Are We There Yet?

9 July 2012

Stats for the day:

Depart Williamstown, OH 7:40 a.m., arrive Celina, OH 3:10 p.m.

Trip mileage – 1094.5 miles

Today’s mileage – 68.15 miles

Time on bike – 4:20:48

Average Speed – 15.7 mph

Max speed – 26.0 mph

Another day of cycling is in the books, leaving us with just one more before we reach our destination.  We are both looking forward to seeing Meg and Abe, as well as the extended family.  Of course, a nice soft couch will feel good too.

After such a successful day yesterday, we didn’t think we would be so fast today; but as you can see we had a quicker average by half a mile an hour.  Not sure where the energy is coming for these fast rides, but the soft rolling knolls are keeping the biking interesting. 

The day started with an azure blue sky dusted with mare’s tails clouds and jet streams crisscrossing high above.  The temperature climbed quickly as we hit the tarmac and made our way west, south, west, and south again.  The step like maneuvers are classic for western roads that go either north and south, or east and west.  If you take a right turn you will eventually have to make a left turn.  It’s actually been kind of fun. 

As you might imagine, our bottoms are starting to feel the road more and more.  We find ourselves taking more rest breaks, as well as gliding and standing on the pedals just to get off the seats. 

We have not been disappointed with the scenery as the farms and fields are always picturesque.  The solitude of some of the county roads we have ridden offer us time to just focus on the world and take in all its beauty, like the farmstead in the distance or the screech of the raptor soaring amongst the clouds.  Unlike in a car where everything passes by at high speed, on a bike you get to see and watch the fields and homes slowly roll by, taking in all the small nuances and special decorations that make each one unique.  It’s been a lovely experience for us.

As we rode through the town of Celina, low and behold what did our wondering eyes see but a DQ!  Ice cream!!!!  With only six more miles to go to get to the campground, we treated ourselves to the cold treats and enjoyed every bit of them.  For those of you who know us really well, to pass up ice cream for over three weeks while riding has been a monumental task.  But today, we relented and savored the moment.

Redneck Wine Glass

There have been so many instances of kindness show to us over this trip that we would be hard pressed to remember them all.  Tonight is no exception.  As we were setting up camp, two separate couples rode up to see if what they heard was true – that two people had ridden their bike from Maine and were going to Indiana.  One couple, Kirk and Nicki stopped to chat and said they would be back later to see if we needed anything.  When they returned, we went to a local eatery, It’s It Bar and Grill, for drinks, food, and wonderful conversation.  It wasn’t long before everyone in the place knew about us, and as we were leaving asked how the trip was going and wished us well for the remainder.

This trip has encouraged us greatly about the caliber of people in America; not the ones we see on the news getting into trouble or being crazy, but the down to earth, everyday citizen who is willing to help and befriend others.  You just got to love this country.

Because there is no WiFi at the campground, this post will have to wait until we either get to Muncie or find internet access along the way.  Please check back again to see how the last day of our ride turns out.  We are certainly looking forward to it.