We set out yesterday from Niles with sunshine, warm temps and a crosswind. Within minutes, we were in the countryside. In spite of myself, I have come around to enjoying the scenic side of Ohio.
Morning departure out of Niles, OH
Video clip from the early part of the ride:
A quick note about Ohio drivers: they have been the worst (least considerate and most aggressive / hostile) of all the states so far. For that matter, since we crossed into Illinois, there has been a general worsening of driver attitudes and skills.
Just before the Pennsylvania border, we had a SAG stop at a unique little root beer stand, the White Turkey Drive-In. As you can see from the photos below, there is an outdoor soda counter. Root beer floats are the house specialty.
MK and Tom, in root beer heaven
We've covered 390+ miles in the past 4 days with temps in the low to mid 90's and climbing nearly 16,000 feet. It hasn't been without casualties.
Update on this week's injuries: Richard (NJ) has been out of action for several days with a tendon problem; Ed (FL) has been in and out with a back problem; Mike (CA) has been in and out with a shoulder problem; Rick (TX) was out briefly due to arm and hip injuries sustained in a minor crash; Larry (PA) has been out briefly a couple of times from heat exhaustion; Cindy (NY) fell off her bike but, fortunately, no injury.
Update on Barry's (Calgary, BC) wheels: the new rear wheel from NM split in four places while riding in the hills of OH. Barry is a big guy (6'4", well over 200 lbs.) but this should not be happening. With the cost of three new wheels, four new tires and at least 15 tubes, he has invested at least $1,700. But think of all the money he's saving on gas by not driving across the U.S.
Tom is not really 7' tall; he's standing on a rock.
Decorative shrub farm in PA
Total Miles: 91 Total Vertical Climb: 2600 ft.
Our hotel in Erie is ideally situated on Lake Erie, overlooking a marina. It's a neat little (102,000) city. It's a good location for our rest day.
Our hotel (Sheraton) in background
Nick, Tony, John F., Patty, Cindy and I went to Double A minor league baseball game last night. The stadium is located in town, a mile from our hotel. As it turns out the Erie Sea Wolves are part of the Detroit Tigers farm system. Nick and John had never seen a baseball game before. John was mildly interested and Nick not at all although he was fascinated by the limbo contest between innings. It was good entertainment with five home runs. Scouts from the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins were sitting behind us. (Jack M., I want to proudly tell you that I stayed until the final out.)
Taken from our $10 seats; radar gun in the foreground
Today was kind of a relaxing day: massage, cleaning the bike, walking around town, and just relaxing in general. Chuck, Jeff, Roberta and I took a water taxi over to Presque Isle, a lovely little island just off the coast in Lake Erie.
Chuck and MK in Lake Erie, off Presque Isle
Root Beer heaven!!! Looks pretty tasty. Appears the distance and temps are starting to take a toll on the riders. Take it easy. Doesn't pay to push too hard at this point in the ride with 85% down and 15% to go. How cool to see the AA Tigers team. We have been thru Erie and it's a neat little town.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the last week of your adventure.
Dave
that float looked AMAZING!!!...you could have all you want with a side of chili fries...and not make a dent what you burn off in 1 day...looking good brother...glad to see you took time out to enjoy that float and catch a game..and get in the water a bit to cool those feet off...xoxo..Mary Therese.
ReplyDeleteGlad you took advantage of the R&R day. I heard you were practicing for the upcoming Boston Ironman, and you did a 5 mile swim In Lake Erie over to Presque Isle. What with 5 days of riding in NY, I hope the drivers will be more considerate of bikers. Be safe!
ReplyDeleteLove you, Diana
Mary loves Root Beer Floats and yours looked really good to her. We don't know yet what we're doing for dinner but we have a pretty good idea what's for dessert.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the houses are pretty close to the stadium and have a wonderful view. Sort of Wrigley-esque from the picture.
Glad your staying off the DL; it doesn't surprise any of us that you are taming this monster ride.
Love that Root Beer Stand - you can see the joy in your faces as you suck down that float! I think the Ohio drivers may be pissed off with the lower speed limits and too mnay cops looking for speeders - hence their aggressiveness! But, maybe it's a good thing you are not riding in MI! 5 days in NY seems like a long time but I am sure there is lots to see. - Linda
ReplyDeleteLove hearing about your adventures! Sorry about your injured fellow travelers! Looks like you have having a ball...and you actually make me want to go to that part of Ohio..gorgeous..but it sounds like biking is safer than driving! Be safe and have fun!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
no surprise that your not on the dl list. i would expect nothing less.ohio does look good, still hate it though.baseball games and root beer floats dont seem real lewis and clark to me,but im glad your having a good time.cant believe your nearing the stretch run already. stay safe steve
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great day off! Now, if only we could get seats like that for $10 at a Detroit Tigers game. It's funny to think that we were both on Presque Isle today, except you were on Lake Erie, and I was on Lake Superior :) The root beer floats indeed look heavenly, I think I'm going to have to make a trip up to Frosty Treats tonight. Hopefully Pennsylvania is full of cheerful, considerate drivers!
ReplyDeleteWell, you're almost done! We are all very proud of you and thank you for the wonderful photos and history lessons you provided. It certainly has been an adventure for all of us. Be safe on the last few miles, give the family a hug from me and I'll see you when you get back. KM
ReplyDelete