Two different versions of “cold” today. The first cold was the temperature — 47 at 6 am and 59 at 5 pm. Isn’t it Spring?? Brrrr! I think tomorrow is the same at the start though, so I’ll quit whining. The second cold is what Greg caught. He was miserable. We forced him to stay put while Jason and I took off.
Yesterday was fantastic with a tailwind. Today was brutal with a headwind! The first 8 miles were straight into a 15 mph headwind. I didn’t wear enough clothing. I had a wind jacket and a jersey on top, but only bike shorts on the bottom. It took FOREVER to get to the North Coast Inland Trail that we rode part of yesterday. The trail was the point where we would turn a little out of the direct wind.
Once on the trail, the route was fantastic. We went through some small towns on our way to Findley State Park; Monroeville, Norwalk, and Brighton. We didn’t explore much, but some of the buildings took you back in time. This picture is from Monroeville, right on the edge of the path. Jason is looking at a board that shows arrival and departure times — totally made up since there is no longer a train there.
We stopped for lunch in Norwalk. The trail itself stops and you have to take some city streets to get back to it. While passing through, we spotted the Freight House which is supposed to resemble a caboose. It probably wouldn’t matter what they served for us to give rave reviews, because we were hungry. My appetite has certainly started to increase. I had a cheese burger and a side of mac-n-cheese. Jason had the turkey bacon club sandwich and a side of fries. Clean plate club for both of us!
With a little over 10 miles to go, I had to stop for this picture. I live in Brighton, MI. This town is Brighton, OH and I think it’s all captured in this photo. My home town is huge in comparison. I took pictures trying to get just the right angle. When I looked up the road, I could see Jason pedaling like mad. He made me laugh. He figured he’d test me to see what I had left. I haven’t had a chance to hammer on this trip, but I took full advantage and surprised him I think. I hit 23 mph with a strong wind coming at me on the left shoulder; so I felt pretty good with that effort.
Just outside Norwalk was this bridge. I think this is the North Branch of the Huron River. Totally different Huron River than the one we passed on Day 1 in Michigan. They both feed into Lake Erie; this one actually right at the town of Huron. This river caused me a lot of confusion as I was trying to decipher the path that GW Howell took on his horseback ride. I thought he might have been referring to this one, which made me think he took a southern route back to New Jersey.
Jason and I had a good ride. He’s been doing really well for someone who isn’t a seasoned rider. According to the plan, it was 54.1 miles. We did a little extra in Norwalk getting to our lunch stop, and we did a lot extra once inside Findley State Park. The campground had to be 3 miles from the entrance (I may be exaggerating). Nonetheless, official mileage for today is 57.01.
Becky had the camp set up for us as usual so far. Dinner soon followed; brats, green beans, and mac-n-cheese. Becky is a fire bug, so she was itching to get a camp fire going, which she’s working on in this photo.
I’m looking forward to the ride tomorrow. The terrain starts to get a little more challenging as we approach the Appalachians, but I suspect it will start to have some better scenery. Stay tuned!
Starting to sound like the Kickr+Zwift combo worked for you. Is Becky available for hire? Best SAG support I have ever heard of.
OMG!!! She’s fantastic. We could definitely use her services at Iceman Bandit. But that’s November in Michigan. Not much chance of getting her out of Florida at that time of year.
She wouldn’t even leave Florida to sleep in a horse trailer in November? We could use the fire expertise 😁
😂
Damn the headwind and hammer it! I love it. Way to go!
🚴
Without Becky you guys would be hurting.
I know! It has been awesome!
I hope it warms up for you tomorrow. You’ll be riding through where I grew up tomorrow (on day 4); Norton, Barberton, Akron, and Cuyahoga Falls. I was born and went to high school in Barberton, worked in Norton (Milich’s Village Inn) during High School and College, went to college and first professional job after college in Akron, and my Mom and Brother live in Cuyahoga Falls now. I think you’ll enjoy the change in scenery and landscape as you pass through the my old stomping grounds. Not so flat anymore…
Very cool!!!
Looks like you will actually pass within a mile or two of the University of Akron. Go Zips! 🙂
Too bad we aren’t going right through it. No time for a diversion.
Hope Greg gets to feeling better and back to riding real soon. Well wishes from Florida!
I forgot to get oatmeal,so left over chicken and rice tomorrow along with more Brats! 🙃
My legs are killing me reading this. I told someone at work you guys you were doing this and he asked “what kind of bike?”. I said a bicycle not a motorcycle. He was floored.
We’re all nuts!!
I envy you 4. Maybe Becky could ride in Gregg’s place while he recuperates. She’s tough. I’m really enjoying the trip with you.
Glad you are enjoying! The journey will continue, without Greg, Becky, and Jason on this next portion. But Greg’s been given a mission to plan something in Florida this coming Winter.
What a great read and pictures Dennis.
Trying to keep it exciting 🙂