Avoid the big cities, Rochester particularly

Off at 8:17 from Medina, nice Hostel which I had all to myself.   Granted I saved sixty dollars but seventy-two dollars for a hostel bed was a bit much.  Perhaps, if a woman was along for the ride, the cost could be justified given a much higher priced room had the hostel not existed.  There are reasons I travel solo.  Anyways, off I pedaled.  The canal exudes peacefulness,  the small communities I pass have charm themselves. Each village name is posted on the low crossing bridges with federal, state and Erie Canal flags flying.  Passers by are out for some exercise, either walking, running or bicycling, all of which I greet in passing. With two days behind me, I have come across only two long distant riders.  The canal is part of a route designed by Adventure Cycling but since it is September, the riders have probably come and gone.  Given the coming foliage, I can’t think that this route would be filled by bikers
    Four hours down the path I made a pit stop at a convenience store on the outskirts of Rochester.  Once back on the road, I followed canal signs for the city center.  Big mistake, no hostels, nothing of any interest and the locals seemed clueless about the existence of the Erie Canal.  Making the decision to bail out and get back on the trail was the easy part. Finding my out of town was difficult and frustrating.  With the help of my GPS I nudged my way along, double checking with the paper map I had on top of my bar bag.  There were no signs, no anything pointing the way back to the canal.  The city should be promoting this national site, it could be a big money maker just as Route 66 is across the country.  What doesn’t Rochester understand.  Eventually I found an unmarked ramp down to the canal where I rode for another hour.  With well over sixty miles traveled, it was time to park the bike for the night. No hostels, warmshowers, campsites, along with expensive B&Bs had me guessing as to where to stay.  The local bike shop in Fairport gave me directions to a Budget motel three miles down the road.  68.40 miles total for the day and I hope to cover less ground tomorrow. There is a campsite in Weedsport fifty-five miles down the road.  Rain is predicted so the dirt trail could bog me down.  I am tough.