>>>>> May I make the seemingly the lamest recommendation? Hear me out. >>>>>> Years ago (in the early 2000's) I got into cycling as a hipster on a >>>>>> fixed >>>>>> gear. I had done quite a bit of backpacking and then stumbled upon the >>>>>> concept of bicycle touring. I was amazed that the two could be combined >>>>>> and >>>>>> that I hadn't thought of it already<---maybe similar to your son. Around >>>>>> that time I found a web page about bicycle touring by a man named Ken >>>>>> Kifer. His thoughts on touring were inspirational. He has since passed >>>>>> but >>>>>> his articles can be found here: >>>>>> https://phred.org/~alex/kenkifer/www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm >>>>>> He recommended that most tours should start and end from your home. >>>>>> Sounds sorta lame, but I have done this many times and am always amazed >>>>>> at >>>>>> what can be seen and experienced by just riding away from my house to a >>>>>> destination. I feel like I always find something new as well. So it >>>>>> might >>>>>> be logistically easier to just point to something a few days of riding >>>>>> away >>>>>> from your home and just go. Sometimes this is difficult if you are >>>>>> averse >>>>>> to stealth camping....in that case planning designated campgrounds might >>>>>> be >>>>>> in your best interest. I have toured with my wife on a few instances and >>>>>> on >>>>>> others with a few of my children. With them I always try to have >>>>>> something >>>>>> arranged for camping. But by myself or with 1-3 friends, stealth camping >>>>>> can be really fun. It really helps to tie places together. >>>>>> As someone who has always had wanderlust, I think there is way more >>>>>> adventure right out your door than you ever expect. Just going out and >>>>>> finding it takes a bit of perspective shift. >>>>>> >>>>>> Also +1 to doing an overnighter. I recommend writing down everything >>>>>> you bring. Then when you get home, write down everything you don't use >>>>>> with >>>>>> possibly a rational on whether it should be used next time (weather >>>>>> differences or tools in case of a mechanical, etc.). >>>>>> >>>>>> One last thing, expect that something will not go as planned. Plan >>>>>> all your gear. Plan your tools. Plan all your food. Plan your route. >>>>>> Something outside the plan will probably happen and it will be >>>>>> frustrating >>>>>> and also be the thing you reflect on the most and laugh at about the >>>>>> trip. >>>>>> Bicycle touring is often type 2 fun. >>>>>> >>>>>> Hope some of this helps and lowers the stress levels. >>>>>> >>>>>> Matt Cook >>>>>> Spanish Fort, AL >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 3:32:29 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding >>>>>> Ding! wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> I, Leah Peterson, have refused to camp my entire life. A lover of >>>>>>> safety, cleanliness, hot showers and fresh coffee, I never saw the >>>>>>> allure. >>>>>>> Why should I pitch a tent and sleep in the ditch if I could sleep in a >>>>>>> hotel bed? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Several of my bike world friends told me I was missing out. But I >>>>>>> wasn’t missing out, because I was content in my hotels and unaware of >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> joys and sorrows of bike camping. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> But, we have this son. This child is not a child, he stands at 6’2” >>>>>>> tall and is heading into his sophomore year of college. He has his head >>>>>>> in >>>>>>> his books with no time for anything else, but oh, he has the >>>>>>> wanderlust. I >>>>>>> read that 90% of the time you’ll ever spend with your kid is spent by >>>>>>> age >>>>>>> 18. That was a year ago…I have less than 10% of my allotted time left >>>>>>> with >>>>>>> one of the most beloved, treasured people in my world. I could sob just >>>>>>> typing it. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> E discovered the term “bikepacking” at the Philly Bike Expo. And >>>>>>> when he heard it he said, “Wait, say that again…” His eyes lit up and >>>>>>> he >>>>>>> was determined to try. Julian (from this list) sent him some >>>>>>> bikepacking >>>>>>> essentials he had, and that was the catalyst for getting E to hit the >>>>>>> trails. I immediately decided that since it involved my son and biking, >>>>>>> two >>>>>>> of my great loves, I was going. All my friends said, Leah, you don’t >>>>>>> camp. >>>>>>> Leah, you’ve lost your mind. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I know, I said. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Then I went to the internet and to Pam Murray and I started to plan. >>>>>>> And you guys, every brain cell in my head was being used and I decided >>>>>>> I >>>>>>> must be stupid because I could not figure out how to make the logistics >>>>>>> all >>>>>>> work. Choose a route. How do you get to the start? How do you get back >>>>>>> again? How to use Amtrak? Why does their train station and schedule >>>>>>> NEVER >>>>>>> WORK for my purposes?! What do you mean there is no camping along most >>>>>>> of >>>>>>> the Hudson Valley Trail? Too much mileage between these two towns, not >>>>>>> enough between those. I have scrapped 2 entire routes we planned >>>>>>> because we >>>>>>> just couldn’t get the logistics to work. I do not think it is supposed >>>>>>> to >>>>>>> be this hard, so I must be doing it wrong. (I’m going for a ride with >>>>>>> The >>>>>>> Lone Wolf tomorrow who will surely scoff and confirm that I am doing it >>>>>>> wrong. But also, maybe he will give me some pointers.) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Finally, we settled on a route that takes us along Lake Erie. With >>>>>>> Chat GPT’s help, I have a decent plan and two campsites picked out so >>>>>>> far. >>>>>>> One is first come, first serve, so say a prayer for us. Say 2 prayers, >>>>>>> because my husband is going to get roped into dropping us off and >>>>>>> picking >>>>>>> us up at the start and finish, and he has no idea. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> He also has no idea that I just spent $$$ on a tent, footprint, >>>>>>> sleeping pad and sleeping quilt (ha! Have you ever heard of such a >>>>>>> thing? >>>>>>> What happened to sleeping bags?!). Like, really a lot. Big money. I got >>>>>>> sucked down the gear rabbit hole and suddenly nothing but these >>>>>>> ultralightweight things will do. It is shameful. I confessed to E who >>>>>>> sent >>>>>>> me this text: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> MOM SPENDING 700 ON A TENT IS NOT RIGHT THAT DOESNT MEAN YOU LOVE ME >>>>>>> TENTS DONT COST THAT MUCH YOU DONT NEED IT TO BE COMFORTABLE😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 >>>>>>> 😭 😭 😭 😭 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So, that is what is happening over here. Be gentle in your rebukes. >>>>>>> I am stressed out about this whole experiment on several levels! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> But this kid. What would I not do for him? I thought I’d draw the >>>>>>> line at sleeping in ditches, but no, not even that is off-limits. I’ll >>>>>>> do >>>>>>> anything, it seems, to stay involved and relevant. Luckily, my second >>>>>>> son >>>>>>> is quite comfortable in hotels, and will not make me work this hard to >>>>>>> be >>>>>>> in his orbit. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Leah >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in >>>>>> the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/1-6ssrRirOQ/unsubscribe >>>>>> . >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>>>> [email protected]. >>>>>> To view this discussion visit >>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/e2131bcd-4aa3-49cb-86e1-53ad72d1cd9dn%40googlegroups.com >>>>>> >>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/e2131bcd-4aa3-49cb-86e1-53ad72d1cd9dn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>> . >>>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/1-6ssrRirOQ/unsubscribe >>>>> . >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>>> [email protected]. >>>>> To view this discussion visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CALm6aG0vTps9fuysdD6Jc3E-5mbadckKSyjsqfnJ2U03RFVuew%40mail.gmail.com >>>>> >>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CALm6aG0vTps9fuysdD6Jc3E-5mbadckKSyjsqfnJ2U03RFVuew%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>> . >>>>> >>>> -- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/1-6ssrRirOQ/unsubscribe >>>> . >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>> [email protected]. >>>> >>>> To view this discussion visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CACoCefhaSt8Et-_pZQ9Ec4WA8H55WSwCgiY4GVDX7y_o9K6RAg%40mail.gmail.com >>>> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CACoCefhaSt8Et-_pZQ9Ec4WA8H55WSwCgiY4GVDX7y_o9K6RAg%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> . >>>> >>>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/1-6ssrRirOQ/unsubscribe >>> . >>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>> [email protected]. >>> >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/9d26e1a7-f7b5-447a-8b07-37adad0a3e85n%40googlegroups.com >>> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/9d26e1a7-f7b5-447a-8b07-37adad0a3e85n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> <B8FCDD02-AEB6-44E4-964D-8C1AD9DD795B_1_102_o.jpeg> >>> <BB27A788-6D5A-4908-AA34-3BDAA4EF7E5A_1_105_c.jpeg> >>> >>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/1-6ssrRirOQ/unsubscribe >> . >> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >> [email protected]. >> >> To view this discussion visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ebb9c5ac-944d-40b5-942d-2cabf0bf8866n%40googlegroups.com >> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ebb9c5ac-944d-40b5-942d-2cabf0bf8866n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> >> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the > Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this topic, visit > https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/1-6ssrRirOQ/unsubscribe > . > To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to > [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3efe8c40-b303-4105-a06a-f13aa90d7abcn%40googlegroups.com > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3efe8c40-b303-4105-a06a-f13aa90d7abcn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/897b8768-1bd9-418c-ac79-eeb8928b48f7n%40googlegroups.com.
