It took us 5 days of riding to get to Warren, OH, but only 3.5 hours to drive home. Yeah, we had to pull the plug on this adventure (for now!) Greg hasn’t felt good almost this whole trip and now Becky is sick too. Jason and I were well down the road by the time we got the call from Greg. It was time to go home. They came and picked us up. We removed everything from the back seat area and loaded it into the back. I can’t believe everything still fit; with 4 humans and a dog inside the cab, all the stuff in the bed of the truck, and the bikes off the back. It was a pretty quiet ride back. Everyone is upset and feeling lousy as well.
But Jason and I started the day feeling pretty good after sleeping in real beds. We got going about 8:15 this morning. It was a brisk and mostly overcast, but the weather channel said it was going to clear and it did. It turned out to be another great day to ride.
We weren’t on the road long when we came upon Kent State. I was too young to remember it, but the event on May 4, 1970, where the National Guard shot 4 student protestors was immortalized in a Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young song called Ohio. Just a quick thought as we turned the corner and rode on.
We made really good progress along SR 5 for about 12 miles due East and then took some side streets into Newton Falls. I captured the water tower above and just a shot of the quaint downtown below.
To my left in this picture is a MacDonalds. You know I was starving if I was thinking about stopping there for an early lunch. I didn’t bring it up since it was only 10:30 ish. The problem with riding in areas you don’t know, is that you have no idea what’s coming or how long it will take to get to the next stop. Our hope was that the next town would have a good place to eat.
Somewhere just past Lordstown Township, I stopped a lady who was out getting her mail and asked her what the next town was and where we should eat. She indicated it was Warren and we should eat at the Sunrise Inn. Just a few miles down the road we stopped in for lunch.
At this point we had ridden 33.1 miles and only had 36.9 to go. So I ordered a huge cheeseburger and the tater tots for an extra $1. Unfortunately, que the call from Greg right here. We finished lunch and waited about 10 mins for the truck to show up and the rest you already know.
I really wanted to continue on my own, but I wasn’t prepared to carry everything I needed, and certainly not any of the camping gear. So I made a quick decision to drive everyone back home so I could regroup and figure out a fresh set of plans.
For now, Day 5 is on hold — being that it is only 1/2 done. Stay tuned!
Gotta be disappointing for everybody but it sounds like the right call.
Yeah, disappointing I couldn’t ride more with Greg. But we did get to ride 2 days. That’s more than the last 20 years combined, so that’s all good. I got to ride with Jason for 5 days and that was a great bonus watching him get stronger every day. So many good things, I’m not lamenting anything.
Rarely do things go as planned; be smart and safe!
Exactly!
Hi Dennis – I enjoyed following your journey. Things didn’t work out this time, but you have plenty of time to regroup and plan for another go at it. Looking forward to it.
Glad you’re enjoying it Tom. This is all part of the story I guess. As my buddy Frank texted me this morning — things happen for a reason. So maybe it was a good thing I wasn’t on the road during the Memorial Day weekend. You never know. But I’ll regroup and get going after the holiday.
It takes balls to put something like that together – and even bigger balls to do the right thing. 🖖The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Everyone, including Becky, has BIG balls! 🏀 🏀
Thanks Dan! It was a blast planning this all out and getting it going. It’s nice to have the luxury to be able to adjust as quickly as we did. And, to restart once the stars align.
Sorry to hear of the abrupt temporary end to your journey. Agree with Ian. Stay safe. Resume when it makes sense. Hope all are
Healthy very soon
Dave – I’m already having withdrawals from riding — it’s only been a few hours, lol. I’ll get back in the saddle soon.
I’m so sorry buddy. I hope becky and greg feel better soon. maybe someone could drop you off in Lordstown township with what you need to continue your journey on from there. As you know Catherine drives to the Lordstown plan a few times a month and I drive to my family in Ohio
(I have an update for you there) a few times a year. if we can help get your journey restarted, let us know.
Thanks Jim! What a great offer. I will definitely keep this in mind as I work a couple of alternatives.
No worries, it’s all part of the journey and the quest. I had ambitions of taking a day trip to meet you and ride a bit. I hope Greg and Becky feel better soon!
Dan — that would be cool to have you join for a ride! I’ll have a new plan soon and let’s see if it will work out.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I was excited to get to meet everyone. I hope they feel better soon.
Thanks Janel! I would have liked you to meet my brother Greg and family. I’m working on getting my brother Mike involved, so stay tuned!
Oh Dennis, what an adventure you had begun. I’m sorry that it came to an abrupt end, but definitely the right call for your friends. I hope they are feeling better very soon.
Lori — not the “end”. Just a temporary hold. I’ll be back on the road soon. It’s all part of the adventure, really.
Sorry to hear that Dennis, I have been following you intently and look forward to each post of yours. I can’t wait to see what you cook up next and hope everyone starts to feel better soon.
Thanks Mike! I’m taking advantage of the “rest” day. Planning will start tomorrow!
Well, I would consider it detour than a set back. It is all about experiencing and being present is the absolute. You did your karma with utmost dharma, therefore no regrets my friend. Enjoy the reprieve,cherish these moments and re-engage. Thanks for capturing and sharing many aspects of your experience.
Sorry about that D. You had a well planned and thought out trip. Unfortunately, best laid plans…. I know you will be back on your horse (bike) and back at it when you regroup. Don’t give up hope!
So sorry you guys had to cut your trip short, but I love your attitude about it.