YES! Back on the road again!! My brother Mike finished up his teaching duties in Phoenix, AZ and hustled to Michigan to provide support. We took off from Brighton about 8:30 this morning (Friday). Back tracking the route I took to get everyone home from Warren, OH, Mike and I were eating at the Sunrise Inn at the same spot Jason and I were eating last Wednesday before we pulled the plug.
After a good lunch, I got on the bike and followed the new route I plugged into the Garmin Edge. I have no idea what I’m doing apparently. The route said 35.6 miles which is what I was expecting. I ended up on a completely different Southern route and rode 46.96 miles. I have no idea how that happened.
My route took me South to Girard, which was a way bigger city than I was expecting, then a bunch of small towns including Pulaski and New Wilmington. By this time I was committed and had no idea how far I had to go. I also found myself riding some pretty steep hills both up and down. I prefer going down the hills though, it’s way faster and such fun!
I think I was in the area of New Wilmington when most of the farms and vehicles were Amish. I thought this was such a great sight with the Amish man in the horse and buggy leading a giant farm tractor. It’s hard to see in this picture, but it almost looked as if the buggy could have gone right under the big tractor.
The original plan was to go to the Mercer/Grove City KOA at the end of Day 5. I had a reservation already and it would have cost the $49 to cancel it. So I asked if I could move it out and upgrade to a cabin instead of a tent site. They said yes, so we are now staying in a cabin — 1 full side bed and a twin bunk. The place has all you need. It’s got a TV, a/c, refrigerator, and microwave. We won’t be using anything but the beds, but it’s pretty nice. The price was $89. The best part was the hot shower at the end of the ride. So good!!!
I felt pretty good today. I rode longer than I was hoping too, but it was a beautiful day in the mid-70s. Hopefully I can figure out this navigation tool or I may far exceed what I was originally intending to ride. Stay tuned!!
great you are back on the road/bike. Sounds like a great first day back.
So far so good! These hills will keep it challenging.
Remind me to not put you in charge of directions on our next away game road trip. 🙂
That’s your job!! Remember when we drove to Purdue — you were the copilot in charge of navigation.
You are so right.
I’m so happy for you that you were able to restart your journey. Cool that you crossed over into PA. Are there signs on your trails indicating you are leaving one state and entering another? Best of luck going forward. I’ll be looking forward to your posts
I wish there was a sign, but I guess you only see those on the interstates. The Day 6 route took me on a street called “State Line”. I rode on that for a short distance, then took a left and I was in PA. I did capture a picture, but it was pretty boring so I didn’t post it. Thanks for the “best of luck”. So far, so good. But I’ve got a long way to go 🙂
I hope Jason, Greg, and Becky are doing well, and alright, Mike!
Great to know you’re back up and running. I’m looking forward to the next epoch in your quest.
I think they are having a rough time, so I’m crossing my fingers too. Thanks for following along.
Good deal keep on it sir and y’all have fun.
Holy cow Jason. The intensity has gone up a bunch. These hills are way more than I was expecting. Getting through them for these 1st 2 days though.
Glad you are back, nice for the brothers to be doing the trip. Enjoy the journey!!!
Thanks Ian! The support is critical. I wouldn’t be ready to do a trip of this length if I had to carry everything I needed on my bike.
I’ve lost 10 lbs so far on this trip with you guys. But I gained some of it back just hearing about those Amish people. Best food you’ll ever find. Also noticed a striking resemblance between brothers Greg and Mike. Both handsome and fit. I’m waiting on the next leg of this journey.
Yes, all 3 of my older brothers look much more alike now. My oldest brother Ken has a beard, but you can still see the resemblance. Stay tuned, I’ll try to keep posting.
On the road again! Willie would be proud! Glad the miles are clicking off again and bother Mike is on the job. Good call on the upgrade. Wonder if those early Howell’s got to do that! What an epic adventure already! Keep pedaling through history. So great off you to share the journey!
Thanks Skip. I don’t think the early Howells had too many alternatives. I’ll take them when I need them though 🙂