Home Again

There is so much more to write about the last two days of our adventure - and I shall do so. However, before that happens, there is laundry to be washed (or burned), grocery shopping, errands, appointments, 5-weeks worth of mail to sort through, and finding my way back into the real world - the most difficult part, re-entry.

My folks picked me up at the airport, after which we headed to Lester's Diner for a Father's Day dinner - my sister, Barb, her husband, Danny, and son, Lucas met us. It was nice to be with all of them - and how fortunate am I at age 65 to be able to celebrate Father's Day with my Dad? Home by 8:00 and asleep within minutes.

Monday was a lost day. After running out to the library and grocery store I came home to sleep away the entire afternoon - waking up around 6:00. Interestingly, while we are on the road, waking up anywhere between 4:15 and 4:45, and getting on our bicycles to ride through the day, other than the exhaustion that comes with the ride, our bodies don't seem to realize they are being drained of strength. We are all like the Energizer bunny (some of us stronger and more energized than others) pushing through each day and doing what we are doing because we love it or are crazy (or a combination of both). Take away our bikes and take us off the road, and our bodies begin to find a new level. It is a process - and I am in the midst.

So, speaking of appointments - time to get ready for my 9:30. Will write again in the next couple of days. You must hear about the last two days. They were INCREDIBLE!

Please check back. Judi a/k/a TheWanderingJu

Question: When Does 88 become 50?

June 12

Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY

50 Miles (out of 88)

Total Miles To Date ~ 1,530

Answer: When the wind blows in a cyclists face for the entire 50-miles and she no longer has the strength or desire to go on. 

For the first time, breakfast was at 6:00 (something our trio had requested on very long days) and we were outta there by 6:30. Erie has great bike paths making it fairly pleasant getting out of town. Today's terrain was rolling and beautiful - we rode through one of New York State's wine areas with Lake Erie on our shoulder most of the day. It was nice to peer over our left shoulder and see glimpses large and small of the water. We traveled through a number of small communities and passed magnificent homes, modest cottages, farms, and the aforementioned vineyards. Early on the temps were cool to the skin (high 60s) and the sky was overcast. Perfect riding. But that wind in the face. My nemesis! I know it disappoints Holly, and I feel less than happy about it myself. However, when I am in the midst of all of it I holler "uncle" and want out of the moment. 

Vineyard overlooking Lake Erie

Half of us were at the 20-mile SAG stop and the New York State Line was only a mile up the road. Frankie suggested a group shot - and we got one over and over again. There are two professional photographers who have been traveling with us since yesterday and they did the honors - 16 times over - shooting the group with each of our cameras. 

We are in the outskirts of Buffalo. Tomorrow we are headed across the border - passports at the ready. I have not been to Niagara Falls since age 12. It frightened me then. Wonder what my reaction will be now that I'm all grown up. Check in tomorrow to get the answer to that question.

Judi a/k/a TheWanderingJu and Holly

Reaching Land's End

At Lake Erie's Shore ~ Land's End

June 11

Austinburg, OH to Erie, PA

60 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 1,485

Today was glorious from the weather to the roads. Sure, there were those moments - a rough road on a downhill where we found ourselves breaking rather than charging the hill, two flats that made no sense, drivers to whom we are invisible and those who see us but think we belong on the sidewalk. But, overall, beauty was the word of the day.

Despite the fact that our final destination is north of the border as we follow the footsteps of slaves escaping to Canada, seeing Lake Erie from Lake Avenue was filled with more emotion than I could have anticipated. At first we were just stopping to take a picture. However, when we got off the bikes and crossed the road we all - Holly, Mary, and I - found ourselves choked up and nearly simultaneously we reached for our cell phones to call people who are most important in our lives (I called my Dad). We have peddled our bicycles from Mobile Bay at the south to the shores of Lake Erie at the north and that is a remarkable statement to be able to make. In the middle of it all, while we are in Kentucky or Tennessee, we are just on the road. Here, on the shores of Lake Erie, we have reached Land's End.

Entering Pennsylvania

Photo taken from the seat of my bike

Tomorrow we ride or last long day, 88-miles, and cross into New York. We are nearly at our final destination. Glad you are along for the ride.

TheWanderingJu a/k/a Judi :-] 

What A Difference A Day Makes ~ Again

Corn In A Crib

(I've wanted this photo since Iowa)

June 10

Hudson to Austinburg, OH

65 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 1,425

We left in a drizzle. Seven hours later, we arrived in the rain. In between we rode under overcast skies, sunny skies, and threatening skies. It was glorious! The temperature dropped into the 70s, the humidity was, for the most part, gone, and the wind gods decided to give us a break, sending tail winds for most of the day. 

After a brief sojourn on two busy roads, we were back on country roads. Roads! They were a mix of bumpy to awful, and some of the time smooth and wonderful. We went through the town of Burton and I thought of my family - my aunt, her sister, my cousins - all going out to "Burton" for the annual antique market. All of them have brought home beautiful pieces of furniture that I love to look at and would not mind owning. Ah, well, it is nice to dream the dream. Perhaps one day, in an alternate universe, when I am much younger and just starting out I will go to Burton and find something special. In the universe where I am at this time, the one where we sleep in a different hotel or motel each night and rides our bicycles each day, I have no need for furniture - just my bicycle, a small duffle and my tote bag with Bubbi written over the pocket, and my dear friend, Holly.

Our travels took us through Amish country where we shared the road with buggies filled with families. We even had one occasion to pass a buggy on the road ("on your left"). There we were, two alternative forms of transportation on a quiet country road. These are the photos that must be taken with the eye and stored in the mind and heart. 

Following is a brief history of the Amish. 

The Amish people "are" Amish because of their religion, not because of the way they dress. This comes directly from the Bible:

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one

loves the world, love for the Father is not in him." I John 2:15 RSV

The Amish live in homes without electricity or telephones, ride in buggies and other horse drawn vehicles, and wear very plain, home-made clothing. That’s why they have been called the "plain people". They have chosen to live this way because of not wanting to conform to the rest of the world.

The Amish came to the United States in search of religious freedom, as did many people. In Europe, in the 16th century, there was an Anabaptist movement. They were called Anabaptists because they did not baptize infants as the Catholics did. They were seen as the radicals of the Swiss Protestant Reformation. "Anabaptist" means to re-baptize.

The first adult baptism recorded was in 1525. A Catholic priest by the name of Menno Simons left the priesthood during this period and his followers became known as the Mennonites. In 1693, Jacob Amman had a conflict with the Swiss Anabaptists because of what he saw as a lack of discipline in the church. His followers eventually became known as the "Amish".

In the 1700s, between 50 and 100 Amish families arrived in America, settling mostly in Pennsylvania. Many others followed in the 19th century. Over the years, various orders of Amish spread into Ohio.

There are several orders of the Amish faith found in Ohio. They are the Old Order, New Order, Swartzentruber, Beachy, Andy Weaver, and the conservative Mennonites and the Amish Mennonites. Most of the orders hold church services in their homes. The Mennonites usually have services in church buildings.

The Amish live side by side with the English, but maintain the lifestyle of their 16th century European ancestors. Although most still live on the farm, it is getting more and more difficult to earn a living from farming, so there are many who have other occupations, such as woodworking, cabinetry and carpentry, while others are blacksmiths, buggy and carriage makers, and own repair shops. Others run different types of businesses that appeal to the many tourists, such as quilt shops, hand made baskets, etc.

My cousins, Harriet, Lyndsey, Jillian, and Evan came down from Cleveland for a visit and dinner with the group. It was wonderful to see them, if only for such a brief time. The best part - I got to meet Jillian and Evan (ages 5 months and 3 1/2 months). 

The weather and terrain should be favorable tomorrow - we are headed to Erie, Pennsylvania.

Thanks for stopping by. It's nice to have you with us. Judi :-]

Photos ~ June 9

Judy Norris telling us at a SAG stop how she 

pushed herself up those d*^% hills.

Mary Callesen ~ Another Class of '98 member 

Everett Road Covered Bridge

Back In The Saddle Again

June 9

Oberlin to Hudson, OH

68 Miles

Total Miles To Date ~ 1,360

From the first peddle stroke this ride was hell - for me. Wind in the face to start with, bad roads, worse drivers, climbs that should not have been as difficult as they were (see aforementioned head winds and bad roads - and bad drivers). However, our main enemy was the heat. Temperatures climbed quickly into the 90s and stayed there. Ninety degrees bouncing off of the road is more than likely over 100. We always seemed to be running out of water and out of shade. I always seemed to be falling back because I am not as strong at climbing as Holly and Mary. All of this being said, we miraculously finished the day, pulling into our home for the night 9+ hours after we left The Oberlin Inn. 

Storms are predicted for tonight, possible rain tomorrow - and cooler temperatures. Oh yes, flatter terrain. 

FLORA AND FAUNA UPDATE:
Two minks or ferrets, or beavers ran across the road right in front of Holly's bike. We are not sure what they were - but they were long and fluffy.
Saw a number of Canadian geese the other day - with goslings. Cute!
A herd of goats.

We took a break in Medina for cool drinks at a coffee shop, crossed a covered bridge, ate lunch at Hudson's in Hudson, and stopped along the road to eat our PBJs while standing next to our bicycles. 

NOTE:
Changed both tires and one tube yesterday. Thanks to the coaching of a good friend, Claudine Simpson, I tried another method for changing my rear tire. How easy it was. One, two, six, and the tire was seated back in place.

We are beat - all of us - from today's ride. That being said, I am looking forward to tomorrow. We have been promised flat, cooler, and 7-miles on a Rail Trail at the end of our 60-mile day. 

Until then - thanks for stopping by. Judi and Holly :-]

Staying Over In Oberlin

Just a few photos from this beautiful and historic town. Enjoy! 

At the Underground Railroad Healing Garden

Holly and Me 

Holly and Mary arrive at the Oberlin Inn with their "guides". Click HERE to see a story on their arrival in Oberlin.

Good and Lousy All At The Same Time

Bottom to top ~ Mary, Beverly, and Holly

June 7

Mt. Vernon to Oberlin

0 Miles (Holly and Mary rode 68)

Total Miles to Date ~ Same as yesterday :-]

Woke up feeling unwell - nauseous, as if I was coming down with the flu (but not). When I went down to breakfast and just the sight of food made me ill, I made the decision to SAG. I think it was a good decision and a lousy decision all at the same time. Good because what's the point of being out on the road and feeling unwell? Lousy because SAGing means one is off the bike and in the van. Such a difference for many reasons. Still the "good" outweighed  the "lousy", it was the right choice, and I am feeling better now. So, while Michelle went shopping I slept, after taking a couple of Tylenol, and then we got on the road. More than likely all of this was because of yesterday's heat. A couple of the women did not feel well last night (ah, but they rode today). I am sure I hydrated and ate enough, but who can figure the human body's reaction to different situations? 

The roads were typical country - narrow and, for the most part, filled with potholes, rough spots, and gravel. We went through amish areas where there were wagon ruts in the road. Most of the day was climbing - and most of the women rode all of the miles. Some, including Mary and Holly, sagged a few miles in the middle in order to end the day on their bikes. In fact, Holly and Mary met a couple from the local Visitors' Bureau that took them into town via a bike path (adding 4-miles to the day). 

We are in Oberlin for a rest day. Cute college town, founded in 1833, with a lot of history. Tonight a speaker is coming by to tell us some of the history of the Underground Railway in Oberlin. Holly and Mary met a nice couple while they were on the home stretch and got a lot of information about places to see and where we can go for food and snacks.

I will post some photos later. I may not have ridden, but I still need a shower. 

Thanks for dropping by. TWJ  

110 In The Shade

6:00 Shadow

June 6

Dublin to Mt. Vernon, OH

61 Miles (out of 75)

Total Miles To Date ~ 1,353

OK, not really that hot - but it felt that way. Because of the length of the day - 75 miles - and the heat and humidity, we were out of the motel around 6:30. The winds were favorable, but not friendly and I struggled most of the day. Perhaps it was not the elements alone, but perhaps my body has chosen today for a mini-break down. We came upon Bo-Peep for the third time at 61-miles where Mary and I threw in the proverbial towel - bringing Holly along for the ride (something she does not like to do - quit). 

Church at 61-miles

Near mile 35 we heard what sounded like a BB gun shot. It was my rear tire - which even sent some "shrapnel" at my legs. A rear tire! We hate flats, and we ESPECIALLY hate flats on rear tires. There was a large hole in the tire with pieces of tread coming out of it. The tube had a puncture that was not worth repairing, and I tossed it when we got to our motel. 

A step back in time right now. While pumping my tires at our motel in Eutaw, I broke the stem on the rear tube. After everything was put back together on the rim, I could not get the wheel back on the bike. Marilyn! She knows everything about bikes (see my flat on the Mississippi River Ride). I asked her to coach me through the process - and she did. First, and most important, turn the bike upside down. Turns out that makes it easier getting the chain back on the cassette. Another "Marilyn" is that when she fixed my flat on the 2007 ride, she used a product from Park, an adhesive backed boot, that is not easy to find. In one of the many bike shops we visited on this ride I found a package. What a blessing! Total time to change the flat - 20-minutes according to Holly. Thanks again, Marilyn. You may not be here in body, but in spirit you continue to help me along the way.

Leslie catching a rest before continuing on

We are in Mt. Vernon - and have yet to see anything outside of our room. We are hot and beat. Ah, tomorrow - only 84-miles to Oberlin and our last rest day of this adventure. We arrive in Canada one week from today.

Thanks for visiting. Talk to you soon. TWJ and Holly :-]

What A Difference A Day Makes

June 5

Xenia to Dublin, OH

69 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 1,292

Clear blue sky streaked by a few wisps of white. The promise of hot and humid temps that did not come to fruition before we finished the day. So different than yesterday's beginning.

Today’s start was late - breakfast not until 7:30 (eggs and oatmeal and all the rest) with snacks and lunch stuff being put out at 7:15. We three were the first ones out and stayed up there most of the day. There was a museum 6 miles from Xenia that opened at 9:00 and many of the women were going to stop there. Our plan was to beat the heat and enjoy the cooler temps of the early part of the day. We met up with BoPeep near mile 20 and never saw her again. Mary dropped off at mile 37 to wait for the van and SAG in to the hotel. I think she would have enjoyed the rest of the day - I know it - but she was anticipating heat that would have made the riding much more difficult than it turned out to be.

We had a wonderful southerly breeze that pushed us along most of the morning. Our terrain as mostly flat with some rollers and a few minimal climbs. Around 45 or 50 miles, after failing to find a town to stop in, we chose a shady spot on some freshly mown grass - directly along the road - sat down and had a relaxing lunch of PBJ, water, and whatever else we could find in our packs. By early afternoon (we arrived in Dublin at 2:00) the winds had shifted more westerly and pushed at us, trying to hold us back as we rode along. Looking from our motel window I can see that the breeze has picked up and may be making the riding that much more difficult for any of the women still on the road. I’m happy we are here. 

FLORA AND FAUNA UPDATE:

Yesterday it was squirrels. One brave soul jumped right at my bike and miraculously did not take me down or end up as squirrel stew. 

Today a weasel carrying a dead mouse in its mouth (dinner for the kids?) ran directly in front of Holly while we were on a Rail Trail.

Rabbits.

A few dogs that required whistle therapy.

Beautiful flowers and different trees than in the south.

Flooded fields of corn and soybeans - we hope the will dry out enough to be saved. It was sad to see all of the damage from the storms.

High water and fast running rivers and creeks. 

Horses - many with foals.

Many types of cattle.

A doe in one of the many fields of newly planted corn.

Not much longer and we will be at the end of our adventure. Seems difficult to believe we have pushed ourselves along for so many miles under our own power - one revolution at a time. When I go home it will be time for me to get back to work on a project that began as a casual remark - "Perhaps I will write a book about it." ~ "It" being my 1998 cross country bicycle journey. I promised myself more than ten years ago and I know I have the talent. These are two very good reasons to get back to writing. Even if I am never published, I want to complete yet another journey - putting words and thoughts to paper and telling myself, "This is good."

Thanks for coming along on the ride. Talk to you tomorrow. Judi :-]

June 4 Photos ~ Headed to Xenia

Why, you may ask, did we choose to SAG?

Bonnie and me at Al's Diner in South Lebanon

Holly and Michelle in background

Tree and debris in the road          

Holly, Me, and Mary on the Rail Trail  

Kathy and Company coming through a

downed tree just after we had passed by

High Water at our SAG stop

Tornadoes and Floods and Hail - Oh, my!

Will add photos and total mileage from Dublin. We didn't have Internet in our room so I am sitting on the floor in front of the elevators. J :-]

June 4

Milford to Xenia, OH

35 Miles (out of 55)

Total Miles to Date ~ 1,223

Somehow, we got a late start (forgot to fill my water bottles - "Two days wasn't enough time?" was Holly's comment, needed to use the WC just one more time, and just moving slowly for a change). Georgia decided to SAG. We walked out to the parking lot of our motel and heard thunder and lightening. Next! Put our bikes up on the van 'cause we are not riding in this weather. There had been tornado warnings and watches, flood warnings and watches, hail warnings, and just general bad weather abounded. Most of the women were out on the road already. As our bikes were being put up top - Michelle and Laurie soaked to the skin in minutes - Sue and Frankie returned. This was not a day to ride. Much too dangerous. So, in the van we went - two guides and five riders. 

By the time we got to the SAG stop at mile 20 Laurie had received a number of calls from different groups of riders who had found shelter in various locations, or had not yet found the entrance to the Rail Trail. We picked Lois up at the SAG stop and all of us were taken to Al's Diner in South Lebanon. Meanwhile, my cousin, Bonnie, had planned to ride with us, and she and I were playing telephone tag about what to do about riding, so she came to the diner as well. The van went back to Milford to pick up the rest of the group. Laurie and Michelle decided to take all of us off the road - much too dangerous. An hour later back they came - without riders and bikes. The weather had cleared (it cleared in South Lebanon too) and we were OK to go for the last 35-miles - all on a Rail Trail.

Last night's storms had done a lot of damage. There were trees down and a lot of debris across the path, the Little Miami River was over flowing its banks in places, and fields of newly planted corn (and other crops) were flooded and most likely lost. All in all, it was a great adventure - climbing over, under, and through downed trees, serpentining around debris, and being together on the road - always the best part of the day.

We had just left the trail and were finally in town - less than one mile from the hotel - when I felt a flat and at the same time Mary told me I had a flat. The three of us walked to the hotel. Better to change it in the comfort of my motel room than out on the street. If it had to happen, better in town than out on the trail. Changed the flat - remembering a number of Marilyn’s lessons - and we cleaned our bikes - removing large piles of dirt and debris from every surface and nook. Those bikes were REALLY dirty. Dinner was delicious - Michelle is cooking now. We ate inside the hotel because a storm was on the horizon and coming through at a fast clip. Breakfast will be late tomorrow because there is a museum down the road that does not open until 9:00. Even though the day is only 69-miles we wanted to be on the road by 6:30 because it is going to be in the upper 80s and humid. Guess that won’t be happening.

LOST AND FOUND:

Tossed old gloves with nearly “see-through” palm/Bought hot pink gloves - when did they get so expensive?
Tossed red/white/blue Giro helmet with a small hole in the back and numerous small cracks/Bought white Bell helmet - no cracks, no sweat, all padding present.
After carrying it nearly the entire ride, finally tossed my mini-pump that really never worked and should have been tossed after last year’s ride when I realized it was a piece of junk.

Thanks for dropping by. Talk to you from Dublin. Judi :-]

People We Meet Along The Way

Another Border Crossed ~ Into a New State

June 2

Maysville, KY to Milford, OH

69 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 1,188

Holly, Thomas, and Mary

It is never about the destination, but always about the journey. During our first two weeks on the road we were not riding any sort of ride we would have chosen. Yes, there were some beautiful roads, but that was not enough, and the roads were not so beautiful most of the time. The missing element - people. Today we found that missing element at mile 25.2 in Wahlsburg, Ohio. We met Thomas "High Pockets" Turner. What a joy! 92-years young, handshake of a 35-year old, face of a 45-year old, still driving, memory better than mine, and a smile that could melt butter. Considering we had just left a part of the country where Rosemary Clooney and George Clooney are hometown heroes, where we rode on Clooney Highway - in honor of Rosemary Clooney (she grew up in Maysville) - meeting Thomas was much more exciting. He is a part of history, part of the history this ride is about. Thomas's wife was born in Ripley, OH - directly across the river from Maysville. Ripley was an extremely important part of the Underground Railroad, called Freedom's Landing. I hope you will take the time to check out the town's site. There is a lot of information on Rankin House and Parker House, two very important sites. This morning we had the opportunity to say "hello" and "good-bye" to Marilyn. We had finished breakfast when Jennifer told us that Marilyn was accepting visitors. She looked great - those pain meds are a blessing. Michelle used Bo-Peep to take her to the Cincinnati Airport for an afternoon flight. Our SAG for the day was the van, with Georgia and Patty at the helm. 

Georgia Marking The Roads

Here's A Woman Who Stops Traffic

We crossed the Ohio River by foot - no bicycles allowed on the narrow roadway. Walking is always a good opportunity for photos - and we took advantage of that opportunity. We are in Ohio - my home state, Mary's home state. There is a feeling of excitement knowing I am in Ohio - even though I am only "passing through". 

Most of the day was flat to rolling with a couple of significant climbs in the early morning - and two moderate climbs that took us to our motel at day's end. Dogs were problematic - our whistles made quick work of them. We had one chocolate lab that followed us for quite a while. Mary yelled out, "On your left" and I got confused, thinking she was coming up on my left. What she had actually said was, "It's on your left" (the dog). Eventually she tired of the run and went home (the dog, not Mary). We stopped in Williamsburg for pseudo-blizzards (delicious!) and moved on - only 27 miles from here.

We made a couple of stops in Milford - a bike shop and CVS. This morning I had noticed a number of small cracks in my helmet and decided to get a new one. Not so easy for me to make a decision that quickly. However, I did and got one at the shop in Milford - and what a cute little town it is. Then it was time. We were tired and wanted out of our gear and into a comfortable room with air conditioning. Three miles and two climbs later we arrived, and after crossing a busy intersection just off an Interstate junction, we were home - Holiday Inn Express in Milford. 

Dinner was across the road at a very good Mexican restaurant - "Table for 30, please." We said "hello" to five new riders and "good-bye" to Patty, our cook/guide. She will be headed home to Utah and her husband early tomorrow morning. Laurie returns tomorrow to resume her duties as guide and Michelle begins as cook/guide.

Will send loads of photos and a bit about our day in Cincinnati another time. Thanks for dropping by. TWJ :-]

Serpentine! Serpentine!

The Kentucky Countryside

June 1

Dry Ridge to Maysville, TN

50 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 1,119

Does anybody out there remember a movie with Peter Falk where he played a dentist and was drawn into something illegal with his daughter's future father-in-law? While they were being shot at in some Central American country the FFIL told him "serpentine, serpentine" while they were being shot at. Why am I bringing this up and what does it have to do with a bicycle ride? I'll explain. Today's ride was a series of climbs and downhills. Many of the climbs were long and difficult or short and difficult. Either way, the best method to get up these climbs (Holly just taught me about this earlier in the tour) is to serpentine up the hill. It has something to do with the angle of the road rather than going at it straight on. Physics? I don't know. What I do know is this - it works and it helps. My climbing continues to improve. All of that being said, and with great (some frightening) downhills, I threw in the towel at 50 miles on this 75-mile day. The sun was out, we had been on the road for 6 hours, and my legs screamed "No more!". 

SAG stop at mile 40

We had not been in the van very long when, at mile 60.5, we saw one of our riders walking up the hill in front of us. Another of the riders had taken a sharp turn at a high speed and lost control of her bicycle, was unconscious, and rescue was on the way. During our dinner hour the injured rider came back from the hospital. She has a fractured pelvis, a number of bruises, possible shoulder issues, and is generally miserable - but alive. Tomorrow she will head for home and a full recovery. This could have been so much worse. Her helmet broke in at least five places - saving her life for sure. We are so thankful that she is alive, and well enough to have told the nurses at the hospital that they could NOT cut off her expensive cycling shorts in order to remove them. This is one feisty woman and we will miss her presence on the road and in the group. Today, as she passed by, she constantly told me how well I was doing - and I always answered "At least I'm still upright". 

Maysville is a very cute riverfront town that is on the route some of the riverboats that ply the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. There are numerous places to stop and see things pertinent to the Underground Railroad. We had lunch at a small cafe that serves wonderful food and the owner told us that the sites in this town, and nearby Washington, are manned by volunteers and not opened all the time, making it very difficult to see what we are in search of. Now that the Adventure Cycling route is a reality, perhaps that will change.

We had dinner in the parking lot next to beautiful murals that were painted on the flood gates. Tomorrow is another long day with some early climbs followed by flatter and rolling terrain. 

We leave Kentucky tomorrow and cross the Ohio River on this beautiful bridge. One of the locals told me that it was a prototype for the Golden Gate Bridge. I've got to check that out - it doesn't sound legit. 

Thanks for visiting. Talk to you from Cincinnati. Judi and Holly 

Why Does The Turtle Cross The Road?

Narrow Bridge over the Ohio River

Seen from the Kentucky side

May 31

Madison, IN to Dry Ridge, KY

60 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 1,069

I don't have the answer to that question. But, when I saw a small turtle on the road today, I wondered, where in the world is it going? And, why are they always on the road when I am on an uphill, eliminating a great photo-op? 

We left (right off the top of my head I cannot remember where we were last night) - oh, yeah, Madison, IN. So - we left Madison by 7:00 and arrived in Dry Ridge, KY at 12:30. Most of the ride was flat with rollers. At mile 23.4 we began a wonderful 1-mile climb. Wonderful because it was softly graded and so easy to complete. There was a sweet creek running along side, and since I was alone there were times when the only sound was the gentle movement of water over rocks as it moved downstream. Birds continue to be in abundance and their songs are music for the soul. 

Sag break with Bo-Peep at Mile 40

The past couple of days we have dealt, once again, with dogs. Our second major climb of the day, at mile 50.3, was 1/2 mile long (seemed a lot longer), but the grade was very steep, and there were three barking dogs waiting at the top. Holly rode the entire length, Mary walked part way and then got back on the bike. Me, I rode possibly one-quarter of the distance, then got off and walked to the top - nearly. Just near the top I got back on the bike - and three dogs came out at me, two large and one small "yippee" thing. As if often the case, the owner was right there, calling them back (they never go back) and yelling out "they don't bite" (tell that to Chris). We know that most of these dogs just want to say, "Hello". However, there is always the chance of being bitten, and other than being bitten, the a real concern is finding one or all of them tangled up in a wheel. 

Home for the night is the Holiday Inn Express at the intersection of I-75 and SR 467 (on the left and across many lanes of traffic). Holly and I took a walk to Wal-Mart (just across the bridge in "car talk"). Have you ever noticed what a HUGE parking lot Wal-Mart has?

I had a visit from Neil, Lisa, Victoria, and Joseph Starr - friends from Florida who made the move to Kentucky a couple of years ago. It was really fun spending time with them - and as you can see, Victoria was hoping to join the group. She is just the cutest 4-year old. 

 

Neil, Lisa, Victoria and Joseph - and Me

Victoria helping put away the dinner chairs.

Thanks for dropping by. Talk to you tomorrow. Judi a/k/a TheWanderingJu

Rollin' Along The River ...

May 30

Louisville, KY to Madison, IN

59 Miles

Total Miles To Date ~ 1,009

We rolled across the Ohio River and back into Indiana over the same bridge that brought us into Louisville two days ago. The day was a beautiful ride through the countryside as we traveled along gentle rolling hills most of the day. 

When we reached Madison we were back in civilization - traffic, stores, fast food restaurants, and a Dairy Queen (our first in quite a long time) only four miles from home for the night. We arrived at our motel, somewhere between noon and 1:00 but most of our rooms were not ready. Sue, Frankie, Holly, and I shared a cab into town. We were in search of safe-houses where slaves were hidden before being ferried across the Ohio River. It turns out that the houses in question are privately owned, unmarked, and unidentified. The town of Madison, however, is beautiful. The residents have taken care to renew and lovingly restore the buildings. Being there was a step back in time and it was easy to imagine how things must have looked 100 years ago. The riverfront is filled with areas where one may walk and sit; areas where families and businesses have contributed all or part of the cost to build and maintain areas filled with benches that look across the river at the Kentucky border.

 

A place to sit and relax along the Ohio River.

Dinner was delicious and we are ready to call it a night. Willie wakes us at 4:45 and breakfast is at 6:00 - waffles are on the menu. Thanks for stopping by. Judi :-}

A bumble bee doing his job in Madison, IN

"Follow The Drinking Gourd"

May 28

Brandenburg to Louisville, KY

51 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 950

Did I Mention Hills?? 

The green dot on the road (way up front) is Holly.

51 miles from Brandenburg to Louisville. A walk in the park? One would think. Our route took us across the Ohio River into Indiana (north), then along the Indiana/Kentucky border (east), and finally back across the Ohio River into Louisville (south). We spent 35-miles beating into a strong wind that was coming out of the northeast. It was hell! 

And, Did I Mention WIND?

Very close to the end of our 35-miles of headwinds on roads that offered no opportunities for a "personal" break, we came upon the Georgetown Township Fire Department. Why not? As good as, if not better than, the Mississippi National Guard. We were greeted with open arms by Captain Richard Bader and some of his crew. They were gracious and welcoming - showing us to the Ladies, offering us drinks, posing for the photo below, and gifting us with t-shirts from their house. It was a nice break that left us refreshed and ready to finish the day. 

There was a 1.25 mile downhill just ahead (Richard told us to NOT wipe out since we would be in his district and he did not want to come out after us). We had been concerned about this downhill, and as is often the case, it was far from our most treacherous. In fact, other than some railroad tracks at the end that were at a bad angle, slightly uphill, and had a bump in the road ahead of them, this was really a very nice way to head to the river valley.

Captain Richard Bader and the men of

Georgetown Township Fire Protection District

The bookends - Mary and Holly

We stopped at The Carnegie Center for Art & History in New Albany, IN to see their newest permanent exhibit - "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage ~ The Men and Women of the Underground Railroad" - telling the story of ordinary people from New Albany and Southern Indiana, whose courageous acts helped overthrow the institution of slavery. We are FINALLY seeing signs of what we have been in search of - the Underground Railway. From there we - Holly, Mary, Frankie, Sue, and me -  continued south through Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Downtown Bridge and into Louisville, KY. We have arrived for a rest day. Laurie will be leaving us and will return when we arrive in Cincinnati in four or five days. Michelle, our cook from last year's ride, will be our guide until Laurie returns, after which she will take on the cooking duties when Patty leaves us. 

Talk to you in a couple of days. Judi a/k/a TheWanderingJu

The Fog Comes On Little Cat Feet

It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on. Carl Sandberg   

              

This Morning's View From Our Room

May 27

Lewisport to Brandenburg, KY

50 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 899

"What if?" So, what if we rode US 60 the entire time? I'll tell you "what if". It would only be 17-miles between motels - that's what. When we had ridden 40-miles and reached the left turn onto State Road 259, we were only 37-miles from Owensboro, a town that we passed through 66 cycling miles ago. And so I ask you once again, "What if?" Yeah, to those of you who were not on last year's Mississippi River Ride this sounds odd. To those of us who shared that adventure, "What if?" makes us smile. According to Mapquest, Niagara Falls, NY is 1,175 miles and 18 1/2 driving hours from Mobile, AL. We will travel nearly 2,000 miles in 38 days on the back roads of this beautiful country to reach our destination - and some of us will ask "What if?" during our map meetings just to share a laugh. 

With some yoga stretches and ice my back was feeling better by morning. My knee discomfort is ongoing and off and on, but it felt good as well. We knew that the early part of the ride would be fairly flat with just a few rollers thrown in. We had one significant climb that was long and had a 19% grade in a couple of parts. It still astounds me to find myself so much stronger, but I am never strong enough to keep up with Holly. Still, we had a really nice day, riding 50 of the 91 miles on today's route. We had Patty and the van (already Mary and Judy Norris were on board) pick us up in the parking lot of a Mennonite Church at the 49.9 mile turn. On the ride to our Motel, Super 8 of Brandenburg, we passed a large group of our riders at a strawberry stand on the front lawn of a Mennonite home. What a beautiful sight, and such a contrast - our brightly colored spandex and their muted cottons, our cycling sandals and their bare feet. Patty bought strawberries for tonight's dinner. 

Fresh Picked Strawberries For Sale

FLORA AND FAUNA UPDATE:

Frogs and rabbits in the road - dead.

Daisies! I keep forget to mention the daisies that are along the road. They are BEAUTIFUL!

A goat.

A Shetland pony.

Cattle and horses.

The continued fragrance of honeysuckle.

Today we went from the fog shrouded countryside to the fog shrouded Ohio River. It was there, right over our left shoulder - but not easy to see. By the time the fog lifted there were photo-ops, but my little point-n-shoot camera decided to run out of power, my replacement batteries were safely in my luggage, and my Canon was in the van. 

We are a day's ride from Louisville (Lulville) and a rest day. Tomorrow we cross from Kentucky to Indiana to Kentucky. Margaritas for everybody!

Thanks for dropping by. Judi and Holly 

Rain Drops Were Fallin' On Our Heads

May 26

Henderson to Lewisport, KY

66 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 849

Kentucky Countryside

6:30! We were out of the hotel by 6:30 -  first out, first at the 20 miles SAG stop, and we stayed pretty much at the head of the group most of the day. Lois, Marilyn, and Marilee arrived in Lewisport before we did - but we expect nothing less from them.

Decked out in our rain gear we three members of the Class of '98 headed out onto Tamiami Trail (Just another name for US 41 in South Florida) and .6 miles later we began a day of twisting and turning our way to Lewisport, following the Ohio River and crossing the Green River at one point. Our longest run without a turn was at 57.5 miles when we rode for 7.7 miles on the same road. Otherwise, it was a lot of distances from less than one mile to 3+ miles,  with 5.3 miles on SR 405 North. We crossed a lot of railroad tracks today - perhaps ten sets. Always a risky move, but more so in the rain. On the third day of our 1998 X-country ride I went down on tracks when I lost my concentration - breaking four ribs in the process. Since that time, I have not been a fan of crossing tracks, always giving a big "thank-you" to G-d when I cross over safely. Today, two of our riders went down on some tracks in Owensboro. They and their bikes are a bit banged up, but once again helmets saved lives, and both Judy and Joan seem pretty OK. 

It rained most of the day, but after we left Owensboro the sky opened and we peddled in a downpour. Just as Holly said, "All things considered, not too bad.", there was a huge clap of thunder followed by some lightening. We headed for a house with a large veranda and were given refuge by a lovely couple (did not get their names). It was nice to get out of the cold rain for a while. When things seemed to quiet down, we headed out again. By 54.9 it was pouring and there was thunder. We pulled into a gas station/store and I called the van to pick us up. Cold, wet, not wanting to ride in the rain anymore, and fearing more thunder and lightening, I had had it - as had Mary. Holly was not happy. The van was at the hospital with our fallen women, and as we waited the rain let up, my spirits picked up, and I said we should ride in. And we did - 12+ miles. We are at a Best Western that sits in front of a huge field, as if it had been dropped in the middle of this farm land, with no other signs of civilization. I guess we are on the outskirts of town. 

FLORA AND FAUNA UPDATE:

Did I mention the Appaloosa pony we saw a few days ago? A beauty!

Saw a couple of small turtles crossing the road, and one that didn't make it.

More road kill - including skunks, birds, raccoons, and one opossum.

Birds flying across the road - birds I cannot identify but wish I could.

Freshly mown hay rolled into bales dot the fields. On a day when the sky is Caribbean blue and dotted with cottony clouds these bales shine in the sun. It is so beautiful - reminiscent of Idaho.

Irises - blue, purple, pink, yellow, white - they are so lovely.

All sorts of wild flowers along the road.

Those white cows again - Brahmans?

Drying out our gear after today's ride.

The terrain has flattened out, with rollers, and some small climbs. This my kind of riding and I am happier, although tomorrow may be filled with climbing. It seems that from here on out our accommodations should be the usual - this morning we even had waffles and eggs at the hotel's breakfast. Dinner in an hour or so, and I am headed out to the lobby to visit and find out how the rest of the group managed through the day. The skies are dark - tomorrow looks iffy.

Thanks so much for dropping by. Judi and Holly