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The Concord Grape Belt & Wave-Like Clouds<\/strong><\/p>\n As we neared the state line, the route took us through rolling vineyard country\u2014the famous Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt. The sky put on a display with dramatic, lake-effect cloud formations hanging low over the fields, framing the neat rows of vines stretching toward the horizon.<\/p>\n Welcome to New York!<\/strong><\/p>\n A major highlight of the day was rolling up to the state border. We pulled off at the \u201cWelcome to New York: The Empire State\u201d sign near Ripley to celebrate crossing another state boundary on our journey across the country!<\/p>\n Lighthouses & Quirky Roadside Finds<\/strong><\/p>\n Following the coastal route up through Chautauqua and Erie counties, we stopped at the historic Barcelona Lighthouse in Westfield, standing tall against the Lake Erie backdrop. Further along, the roadside scenery kept us entertained\u2014including a memorable piece of local lawn art featuring a \u201ctree\u201d constructed entirely out of vintage outboard boat motors!<\/p>\n The Stretch to Hamburg<\/strong><\/p>\n The terrain kept us working with gentle rolling hills and a modest 2,200+ feet of climbing spread over the 80-mile stretch. As we closed in on Hamburg, NY, the lake views accompanied us right into town and to a warm welcome at Wayside United Presbyterian Church!<\/p>\n Next Stop: Moving further east across New York! Thanks as always for following along and supporting the mission of the Fuller Center Bike Adventure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n