Day 7 of my ride to Boston. Of all the riding days of this trip, today was absolutely the best. The weather was perfect 80 degrees, no humidity, and light winds. Hopefully this weather pattern continues. Our travels today took us from Niles OH. to Erie PA. While there were a few steep hills, the terrain was relatively flat. It was a 90 mile ride it seemed like only around 87or 88. Ha, a little humor here. The landscape is becoming more wooded but there are still quite a few corn and bean fields. Not much diversity in the terrain. Riding the county and state roads it occurred to me, as it did in the 09 trip cross country ride, that the farms and towns far from the interstates reflect the real America. At some point take a trip from point A to point B using these roads. Don't be in a hurry. Stop in the small burgs and enjoy coffee and conservation with the locals. It is well worth the experience. Two highlights of todays ride illustrate this.
First was the small grocery/gas station at the corner of SR. 37 and rt 7 near Conventient OH. My riding group stopped for some beverages and rest. It had a small table and two chairs outside so we took our time and enjoyed the view. Across the street was a fresh fruit stand. I decided to go see what was available. Fresh strawberries, melons, asparagus and other assorted veggies was being offered. Overcoming my usual shyness, I started a dialog with the owner. Great lady. Sarah lived in the nearby trailer and we discussed many topics. Mainly she shared that the intersection by the stand had many accidents where people were killed. While the state did install yellow flashing lights, a four way stop sign was needed. I said there are areas around Washington with the same problem. So we shared a common experience. Cool.
And, I got to meet her dog Alice Chalmers. She loved to be petted so I obligded. The dog was 15 years old an not long for this world. Sarah indicated she knew, but savored there time together. Glad I stopped to get to know her.
After a bit it was time to move on. The second highlight of the trip was the Root Beer stand. That was my second visit to the place but in 09 I didn't stay long as it was rainy and cold. Today I lingered and enjoyed conversation locals at this place. In fact, one of the people informed me that he and four friends had ridden across had ridden across America in 1977. After leaving, the state line of Pennsylvania was a mere mile away. After a photo op, the rest of the way to Erie was uneventful. But a great day for riding a bicycle across America.
Rest day in Erie. Going to Niagra Falls.
Thishis is the first time I put a complete description on Facebook with photo album. The reason is that many followers do not have facebook and use my blog as their source Now a little help from my friends. Many facebook friends say theyof facebook they cannot share this. As a longtime user of the media, I still do not know how to do this. Any help would be grateful.

 

Day 6 of the Boston adventure.  Today's ride took me from Wooster OH to Niles OH a total of 92 miles.  The weather was perfect with favorable winds.  Even though it reached 95 degrees at least it wasn't 100.  To relieve the heat a thunderstorm passed us and provided a well needed respite from the heat.  Two highlights from the ride stand out.  First, as one of the objectives of doing something of this nature is to interact with the locals to get a feel of the unique properties of the towns and areas we ride through.  The stop in Fulton Canal OH. at the local coffee shop exemplified this.  The folks in charge were personable and accommodating.  Providing delicious coffee and drinks to a very thirsty group of cyclists exemplified this objective.  After an extended stay our group once again hit the road.   The day ride included approximately 4,000 feet of climb.  Combining that with the heat and made it a challenging but enjoyable experience.  Near the second SAG,  I noticed storm clouds approaching.  The good news is we outran it to the SAG.  Better news was there was a nice diner where the other riders in my group dined as the thunderstorm passed us.  It was a godsend because it temporarily broke the heat that was sapping my strength. 
The second event that stands out is about 10 miles from the end of the ride the route took me down a bike path.  It is one of the best I have ever ridden.  Smooth, asphalt surface with green covering made it a very enjoyable experience.  Many animals could be seen from the bike path the most notable a snake trying to traverse the path.  A nice way to end a great day of riding. 
Tomorrow is a mere 79 mile trip to Erie PA. 

 Harry buying coffee at the café.

Rain at the SAG

Tony and Harry an the Speakeasy

Bike train near Niles

Snake on the trail

Day 5 Marysville to Wooster OH.  97 miles but completed only 37.  One of the best bike mechanics ever, Larry, identified my tires as worn and possibly near failure.  Replace them as soon as possible.  That same conclusion was supported by the bike mechanic at the Wooster bike shop.   I did risk riding  the first leg of the trip but "bumped" into town to purchase two new tires.  Now, before you think I'm a total idiot for starting a 1,200 mile with worn tires, remember they were brand new when I purchased the bike about two months ago.  Who would have imagined they could have worn out in that short of time.  But, it's not the time element it's the distance.  With all the training I did and with the amount we have ridden so far, the tires have about 2,000 miles on them.  That is about the life of that particular tire.  I now have new ones in place and am eager to continue the ride to Boston. 
Not meaning to jinx the journey but the weather has been great.  No rain, blue sky's and favorable winds.  Hope to continue in this weather pattern.  Tomorrow we ride from Wooster to Niles OH. a total of 92 miles.

Downtown Wooster OH.

Biking down the country roads

Day 4-Richmond IN to Marysville OH.  Another beautiful day to ride a bicycle in America.  Today's trek was a mere 104 miles but with all the construction it resulted in anywhere from 109-114.  My bike computer registered 112.  Now folks, that's a lot of miles for an old timer like me.  Especially since we averaged over 17 mph for the entire trip.  The weather was in the high 80's but we had a favorable wind.  Describing the scenery was be an exercise in redundancy since it was mile after mile of corn and bean fields.  We encountered two major road blockages.  The first one we were able to take our bikes across and help each other up the embankment.  That officially does not disqualify anyone from attaining EFI.  At the second one, there was no bridge and to go across would involve trying to navigate an interstate route.  Wasn't going to happen.  So, the support staff googled a detour which increased the mileage to the numbers above.  This particular post will be rather short since I am in recovery mode and we bike 97 miles tomorrow with some severe climbs.  Looking forward to it. 

Me with Tony, Tom and Harry

Construction detour-notice the equipment.  The only one to use for such projects.

Helping the bikers across the raven

Riding through Amish country.  They do not like to be photographed to I got this from the backside

My distance today

Day 3 Champaign to Boston.  Another great day for riding a bicycle across Indiana.  The weather was perfect with high 80's and a favorable wind.  Todays venture started in Indy and ended in Richmond Indiana: a total of 75 miles.  Nothing exceptional in terms of landscape but as we passed one particular farm a pungent smell emanated from the property.  I asked my fellow British riders if they knew what the smell was.  They assured me they did but I had to explain that the nasty fecal odor was the "smell of money".  They understood the implication and we rode on.
The unique circumstance of our trip today was the amount of construction we had to detour around. (I think that's redundant but what the heck)  While they presented little problem for me, the riders attempting EFI would absolutely ride the detour route as opposed to walking their bikes across the construction site as many of us did.   So, it was interesting watching Harry riding every detour and in one instance created his own.  EFI baby!
The highlight for me was the stop we made in the small burg of Hagerstown.  As we rode through it looked a ghost town.  Very few people were visible.  In fact Tom stated "you could roll a bowling ball down the street and not hit anybody." Spying this unique café our group stopped for some refreshments.  Various coffee and soft drinks were available so we took our time, consumed our beverage at a leisurely rate and talked with the staff member.  After an extended stay, we were once again down the road.  Arriving at the hotel I needed to give my bike a good cleaning and lubricating.  Also, I had to have my gears and rear cassette adjusted because I was having problems as they were skipping quite often.  Larry, the mechanic and general organizer resolved the issue and I am very grateful.  Here's why. 
The "vacation" is over.  For the next three days we will ride over 90 miles each day and, in fact, tomorrow is 104 miles with severe climbing.  Looking forward to the challenge.

Me, Mitzy, herdaughter, Harry, Tony and Bob.

Lounge Café.  Iconic old coffee lounge.

A shout out to Willie

Tried to trade for that cool customized motorcycle.  Cycle owner turned down the offer.

Fabulous day for riding a bicycle.   My route today was a serpentening  jaunt through eastern Indiana from Crawsford to Indy as we trek our way to Boston.    It was only 60 miles, the weather was great with favorable winds. While it was somewhat hilly in places, it was nothing compared to what I will experience in the coming days.   I rode with Harry, Tony, Tom and happy to say they did not leave me in their dust as I suspect they could if they had wanted.  The scenery was redundant with miles of corn and bean fields interspersed with the occasional wooded  areas.  Nothing of note to describe here but we did have our first puncture. Note I did not say flat tire.  The British contingent have convinced me that a tire punctures thus causing the flat.  I like the logic so I am adopting that nomenclature.  Punctures are not uncommon but what was unique was after the repair and we were on the road, no more than 100 yards down the road,  the same tire flatted again.  As we were repairing it one of the SAG vans happened by, stopped, and we used a regular tire pump to inflate the tire resulting in a successful end to the trip.  At the end of the day a long time friend from high school , Brian, who is home from England for an extended stay, with his brother-in-law Dale, took me to a sports bar to help in the recovery and rehydration process.   Again a great day to ride across America. 

Strawberry festival in Crawsfordsville In.

Riding with the racehorses.

Repairing puncture

Wood of eastern Indiana

Big adventure started today.  80 mile ride from Champaign to Crawsfordsville In.  Many of the 09 riders are attending.  Jim, Willie, Harry, Tom, Darrel, Jack, and myself.  Good fortune as the weather could have not have been better.   Started out at 60 degrees and made it up to 80.  The wind,  while it was in our face, was slight so all it did was cool us off so we would not overheat as we rode. Perfect blue skies and mile after mile of corn and bean fields.  The early going was fast and furious.  The race horses stayed with the pack until about half way between Champaign and Danville then quickly separated themselves from the rest.  My attempt to keep up was a foolish attempt at being macho but was quickly squashed.  Western Indiana does have some hills but none so severe the were much of a challenge.  Even still it was a splendid ride and I am glad I decided to do this.  Now the good news,  no injuries, accidents or near misses.  My hope is the rest of the ride will be like this.  Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned

                                                   Tom and me at the start.  It was dress your helmet day.

The group at the start of the day-Dress your helmet day

Still one of my all time favorite signs outside a town

Not much diversity in the landscape so this was the best I could do.