Sunday, August 1, 2021

Day 50 - I'm back in the saddle again!

As Gene Autry famously sang, “I’m back in the saddle again….”  (says a lot about my music tastes I know)  Though it had only been two days since we were on the bike, because the whole routine was off it’s felt much longer.  Well, that is all behind us now and we are pushing forward (or eastward to be more specific).  Big news is that we are now in the eastern time zone!  Last time change!  We also crossed the Ohio state line into state number 11!  Big day!

I was up and pedaling at just after 7 this morning.  It was a little chilly and there was a touch of fog hanging over the farmland and ponds scattered in and around Syracuse.  I decided against the wind breaker and about 10 minutes into the ride my nipples were reacting to that decision.  I am amazed with the fantastic riding in the upper Midwest.  There are farm roads crisscrossing the landscape and 90% are paved.  There is literally no traffic and the scenery is beautiful.  I assumed it would be more populated.  The difference between here and Eastern Montana and South Dakota is that those states had a similar road system but most of the roads were gravel, so traffic funneled onto the paved roads making them more travelled and less enjoyable to ride on. Today I put in just shy of 80 miles to Defiance which puts me exactly 1 day behind schedule.  Not bad all things considered.


As an added bonus today, I’m including a video of an interesting intersection that had corn on all sides.  I know, I know you've seen enough corn already, but trust me, this is different. I know you’re busy but how often to you get to see cornfield intersections in Defiance OH. 

Link to cornfield intersection

It felt so good being on the bike again doing what I love and that is seeing the beautiful landscape and meeting everyday people across the country.  Today I happened to be on little traveled Williams Defiance County Line Road (say that three times) and saw a hand drawn sign that said, “Bake Sale.”  Of course, I had to stop and take a look.  Turns out Jim and Janet provide delicious baked goods for people in the area in exchange for a small donation to their ministry.  There were cookies, breads, pastries, pies, scones and jams.  Word apparently gets out as she made $9000 last year from May through October.  My appetite was large but cash reserves were small.  I only carry a little cash and a credit card when I ride and Janet didn't take Visa and I doubt Venmo was an option.  Regardless, I'm on a bike and wasn't planning on shopping.  I got a small pie and jar of peach jam and was on my way.  

We decided to spend the afternoon/evening in a lovely campground called Shepard’s Pasture (I don’t get the name either).  Rick, the owner has been running the place for 41 years.  It’s a little rough around the edges but is huge.  100 acres with ponds for swimming and fishing, river frontage and hiking trails throughout.  You can tell Rick loves it as he spends all afternoon driving his golf cart chatting with the occupants. 

As I mentioned, I’m a day behind schedule.  I can try and ride longer to catch up or skip a rest day.  Haven’t quite decided yet.  We’ll see what tomorrow brings as we head toward Pemberville.  The important thing is that “I’m back in the saddle again…….”



Until then….






8 comments:

  1. The Portland sacrifices worked! So glad you are back in RV/bike mode again!

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    1. Thanks Doug. I will take whatever help you can give!

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    2. Thanks Doug. I'll take whatever help I can get.

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  2. What a relief to read you are back on your bike and only one day behind schedule (amazing only one day after all the RV "repair" crap).

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    1. Hey John. Yes, glad it is all behind us.

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  3. Sooo happy to know you and Cheryl (And Zuri 2) are up and running!! Great to be back in the saddle again. We think we ALMOST could have connected in Chicago. That would have been great . . .but better than that you're way past?? here and meeting more new and interesting people. 👍🥰

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  4. Yay!!! Back in the saddle!! I sure hope you get a chance to taste that Midwest corn!! There is nothing like it!!!

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  5. always keep an eye out for flying monkey's.

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