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 :-]