7/24 Amsterdam, NY

After leisurely breakfast, and an on time departure (9.30am) the first rule of bike trip timing kicked in - each person over 3 slows down the pace by ~4%.  And further exacerbated by first day of the trip.  So to cover the 40 planned miles,  we figured 5 hours, including lunch.  Sure.  Jean and Jean took the SAG duties, driving the cars to Amsterdam then doubling back while Jason led the tour-de-rpi and got everyone onto the trail.  No bags left behind in Troy (unlike newton), one minor crash (Frankel taking out Agus as he tried to pass on the right) one flat and one lost biker today.  The ride was all rail trail (flat!) with mostly excellent surface, and we met up in ~halfway in Schenectady, a surprisingly nice upstate town.  Passed by several old locks along the Erie canal,  developed in early 1800s and watched the current system in action on the Mohawk River.  Got both smoothies and ice cream.  Staying at ultra cool castle, complete with knights,  period art and fortifications. Big band concert on riverfront on Sat night.  4.15pm arrival (not even close to 5 hours), 38 miles (+ 6 for non-sag riders)