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
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Question: When Does 88 become 50?
June 12
Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY
50 Miles (out of 88)
Total Miles To Date ~ 1,530
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
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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 :-]
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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.
"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 :-]
Monday, June 9, 2008
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 :-]
Sunday, June 8, 2008
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
