Sunday, June 14, 2009

Richmond, Indiana to Marysville, Ohio

107 miles, 6:57 riding time, 2,047 feet of climbing, 5,074 Calories

"Arms, hands, bars, knees
Spinning blur, fast trees
Heart bangs, tires sing
Wind roars, gears ching
Climbing grade, sweat drips
Heavy legs, a couple sips
Breathing deeper, suck the air
Crest a hill, pedals tear
Feel no pain, feel no burn
Still time to go another turn
Mind is clear, thighs are tight
Rolling speed, wheeled flight
Cycling!"

Zeko, Jr., (2003)

Today's ride was beautiful, but long, another century-plus ride. Just after leaving Richmond, we did our ninth state line crossing, moving into Ohio. Although Weather Underground was only predicting a 10% chance of precipitation, we kept our eyes on a peculiar storm cloud formation moving in our direction. Yes, they have tornadoes in the Heartland. Luckily we did not get rained on and after a few hours of riding, the sun came out and it got warm and humid. The damned headwinds continued to retard our progress, but were not strong, even if they were in our faces for most of the day.

To pass the time, Big Al played state's capitals…what's the capital of Tennessee? Al got more correct than Peter or me.

We rode sinuous country roads that twisted and turned through areas peppered with small farms and ranches. The road was mostly flat with some Ohio Rollers thrown in to keep things interesting. We slowed down a bit today, stopping to take a few more pictures, and even eating lunch in one small town. I think this bull is a longhorn, but it may be an African cross. We turned one corner and I shouted out, "hello, kids!" I think Peter lost it at that moment. At one photo opportunity, I walked over to take a picture of some goats and was surprised when I got zapped by an electric fence! Yes, I'm OK and my camera still works, but boy was I shocked…

Big Al, Peter, and I rode together for most of the morning. Chris and Willie joined Rick and Mike in a race to the hotel. We have several long days ahead, so we didn't pursue them. Sue joined us after the lunch stop. Some friends of Al, from Ann Arbor, rode out from our destination hotel to meet us and Al rode in with them. Sue and I retraced out steps to find a Dairy Queen after checking into the hotel. A bunch of other riders stopped for shakes as well. We've been given cash to go out and eat on our own tonight, the restaurant that CrossRoads normally uses is out of business.

4 comments:

  1. Beach Bike Trek Update:
    We are saddened to have to report that S-Cat (aka The Boy) has been formally dismissed from the team. Per regulations, we are not at liberty to reveal the content of our confidential team deliberations, but the vote was unanimous. A dark day, indeed.

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  2. My Dad was born in Springfield Ohio if you get near there.... story goes that Springfield was a booming town until the railroad chose to go to Dayton instead....so much for Springfield.

    There must be a joke about kids, electricity and bicyclists, but I couldn't come up with one! You're in the area where good fences make good neighbors.

    Don't take pictures of the Amish - considered rude. But the little ones may chase you a bit as you ride through their towns - fun to see them all formally dressed in their black suits running along after you.

    We rode our jet skis to Catalina yesterday for the first time and thought about you marrying us! Great memories and success too! Thanks again,

    Ride on! B, C and little D

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  3. Jim, I am starting to become concerned about you. After this is over, how are you plannning to wean yourself off of your daily diet of milkshakes and DQ Blizzards?

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