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 :-]