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.
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