Had a great ride into Lancaster, PA. Stayed with a friend of my aunt's (Elizabeth Koch) in Mannheim, PA in her 100 year old house. Went over to the monastery to visit with my Aunt Geri (aka, Sister Maria Joseph. Had not seen her in 25 years and the two and 1/2 hours flew by.
Temp was still 89 last night @ 9:30 pm, ugh. Got on the road this am by 6:30 and had a flat right off the bat. Then headed for back country roads to get my mileage (almost EVERYTHING is paved). During my 57 mile morning, I saw the most beautiful scenery of the entire trip across the country.
Many, many Amish farms with the most kept homes and barnyards I have ever laid eyes on. The flowers were unbelievable, and were planted alongside every stone barn, house, and out building. The children were dressed nicely in their hats and braids and were either picking in field, loading up in buggies, or doing various chores. The dairy cows were lovely, with big doe eyes and buck coats. Crops of tobacco, corn, peppers, tomatoes, peaches, apples, and alfalfa were visible on either side of the twisting, hills roads.
Later we got into horse country and the magnitude of the horse farms were overwhelming. I rode for miles just to get around the outskirts of Iron Spring Horse Farm, whose barns peppered the double split-rail fenced pastures.
With my mileage from Lancaster to Chester,PA finished, Gracie and I headed for the cradle of liberty. In all the time I lived in NJ, I had never ventured into Philly. The Old City Hall and the Liberty Bell were fascinating. Did not have tickets to go into Independence Hall, but walked around the historic district and the Seaport Areas.
Exhausted we headed for the nearest Pizza place and campground. We found them both near Camden, NJ. Tomorrow we will head back to the starting point (PA) so I can ride the miles into Jersey. It's what I have been working almost 3 weeks toward. To date I have 1,225 miles, and sadly I do not think I will reach my goal of 1500 miles. I will try to get another 100 miles on before Saturday afternoon.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Donations update and playing catchup
Today's total on the ALZ Stars website is $1970. There is another $175 in cash that will be added, for a total of $2,145! Still trying to meet of exceed my $3000 goal.
Catching up on our trip!
8/6/10
Day 14
Last night while leaving the local Mexican Restaurant, a couple approached us (he was a cyclist) and offered us their house to spend the night. We graciously declined, but I handed him our card in the hopes that he might wish to carry his generosity over to the donation page.
Today was a challenge. Started out strong, leaving from the campsite (Dillon State Park) near Zanesville. Temps cool and roads smooth. Then I hit the mountains. First few hills were fine, but farther down the road it became apparent I will be in the mountains from here on into Jersey. Hit the 1000 miles mark just before Cambridge. Rode into Cambridge (on HWY 40) in Guernsey County, OH where we stopped to admire the courthouse built in 1883 and buy some local produce at the farmer’s market. Abundant supply of locally grown veggies, fruits, homemade pies and breads. Stocked up and headed back out on the road. When HWY 40 merged with I-70, I had to hop in the van for 20 miles of Interstate and crossed over into Wheeling, WV.
After that the riding was sketchy at best. Ride a little here and there and load up when the traffic became heavy. Managed only 58 miles despite repeated efforts, a stop at the Harley store to ask for a better ride route, and twisty, mountainous, one-lane roads. The hills were so steep and long, I was glad to have my granny gear to fall back on. After being yelled at a few times by inpatient drivers, I became frustrated, had a pity party, loaded up and headed for Ryerson Station State Park, (now crossed into PA) where we found the power was out due to a big storm a few days prior, no showers and pit toilets..nasty.
Had a delicious camp dinner of homemade Dilly Ciabatta, celebrity tomatoes, humus, and cheese. Good thing Kevin and Dad put the auxiliary battery in the Sprinter as we are “off the grid” for the night. Some local Bible thumpers on bicycles wheeled over to our site to ask us if we thought we were going to be able to ride in this (Green) county. They warned us of the locals who throw water bottles and trash @ cyclists. Great.
8/7/10 Day 15
Very Frustrating day. Began with a new tire change @ Ryerson Station State Park, PA, where a very helpful Ranger helped us find some bike friendly routes. Rode the first 30 miles relatively stress free in and around the mountains of the West Virginia panhandle. Both the poverty & the stunning views were eye openers. Tried to get back on the original route (HWY 31) but ended up on HWY 30..big difference. Stopped off @ Barnes & Noble to have Grace's Nook reconfigured. By that time it was getting late, we ate some fast food and I rode a bit more until close to 7:30pm. Mountains were a major obstacle. Overall a difficult day emotionally, and we headed for the Budget Hotel(yikes, over $70 for a tiny room)in Summit, PA.
8/8/10 Day 16
Great day! Got on HWY 31 and headed east out of Summit. Beautiful morning, cool & still. Crested two more summits and was able to get in 66 miles. Starting to get better on the long mountain climbs, but now the downhills are proving unrideable!I need some advice how to get down the mountains, due to the steep grades, my legs and hands cramp to the point that I cannot stop my bike. I need my disc brakes for this
Took a couple of side trips to seek out two covered bridges (all pics on facebook), and eventually ended in Gettysburg (Artillery Ridge Campground)for the night. Going to take in some of the local sites/museums tomorrow, before hitting the road in the afternoon (weather permitting). Heading to Lancaster next, to visit my Aunt Gerry who lives in a convent. Missing my family, yet really enjoying life on the road.
Catching up on our trip!
8/6/10
Day 14
Last night while leaving the local Mexican Restaurant, a couple approached us (he was a cyclist) and offered us their house to spend the night. We graciously declined, but I handed him our card in the hopes that he might wish to carry his generosity over to the donation page.
Today was a challenge. Started out strong, leaving from the campsite (Dillon State Park) near Zanesville. Temps cool and roads smooth. Then I hit the mountains. First few hills were fine, but farther down the road it became apparent I will be in the mountains from here on into Jersey. Hit the 1000 miles mark just before Cambridge. Rode into Cambridge (on HWY 40) in Guernsey County, OH where we stopped to admire the courthouse built in 1883 and buy some local produce at the farmer’s market. Abundant supply of locally grown veggies, fruits, homemade pies and breads. Stocked up and headed back out on the road. When HWY 40 merged with I-70, I had to hop in the van for 20 miles of Interstate and crossed over into Wheeling, WV.
After that the riding was sketchy at best. Ride a little here and there and load up when the traffic became heavy. Managed only 58 miles despite repeated efforts, a stop at the Harley store to ask for a better ride route, and twisty, mountainous, one-lane roads. The hills were so steep and long, I was glad to have my granny gear to fall back on. After being yelled at a few times by inpatient drivers, I became frustrated, had a pity party, loaded up and headed for Ryerson Station State Park, (now crossed into PA) where we found the power was out due to a big storm a few days prior, no showers and pit toilets..nasty.
Had a delicious camp dinner of homemade Dilly Ciabatta, celebrity tomatoes, humus, and cheese. Good thing Kevin and Dad put the auxiliary battery in the Sprinter as we are “off the grid” for the night. Some local Bible thumpers on bicycles wheeled over to our site to ask us if we thought we were going to be able to ride in this (Green) county. They warned us of the locals who throw water bottles and trash @ cyclists. Great.
8/7/10 Day 15
Very Frustrating day. Began with a new tire change @ Ryerson Station State Park, PA, where a very helpful Ranger helped us find some bike friendly routes. Rode the first 30 miles relatively stress free in and around the mountains of the West Virginia panhandle. Both the poverty & the stunning views were eye openers. Tried to get back on the original route (HWY 31) but ended up on HWY 30..big difference. Stopped off @ Barnes & Noble to have Grace's Nook reconfigured. By that time it was getting late, we ate some fast food and I rode a bit more until close to 7:30pm. Mountains were a major obstacle. Overall a difficult day emotionally, and we headed for the Budget Hotel(yikes, over $70 for a tiny room)in Summit, PA.
8/8/10 Day 16
Great day! Got on HWY 31 and headed east out of Summit. Beautiful morning, cool & still. Crested two more summits and was able to get in 66 miles. Starting to get better on the long mountain climbs, but now the downhills are proving unrideable!I need some advice how to get down the mountains, due to the steep grades, my legs and hands cramp to the point that I cannot stop my bike. I need my disc brakes for this
Took a couple of side trips to seek out two covered bridges (all pics on facebook), and eventually ended in Gettysburg (Artillery Ridge Campground)for the night. Going to take in some of the local sites/museums tomorrow, before hitting the road in the afternoon (weather permitting). Heading to Lancaster next, to visit my Aunt Gerry who lives in a convent. Missing my family, yet really enjoying life on the road.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 13
13 turned out to be a lucky number. Left Urbana in light rain this am and headed east on HWY 28. Beautiful ride, passed by berry farms and vegetable stands. Picked up HWY 40 and headed into Columbus. Hitched a ride in the van through downtown Columbus (not biker friendly) and picked up the riding again on the other side of town. Gorgeous ride through horse farms and rolling hills...and later much BIGGER hills. Felt great and averaged about 20 mph for the day. Tailwind and some wicked fast downhills helped make the ride enjoyable. After loosing some mileage due to Columbus, sailed through my original overnight destination (Hebron)and rode on to Zanesville, OH for a total of 76 miles.
Camping at Dillon State Park. Nice facilities, mountain bike & nature trails, wifi, nice showers and laundry. Best of all they make their own fudge at the camp store, yummy.
As of today, total mileage is 970. Tomorrow will shoot for West Virginia. Hope my legs are ready for the mountains!
Camping at Dillon State Park. Nice facilities, mountain bike & nature trails, wifi, nice showers and laundry. Best of all they make their own fudge at the camp store, yummy.
As of today, total mileage is 970. Tomorrow will shoot for West Virginia. Hope my legs are ready for the mountains!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 11
Summit Lake State Park to Urbana, OH
8/4/10
Great day, got in 78 miles and two ice cream cones! Humidity was ridiculous, drenched all day. Had to load up due to fog, and later held up due to to quick t-storm. Met some great people at Cavin's Meat Market, and bought some great roasted garlic cheese! Rain cooled the temp from 90+ to 71 degrees. Last 20 miles fun and fast!
Stopped at Warren's (local bike shop) for tubes, staying tonight @ the Country Hearth Motel in Urbana where we will be meeting up with Grace for a crew change. Judy and I have had a blast and she has been a better SAG HAG than I ever imagined. We have our camping, sag stops, and road communication down to a science. Hopefully she will agree to ride with Gracie tomorrow and show her the ropes.
900 miles down!
8/4/10
Great day, got in 78 miles and two ice cream cones! Humidity was ridiculous, drenched all day. Had to load up due to fog, and later held up due to to quick t-storm. Met some great people at Cavin's Meat Market, and bought some great roasted garlic cheese! Rain cooled the temp from 90+ to 71 degrees. Last 20 miles fun and fast!
Stopped at Warren's (local bike shop) for tubes, staying tonight @ the Country Hearth Motel in Urbana where we will be meeting up with Grace for a crew change. Judy and I have had a blast and she has been a better SAG HAG than I ever imagined. We have our camping, sag stops, and road communication down to a science. Hopefully she will agree to ride with Gracie tomorrow and show her the ropes.
900 miles down!
Crossed the line
8/2/10
Crossed the Indiana state line today. Boring ride along HWY 28. Corn, corn and more corn, terrain was flat and straight. Took a break in Williamsport in from of the courthouse. Met a FedEx man/local cyclist. Headed to Clarks Hill, IN to Big Fish Camping. Had the whole saltwater pool to myself! Broke all the rules by jumping in in all my cycling clothes.
Judy had an itch to see the Indianapolis Speedway so we headed south in the van to check it out. Unfortunately the museum was closed, but we took a few pics and ate at Applebee's. Late bedtime.
T-Storms in the am and a one hour time change put us at the latest start yet. Stopped in Frankfort for a rest and talked to a trucker who came over to tell us he liked what were were doing. Got in relatively late to Summit Lake State Park. We unloaded the RANS and Judy and I made up for the lost miles by cruising around the lake. Beautiful state park.
Crossed the Indiana state line today. Boring ride along HWY 28. Corn, corn and more corn, terrain was flat and straight. Took a break in Williamsport in from of the courthouse. Met a FedEx man/local cyclist. Headed to Clarks Hill, IN to Big Fish Camping. Had the whole saltwater pool to myself! Broke all the rules by jumping in in all my cycling clothes.
Judy had an itch to see the Indianapolis Speedway so we headed south in the van to check it out. Unfortunately the museum was closed, but we took a few pics and ate at Applebee's. Late bedtime.
T-Storms in the am and a one hour time change put us at the latest start yet. Stopped in Frankfort for a rest and talked to a trucker who came over to tell us he liked what were were doing. Got in relatively late to Summit Lake State Park. We unloaded the RANS and Judy and I made up for the lost miles by cruising around the lake. Beautiful state park.
Rantoul, KS
Met a homeless man today who claimed to be the cousin of the late, great, Jim Morrison. Could happen..
Became pretty ill at mile 36 and had to rest about an hour before getting back on the road. Got in 76 miles and stayed in a campground near the old Airforce base in Rantoul, IL. Met a nice couple from Kansas (Topeka/Salina) who where camping next to us, they gave us a $5 donation and we had a nice visit. Ate some horrible pizza and called it a day.
Became pretty ill at mile 36 and had to rest about an hour before getting back on the road. Got in 76 miles and stayed in a campground near the old Airforce base in Rantoul, IL. Met a nice couple from Kansas (Topeka/Salina) who where camping next to us, they gave us a $5 donation and we had a nice visit. Ate some horrible pizza and called it a day.
I'm not from Havana
7/31/10
Staying tonight at the bustling Evening Star Campground on HWY 136 between Havana and San Jose, IL. This is by far the craziest campground Judy & I have ever experienced. The grounds are crawling with happy, half-naked kids, dogs of every breed, and unconscionable number of golf carts. Adding to these festivities is a wedding and reception (we were invited to the dance tonight) a deafening civil war, toilet paper shooting cannon, and some of the oddest characters we’ve encountered (think something along the lines of a David Byrne movie) . Tomorrow heading for Rantoul, IL along HWY 136.
Staying tonight at the bustling Evening Star Campground on HWY 136 between Havana and San Jose, IL. This is by far the craziest campground Judy & I have ever experienced. The grounds are crawling with happy, half-naked kids, dogs of every breed, and unconscionable number of golf carts. Adding to these festivities is a wedding and reception (we were invited to the dance tonight) a deafening civil war, toilet paper shooting cannon, and some of the oddest characters we’ve encountered (think something along the lines of a David Byrne movie) . Tomorrow heading for Rantoul, IL along HWY 136.
Catching up in Urbana, OH
7/31/10
Great evening in Camp Point. IL last night! Stayed at the Victorian Inn (what we discovered later to be an ex-funeral home) had a great dinner of catfish, German potato salad (served hot & sweet) and a couple of lime beers at Hard Times II. Bartender/waitress was very personable and service/food was excellent. Met some folks from NJ, who, by the way did not know the capital of their own state, and discussed “how the hell we I was going to ride through Pennsylvania.” Went back to Inn to watch Forrest Gump and get ready for the next morning.
Today was a great 90 mile day. The morning started off with a stop @ Casey’s where the woman (behind the counter (Mary) donated two bags of ice, then reached into her purse for a $20 donation. Incredible. Got some great directions for alt. route and hit the back country roads. Another stop @ Astoria prompted a woman (Hope Lock) to jump out of her car and hand us a five dollar bill, tell us how Alzheimer’s has affected her family and wish us good luck.
Somewhere out on HWY 136 just at the 89 mile mark, my front blinker along with a piece of my bar bag hit the pavement and was lost to the pavement. We doubled back but were unable to retrieve them. Sorry Ron, that was your light..
Great evening in Camp Point. IL last night! Stayed at the Victorian Inn (what we discovered later to be an ex-funeral home) had a great dinner of catfish, German potato salad (served hot & sweet) and a couple of lime beers at Hard Times II. Bartender/waitress was very personable and service/food was excellent. Met some folks from NJ, who, by the way did not know the capital of their own state, and discussed “how the hell we I was going to ride through Pennsylvania.” Went back to Inn to watch Forrest Gump and get ready for the next morning.
Today was a great 90 mile day. The morning started off with a stop @ Casey’s where the woman (behind the counter (Mary) donated two bags of ice, then reached into her purse for a $20 donation. Incredible. Got some great directions for alt. route and hit the back country roads. Another stop @ Astoria prompted a woman (Hope Lock) to jump out of her car and hand us a five dollar bill, tell us how Alzheimer’s has affected her family and wish us good luck.
Somewhere out on HWY 136 just at the 89 mile mark, my front blinker along with a piece of my bar bag hit the pavement and was lost to the pavement. We doubled back but were unable to retrieve them. Sorry Ron, that was your light..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)