Day 26, May 19, 2011, Marysville, OH to Wooster, OH

104 miles and 4000 feet of climbing.  First off, let me apologize for ever thinking that Ohio was going to be an ugly state to ride in.  My perception was that we would ride on straight, flat country roads lined with decrepit towns and over worn out mobile homes.  Boy was I wrong!  Today we rode in some of the most appealing country I have ever had the privilege of riding in.  The roads were curving and rolling through the country side.  There were some very challenging climbs but they were interspersed between gently rolling hills.   Wherever you looked there were gorgeous “farm scapes” with old stately homes, barns, fields, horses and cattle.  It was very nice and was a ride I would like to do again.

The weather cooperated with us today.  There was no rain.  Occasionally the sun peaked thru overcast skies, it was in the upper 40’s to mid 50’s, and there was a gentle 5 mph wind that was at our back.  The only drawback was that we had to ride fairly bundled up and prepared for rain.  Overall it was a good weather day.  Certainly better than the past two.

I had a very comfortable day on the bike.  I was able to maintain an average of 16 mph.  Generally it was one of the more enjoyable days I have had in a long time.  My trusty bike gave me a little trouble.  About 10 miles out I broke a spoke.  Fortunately the SAG van was nearby so we were able to install a spare wheel and I was able to finish the ride.  Had some difficulty getting it repaired as the spokes I had brought with me were 2 mm too long, so our mechanic sent me to a local bike shop.  They did not have the spoke I needed but were able to cobble together a solution and I think my trusty mount is road worthy again.

Four weeks ago today I began this adventure when Leisa dropped me off at the airport in Flint.  That seems like “forever ago”.  In our 39 years together Leisa and I have never been apart this long.  I am really missing her!  I am starting to look forward to the end, but keep reminding myself that I have a lot of riding to do yet.  One week from tonight we will be in Amesbury, Massachusetts at our celebratory banquet.  I know I will be up early the next morning in anticipation of going home.

In addition to a good day of riding I also had the pleasure of spending some time with my sister, Janel and my outlaw Brother Trav.  They were kind enough to take me to the bike shop and then out to eat.  What a treat!  I get tired of grazing with gazelles all of the time.

Tomorrow we press on to Warren, Ohio.  It is “only” 94 miles down the road, so we get to sleep in an extra ½ tomorrow.  Yippee!

Pic of sunrise over a damp field.  It had been so long since I had seen the sun I just had to stop and snap a pic.

This is a good example of todays roads.  Mike, our ride leader, took a pic of me climbing this hill.  I know everyone is going to want an 8  x 10 glossy of that one!

Pic of me shortly after arriving at the motel.

Sister Janel and Brother Trav.  Thanks for coming to see me!!