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Friday, May 21, 2010
day 11 - shreve, oh to marion, oh - 72 miles
day 11 - shreve, oh to marion, oh - 72ish miles
i awoke early but snoozed for an hour (thats right, snoozed is now a verb meaning to push the snooze button repeatedly.) the cabin was damp as were my clothes from the previous day.
i used the stove for two reasons - boiling water for oatmeal as well as drying my gear. i rigged a broom handle over a burner for gloves and stacked chairs high enough to drape a shirt near the heat. finally dry and full, i hit the road around 9:30.
the day started cool and wet, full of hills and descents, rather uneventful really. i ended up pulling out the video camera and took some nice scenic shots as well as riding shots.
after 20 miles or so i stopped for coffee and ended up eating an oatmeal cream pie and jelly donut. that combo had me blazing as soon as i got back on the bike. but as i sat there eating, i couldn't help but overhear two women talking at the table next to mine. they were discussing finances and the trouble they were having making ends meet. one said, "i'm only pulling in $776 a month." just makes me realize how fortunate i have been in my life. if they knew what i spent in my bike, they may have just shit.
i powered through the rest of the morning and on into the afternoon when the sun finally came out. first time i had seen it in three days. when you spend all day outside, three days without sun is a long long time. and as the sun beat down on me the hills flattened and the road became a speedway.
out of no where another cyclist came up beside me - only the second cyclist i had seen since leaving new york state. we chatted about the ride and he told me where there was a good shop to buy some new break pads. the PA hills chewed mine up.
after stocking up i ran into a group of cyclists, those much more serious about cycling than me, and asked them where to find a grocery. they said to follow them and after about a mile they dropped me off. i stocked up in rations but saw a taco bell nearby. i think i ate there just because i could, oh, and i like it, just hadn't had it for a couple of years.
i cruised up to the hickory grove lake canpground where i met sharon. i was expecting a tent site but instead ended up with a small trailer, so small i couldn't stand up straight. it was once again great to have a bed to sleep on. just as it is nice to have a bed tonight where i am typing from right now - the kozy campground in celina, oh at the end of day 12. make sense? good night.
i awoke early but snoozed for an hour (thats right, snoozed is now a verb meaning to push the snooze button repeatedly.) the cabin was damp as were my clothes from the previous day.
i used the stove for two reasons - boiling water for oatmeal as well as drying my gear. i rigged a broom handle over a burner for gloves and stacked chairs high enough to drape a shirt near the heat. finally dry and full, i hit the road around 9:30.
the day started cool and wet, full of hills and descents, rather uneventful really. i ended up pulling out the video camera and took some nice scenic shots as well as riding shots.
after 20 miles or so i stopped for coffee and ended up eating an oatmeal cream pie and jelly donut. that combo had me blazing as soon as i got back on the bike. but as i sat there eating, i couldn't help but overhear two women talking at the table next to mine. they were discussing finances and the trouble they were having making ends meet. one said, "i'm only pulling in $776 a month." just makes me realize how fortunate i have been in my life. if they knew what i spent in my bike, they may have just shit.
i powered through the rest of the morning and on into the afternoon when the sun finally came out. first time i had seen it in three days. when you spend all day outside, three days without sun is a long long time. and as the sun beat down on me the hills flattened and the road became a speedway.
out of no where another cyclist came up beside me - only the second cyclist i had seen since leaving new york state. we chatted about the ride and he told me where there was a good shop to buy some new break pads. the PA hills chewed mine up.
after stocking up i ran into a group of cyclists, those much more serious about cycling than me, and asked them where to find a grocery. they said to follow them and after about a mile they dropped me off. i stocked up in rations but saw a taco bell nearby. i think i ate there just because i could, oh, and i like it, just hadn't had it for a couple of years.
i cruised up to the hickory grove lake canpground where i met sharon. i was expecting a tent site but instead ended up with a small trailer, so small i couldn't stand up straight. it was once again great to have a bed to sleep on. just as it is nice to have a bed tonight where i am typing from right now - the kozy campground in celina, oh at the end of day 12. make sense? good night.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
day 10 - lisbon, oh to shreve, oh - 75ish miles.
today started out great as i raided the breakfast room at the days inn. anything available i ate and i continued to graze as i made trips back and forth to my room as well as the hotel computer.
with a freshly wiped bike and dry clothes i set out into the rain. it was a slow start as my left knee has developed some pain but as i got riding it stretched out and i was moving. And by the way, whomever said ohio is flat is full of it. i rode up and down all day just as i had done in PA.
after a couple of hours the rain began to subside and as i crest the top of a hill, i heard a sharp hissing and before i knew it my back tire was flat like roadkill. so i changed it out and by the time i was finished by body temp had dropped and i began freezing and my hands were numb.
the first restaurant i saw was a subway where i sat for over an hour in an attempt to warm myself and dry. and of course i ate footlong meatball sub.
i knew i had roughly 40 miles to go and it was already 3:15. i'd be rolling in late for sure. i rolled through canton, oh and stocked up on bike tubes and co2 cartridges as i was going into somewhat of a no mans land for the next day.
eventually i found myself rolling through wide open country, still hilly of course. the number of horse-and-buggy trumped the number of cars i saw. i was in amish country. i thought that if i shaved my stache and put on a straw hat, i could disappear into this community. i'd have to learn how to build barns and pray, but it could be done. also, these amish gave cool waves compared to what i thought they'd give. i figured them to throw up a stagnant hand but instead they gave a flick of the wrist and point or even toss up a peace sign.
one bearded fellow weirded me out and a bit and made me wary of his presence. he came up beside me in his blue van, and not a mini-van but a kidnapping van. he watched me the whole time as he passed. as i came over the next hill he was sitting there in his van in an intersection with his cell phone out pointing at me as if taking a picture. as i passed he pulled out behind me and began to follow - not to close but close enough to make me a bit nervous. at the next pulloff i pulled over and the man kept on driving but slowly. i grabbed my knife from my handlebar bag and placed it in my front pocket. think i'd be travelling alone and not carry protection? i looked down thd road and saw the van just sitting there on the shoulder. jeebis, i thought, what is this dude doing? i was ready to shank a fool. as i rode closer and closer to the van, he kicked it into reverse, flipped around and started towards me slowly. as we were about to cross paths i could see that cell phone out again. suddenly, he lowered the phone, put on a big smile amd waved. i nodded. he drove away. dude, please be more tactful and less creepy the next time you stalk some one in an abduction vessel.
it was beginning to grow dark and i still had a ways to go. i pulled into the lake wapusun campground at about 9pm. i was welcomed with a smile and given directions to a cabin. i'm loving these cabins, such a great place to dry out.
as i stood eating dinnet, watching transformers 2 on this fancy phone, and drying my wet clothes over the hot burners of the stoved, a knock came on my door.
it can be a bit quiet out here, so it was cool when my fellow cabin dweller invited me to his cabin to hang with his girl and him. they were a nice couple, definitely in love. we discussed politics, traveling, work, the ride, the legalization of marijuana (which should be legalized) and many other things. they gave me some of their leftover dinner and dessert - my second within 30 minutes.
as i yawned and my eyes began to fall i excused myself and went and crashed for the evening.
today started out great as i raided the breakfast room at the days inn. anything available i ate and i continued to graze as i made trips back and forth to my room as well as the hotel computer.
with a freshly wiped bike and dry clothes i set out into the rain. it was a slow start as my left knee has developed some pain but as i got riding it stretched out and i was moving. And by the way, whomever said ohio is flat is full of it. i rode up and down all day just as i had done in PA.
after a couple of hours the rain began to subside and as i crest the top of a hill, i heard a sharp hissing and before i knew it my back tire was flat like roadkill. so i changed it out and by the time i was finished by body temp had dropped and i began freezing and my hands were numb.
the first restaurant i saw was a subway where i sat for over an hour in an attempt to warm myself and dry. and of course i ate footlong meatball sub.
i knew i had roughly 40 miles to go and it was already 3:15. i'd be rolling in late for sure. i rolled through canton, oh and stocked up on bike tubes and co2 cartridges as i was going into somewhat of a no mans land for the next day.
eventually i found myself rolling through wide open country, still hilly of course. the number of horse-and-buggy trumped the number of cars i saw. i was in amish country. i thought that if i shaved my stache and put on a straw hat, i could disappear into this community. i'd have to learn how to build barns and pray, but it could be done. also, these amish gave cool waves compared to what i thought they'd give. i figured them to throw up a stagnant hand but instead they gave a flick of the wrist and point or even toss up a peace sign.
one bearded fellow weirded me out and a bit and made me wary of his presence. he came up beside me in his blue van, and not a mini-van but a kidnapping van. he watched me the whole time as he passed. as i came over the next hill he was sitting there in his van in an intersection with his cell phone out pointing at me as if taking a picture. as i passed he pulled out behind me and began to follow - not to close but close enough to make me a bit nervous. at the next pulloff i pulled over and the man kept on driving but slowly. i grabbed my knife from my handlebar bag and placed it in my front pocket. think i'd be travelling alone and not carry protection? i looked down thd road and saw the van just sitting there on the shoulder. jeebis, i thought, what is this dude doing? i was ready to shank a fool. as i rode closer and closer to the van, he kicked it into reverse, flipped around and started towards me slowly. as we were about to cross paths i could see that cell phone out again. suddenly, he lowered the phone, put on a big smile amd waved. i nodded. he drove away. dude, please be more tactful and less creepy the next time you stalk some one in an abduction vessel.
it was beginning to grow dark and i still had a ways to go. i pulled into the lake wapusun campground at about 9pm. i was welcomed with a smile and given directions to a cabin. i'm loving these cabins, such a great place to dry out.
as i stood eating dinnet, watching transformers 2 on this fancy phone, and drying my wet clothes over the hot burners of the stoved, a knock came on my door.
it can be a bit quiet out here, so it was cool when my fellow cabin dweller invited me to his cabin to hang with his girl and him. they were a nice couple, definitely in love. we discussed politics, traveling, work, the ride, the legalization of marijuana (which should be legalized) and many other things. they gave me some of their leftover dinner and dessert - my second within 30 minutes.
as i yawned and my eyes began to fall i excused myself and went and crashed for the evening.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 9 - Pittsburgh, PA to Lisbon, OH - 70 miles
We're off on the road to Ohio!
Well today it rained 100% of the time. The severity varied anywhere from sheets of rain to drizzle and when the wind blew the trees released what they were holding.
Unfortunately today I ended up stopping 10 miles before my campground destination on account of the onslaught precipitation and chilling temperatures I encountered. I was supposed to mosey on up to the Chapparal Family Campground in Salem, OH, but unfortunately they only had a tent site for me. If the weather had been dry and/or only slightly damp, I would have been there in a second - or at least in another 45 minutes. But the fact that my hands were numb and my bones wet, I stopped at a Days Inn, spread out and basically turned the room into a drying rack. It smells in there now. Sorry.
Courtenay and I started out from her place and she put about 15 miles in with me before we made a first stop to warm up. The chick is brave, heading out in shorts, she was goose-bumped out when we stepped into a Starbucks for a warm beverage. We laughed a lot, shared a hug and parted ways.
I rode and rode and rode, going through periods of warm and cold spells, my feet swimming in rain water. I didn't even have to drink out of my water bottle - just had to open my mouth. I rode my way through desolate back-country roads, busy neighborhood streets as well as a short bit on a highway, which I hated - glad to be alive right now. It's amazing that I can take one road 30 miles and it will change from a single, lonely lane to a 3 lane commuting monster and all within a couple miles. Civilization is one crazy machine.
After my brief highway ride, I pulled over as soon as I could to map out a safer route and grub down on a steak sandwich. I sat in a smokey bar and chowed down, chatted with locals about the ride and discovered that I there wasn't a roof at the campground. That's when I decided a hotel was in order. So I altered my route a bit, going a bit out of the way to avoid heavy traffic areas, and thinking the whole time that I'd just find a motel and post up as needed. That's the thing about riding in the rain - it's all fine as long as you know you have a dry place to retire. If that luxury can't be afforded or just isn't available, my mind just starts to think hypothermia and misery. Perhaps I'm weak. Meh.
As I rode on I came upon a make-shift stoplight, you know, one of those lights that is set-up when construction has turned the highway into one lane. Well, I was parked behind a silver mini-van when the driver of said van opened her door and turned to me. "You traveling?" she asked. I replied, "yes ma'am." "Where from?" "New York City." "You want a free dinner?" I looked her with a perplexed but eager smile. "I own a restaurant just down the way, so feel free to stop in if you'd like to eat." " Thank you." I said. She drove off, and even though I had just eaten 2 hours ago, I knew I couldn't pass up a free meal.
I rolled into the town of Rogers, OH and headed over to the only restaurant/bar within miles. The Y-Inn it is called. As I walked in, all the locals turned towards the door to spot me, a soaking wet hippie looking dude wearing dripping clothes, a helmet and a smile. The waitress came to me and said, "My mom said you'd be coming in. Here's a menu. Have whatever you'd like, on us." Damn, I love traveling. If I were traveling with another person, who knows if I would have been invited in like this and received such a warm welcome.
As I pondered my order, the locals came up to discuss what I was doing. Even the waitress, Lori, was going around and telling everyone in the joint what I was doing. What a chance this was to tell my story, so I did to anyone that was interested. I took photos with folks and of folks and one woman was snapping photos of me from a distance.
I ordered the fish, fries, green beans, a roll, six hot-wings, and 2 bud diesels - all on the house. I couldn't have been happier. Those country folks are great and so friendly. As I sat there eating, a young woman came up to me and asked "What is it you're riding for?" "Lymphoma" I replied. She handed me a $20 bill and said "that is wonderful. Here, take this. It's from me and well, that man over there." She pointed to what must have been her husband or boyfriend. She then smiled and said "Next time, ride for MS. That's what I have." Naturally I felt a bit saddened by this but she had a grin on her face like she had come to terms with her MS and accepts it.
Once again I met two more people that have been touched by lymphoma. Lori, the waitress, her daughter was diagnosed with lymphoma in her early 20s and was able to battle it and win. Jan, the owner of the Y-Inn and the woman who invited me in, she lost her sister in law to lymphoma. I'm seeing more and more why this ride is important and how truly necessary it is to give to those who can help these people.
I sat in that place for nearly 2 hours just talking and hanging out with some stright-up country folk. Nicest folks around if you ask me. Also, very very interesting. Makes me wonder why people head out to the country in the first place. Either they're born there, run there to get away, or escape there. Either way, it's all good to me.
I finished up the day with another 8 miles during dusk. The glowing light of the Days Inn was the warmest thing I ever could have seen.
Well today it rained 100% of the time. The severity varied anywhere from sheets of rain to drizzle and when the wind blew the trees released what they were holding.
Unfortunately today I ended up stopping 10 miles before my campground destination on account of the onslaught precipitation and chilling temperatures I encountered. I was supposed to mosey on up to the Chapparal Family Campground in Salem, OH, but unfortunately they only had a tent site for me. If the weather had been dry and/or only slightly damp, I would have been there in a second - or at least in another 45 minutes. But the fact that my hands were numb and my bones wet, I stopped at a Days Inn, spread out and basically turned the room into a drying rack. It smells in there now. Sorry.
Courtenay and I started out from her place and she put about 15 miles in with me before we made a first stop to warm up. The chick is brave, heading out in shorts, she was goose-bumped out when we stepped into a Starbucks for a warm beverage. We laughed a lot, shared a hug and parted ways.
I rode and rode and rode, going through periods of warm and cold spells, my feet swimming in rain water. I didn't even have to drink out of my water bottle - just had to open my mouth. I rode my way through desolate back-country roads, busy neighborhood streets as well as a short bit on a highway, which I hated - glad to be alive right now. It's amazing that I can take one road 30 miles and it will change from a single, lonely lane to a 3 lane commuting monster and all within a couple miles. Civilization is one crazy machine.
After my brief highway ride, I pulled over as soon as I could to map out a safer route and grub down on a steak sandwich. I sat in a smokey bar and chowed down, chatted with locals about the ride and discovered that I there wasn't a roof at the campground. That's when I decided a hotel was in order. So I altered my route a bit, going a bit out of the way to avoid heavy traffic areas, and thinking the whole time that I'd just find a motel and post up as needed. That's the thing about riding in the rain - it's all fine as long as you know you have a dry place to retire. If that luxury can't be afforded or just isn't available, my mind just starts to think hypothermia and misery. Perhaps I'm weak. Meh.
As I rode on I came upon a make-shift stoplight, you know, one of those lights that is set-up when construction has turned the highway into one lane. Well, I was parked behind a silver mini-van when the driver of said van opened her door and turned to me. "You traveling?" she asked. I replied, "yes ma'am." "Where from?" "New York City." "You want a free dinner?" I looked her with a perplexed but eager smile. "I own a restaurant just down the way, so feel free to stop in if you'd like to eat." " Thank you." I said. She drove off, and even though I had just eaten 2 hours ago, I knew I couldn't pass up a free meal.
I rolled into the town of Rogers, OH and headed over to the only restaurant/bar within miles. The Y-Inn it is called. As I walked in, all the locals turned towards the door to spot me, a soaking wet hippie looking dude wearing dripping clothes, a helmet and a smile. The waitress came to me and said, "My mom said you'd be coming in. Here's a menu. Have whatever you'd like, on us." Damn, I love traveling. If I were traveling with another person, who knows if I would have been invited in like this and received such a warm welcome.
As I pondered my order, the locals came up to discuss what I was doing. Even the waitress, Lori, was going around and telling everyone in the joint what I was doing. What a chance this was to tell my story, so I did to anyone that was interested. I took photos with folks and of folks and one woman was snapping photos of me from a distance.
I ordered the fish, fries, green beans, a roll, six hot-wings, and 2 bud diesels - all on the house. I couldn't have been happier. Those country folks are great and so friendly. As I sat there eating, a young woman came up to me and asked "What is it you're riding for?" "Lymphoma" I replied. She handed me a $20 bill and said "that is wonderful. Here, take this. It's from me and well, that man over there." She pointed to what must have been her husband or boyfriend. She then smiled and said "Next time, ride for MS. That's what I have." Naturally I felt a bit saddened by this but she had a grin on her face like she had come to terms with her MS and accepts it.
Once again I met two more people that have been touched by lymphoma. Lori, the waitress, her daughter was diagnosed with lymphoma in her early 20s and was able to battle it and win. Jan, the owner of the Y-Inn and the woman who invited me in, she lost her sister in law to lymphoma. I'm seeing more and more why this ride is important and how truly necessary it is to give to those who can help these people.
I sat in that place for nearly 2 hours just talking and hanging out with some stright-up country folk. Nicest folks around if you ask me. Also, very very interesting. Makes me wonder why people head out to the country in the first place. Either they're born there, run there to get away, or escape there. Either way, it's all good to me.
I finished up the day with another 8 miles during dusk. The glowing light of the Days Inn was the warmest thing I ever could have seen.
Day 8 - My Bed to the Couch - 0 miles - Rest Day
Rest Day. Awesome. Gave the knees some much needed rest.
I thought I was going to sleep in this morning as if I were still in an undergrad at CU skipping my Western Lit class. But much to my dismay I was up bright and early at 7:30 - guess my body is just getting used to it.
Court and I had a leisurely morning, during which, I updated the blog and took care of internet doohickey business. In the late morning Court took me down to the strip for some breakfast. The strip is a hip little area, where the suits mix it up with the cool, just east of the high-rises of Pittsburgh.
After finishing my breakfast and Court's we went for a drive through the city, checking the sites and purchasing some gear from an REI. To my surprise I had some dividends saved up and my items were FREE - booyah! We then went to the Warhol museum and checked out the work of a seriously strange man - at least that's what his art says to me. What a trip I had in there. My mind was wandering to-and-fro as I could feel every synapse firing. I can't even imagine what was going on in Warhol's mind to allow him to make such interesting and ultimately strange art.
So, the guy took a camera everywhere he went, right. Imma bet that he was just "that guy" at parties and functions before he became famous. I can imagine his friends and acquaintences saying, "Oh man, here comes that Warhol again. He always has that f#$%in' camera. Why do we invite him to these things?" The guy recorded everything.
One other piece that is incredibly intriguing is the Last Supper print he did, in which, he made two prints side by side on pink. You know the Last Supper? The one with Jesus and pals - though I'm pretty sure the old man to the left was about to stab JC. Just take a look at this painting and analyze it as if it were modern day and think about what each person is thinking and/or doing. It's a blast and rather hilarious. I mean, there's obviously one guy that knows some business is about to go down and all he wants is one more beer so he can get the hell outta there.
All-in-all today was great. Nice and relaxing. And amazingly it seemed to go on forever. I could tell that hopping back on a bike would be a bit of a challenge.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 7 - Emlenton, PA to Pittsbugh, PA - 70ish miles
Today was a great ride because I knew at the end, I would be reaching a resting point.
I started the morning chilling out with Martha, John and their son, Greg - the owners of the Gaslight Campground. We enjoyed coffee and donuts and discussed their campground a bit. They have owned the place for six seasons and explained that the previous owners had let it go into the crapper. They have really turned it around and they said that each season is getting better.
The place was bustling as the camping season is really beginning. Everyone that rolled in was beyond friendly and everyone seemed to know everyone. I'm discovering that campground folks are amongst the friendliest people around. They are all about the outdoors, enjoying the company of others and having a great time.
I hit the road just as the air began to warm up. The sun was shining brightly but there was a bit of a head wind. I turned on some tunes and cruised excited to visit Pittsburgh for the first time and to see my friend, Courtenay, who put me up for my two nights in the city.
The ride was mostly downhill with a few short climbs and after a couple of hours I hit Butler, PA where I consumed yet another mass amount of food. I just can't seem to get enough. After eating and 3.5 hours I cruised into the northeastern outskirts of Pittsburgh where Courtenay lives. Many of those back-roads are awesome. The trees create a canopy that hangs over smooth pavement where I cruised freely due to the minimal amount of autos. Everything is built into hills and on hill-sides in this town. So, it's a bunch of climbs and descents no matter where you go. No flats.
I met Courtenay while sitting in some cool grass in her neighborhood. She showed me the way to her place where I unpacked and we caught up. We had a great night during which I met some of her local Pittsburgh pals. We stayed out late, and I could barely keep my eyes open, but it was comforting to know that I didn't have to get up early and bike and I could just sleep in.
Oh, something I did find in the local liquor store that night was Dale's Pale Ale. Probably one of my favorite beers from my favorite brewery, Oskar Blues - brewed right in Lyons, CO.
I started the morning chilling out with Martha, John and their son, Greg - the owners of the Gaslight Campground. We enjoyed coffee and donuts and discussed their campground a bit. They have owned the place for six seasons and explained that the previous owners had let it go into the crapper. They have really turned it around and they said that each season is getting better.
The place was bustling as the camping season is really beginning. Everyone that rolled in was beyond friendly and everyone seemed to know everyone. I'm discovering that campground folks are amongst the friendliest people around. They are all about the outdoors, enjoying the company of others and having a great time.
I hit the road just as the air began to warm up. The sun was shining brightly but there was a bit of a head wind. I turned on some tunes and cruised excited to visit Pittsburgh for the first time and to see my friend, Courtenay, who put me up for my two nights in the city.
The ride was mostly downhill with a few short climbs and after a couple of hours I hit Butler, PA where I consumed yet another mass amount of food. I just can't seem to get enough. After eating and 3.5 hours I cruised into the northeastern outskirts of Pittsburgh where Courtenay lives. Many of those back-roads are awesome. The trees create a canopy that hangs over smooth pavement where I cruised freely due to the minimal amount of autos. Everything is built into hills and on hill-sides in this town. So, it's a bunch of climbs and descents no matter where you go. No flats.
I met Courtenay while sitting in some cool grass in her neighborhood. She showed me the way to her place where I unpacked and we caught up. We had a great night during which I met some of her local Pittsburgh pals. We stayed out late, and I could barely keep my eyes open, but it was comforting to know that I didn't have to get up early and bike and I could just sleep in.
Oh, something I did find in the local liquor store that night was Dale's Pale Ale. Probably one of my favorite beers from my favorite brewery, Oskar Blues - brewed right in Lyons, CO.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Day 6 - Parker Dam St. Park, PA to Emlenton, PA - 75ish miles.
So, there are the pretentious, snobby bike shops who will stare down their greasy nose at an amateur cyclist and emit an aura of discontent, And then there are the uber-friendly, passionate, get-to-know-you, genuine, truly helpful bike shops. Today I discovered the latter.
As my alarm chimed at 6:30 am, I awoke to thunder, lightening and rainfall. Fortunately after 20 minutes or so, it stopped, and I made a break for it, packed everything up and hit the road. I stuffed half a poptart in my face and cruised 14 miles to Dubois, PA while dreaming of food the whole time. Did you know poptarts have 410 calories in just two little pastries? I ate those things all the time growing up. Lucky to not be enormous I guess.
As I slowly rolled into Dubois, I found a small restaurant where I sat for two hours. I consumed eggs, gravy, potatoes, toast, cheese, oatmeal and even a chocolate shake compliments of my super-friendly server, Cassie. It was extra-chocolately I might add. And while eating I updated the blog and such.
Feeling full, I took off for the Gaslight Campground in Emlenton, PA. As I reached the top of my first hill I noticed my bags to be wobbling to-and-fro. The upper right mounting point on my bike had become stripped out and the rack was no longer held tighly to the bike. I backtracked about 4 miles to the nearest auto parts store in hopes of getting some re-threading materials, but to my dismay that doesn't exist anymore. For some reason, I feel like it did when I was a kid.
The wobbling wasn't so bad that I couldn't ride, it just took that much more energy to keep the bike stable. I was still in a bit of farm country but I noticed that there was a university in Clarion, PA. Where there are college kids, there are bikes, so there has to be a bike shop.
I rode the next 40 miles straight into the wind, always climbing and descending, not a flat road in sight. As I pulled into Clarion, I must admit, I chowed a KFC double-down for some cheap, and delicious, energy. If you don't know what a double-down is; it's bacon, cheese and sauce sandwiched between two pieces of chicken. i'm salivating right now.
Just down the street from the KFC, I asked a gentleman on the street about a bike shop so I could get this bike fixed and back to being solid. He pointed me to University Bicycle & Outdoor. Here I met Chris, one of the nicest and knowledgable bike gurus I've come across. He immediately took an interest in what I was doing and began solving my probelm of a wobbling bike. Chris re-engineered my set-up, even throwing a brand new and sturdier rack my way. I ended up spending over 2 hours in the shop talking and discussing the ride. Dude, was incredibly helpful. So if you're ever in Clarion, PA be sure to stop into this guy's shop. There is even a small climbing wall inside.
At about 7:30pm, I set out to the Gaslight Campground in Emlenton, PA, just over 20 miles away. Of course the last 2 miles of the ride were straight-up hill. Everything in PA always seems to be just at the top of a hill. I'll ask "Where's X?" and people will always reply, "Oh, it's just at the top of the hill." Thanks.
I pulled in after dark, but Martha and John were there waiting, just chillin' on their porch. They were great as we discussed the ride a bit. But most importantly for that moment, they showed me to a cabin. I was expecting a tent site, and I knew my tent was soaked from the previous night. So, that cabin was beautiful to me.
As my alarm chimed at 6:30 am, I awoke to thunder, lightening and rainfall. Fortunately after 20 minutes or so, it stopped, and I made a break for it, packed everything up and hit the road. I stuffed half a poptart in my face and cruised 14 miles to Dubois, PA while dreaming of food the whole time. Did you know poptarts have 410 calories in just two little pastries? I ate those things all the time growing up. Lucky to not be enormous I guess.
As I slowly rolled into Dubois, I found a small restaurant where I sat for two hours. I consumed eggs, gravy, potatoes, toast, cheese, oatmeal and even a chocolate shake compliments of my super-friendly server, Cassie. It was extra-chocolately I might add. And while eating I updated the blog and such.
Feeling full, I took off for the Gaslight Campground in Emlenton, PA. As I reached the top of my first hill I noticed my bags to be wobbling to-and-fro. The upper right mounting point on my bike had become stripped out and the rack was no longer held tighly to the bike. I backtracked about 4 miles to the nearest auto parts store in hopes of getting some re-threading materials, but to my dismay that doesn't exist anymore. For some reason, I feel like it did when I was a kid.
The wobbling wasn't so bad that I couldn't ride, it just took that much more energy to keep the bike stable. I was still in a bit of farm country but I noticed that there was a university in Clarion, PA. Where there are college kids, there are bikes, so there has to be a bike shop.
I rode the next 40 miles straight into the wind, always climbing and descending, not a flat road in sight. As I pulled into Clarion, I must admit, I chowed a KFC double-down for some cheap, and delicious, energy. If you don't know what a double-down is; it's bacon, cheese and sauce sandwiched between two pieces of chicken. i'm salivating right now.
Just down the street from the KFC, I asked a gentleman on the street about a bike shop so I could get this bike fixed and back to being solid. He pointed me to University Bicycle & Outdoor. Here I met Chris, one of the nicest and knowledgable bike gurus I've come across. He immediately took an interest in what I was doing and began solving my probelm of a wobbling bike. Chris re-engineered my set-up, even throwing a brand new and sturdier rack my way. I ended up spending over 2 hours in the shop talking and discussing the ride. Dude, was incredibly helpful. So if you're ever in Clarion, PA be sure to stop into this guy's shop. There is even a small climbing wall inside.
At about 7:30pm, I set out to the Gaslight Campground in Emlenton, PA, just over 20 miles away. Of course the last 2 miles of the ride were straight-up hill. Everything in PA always seems to be just at the top of a hill. I'll ask "Where's X?" and people will always reply, "Oh, it's just at the top of the hill." Thanks.
I pulled in after dark, but Martha and John were there waiting, just chillin' on their porch. They were great as we discussed the ride a bit. But most importantly for that moment, they showed me to a cabin. I was expecting a tent site, and I knew my tent was soaked from the previous night. So, that cabin was beautiful to me.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
day 4 - waterville,pa to parker dam state park, pa
day 5 - waterville, pa to parker dam state park, pa. no clue on distance but if i had to guess - 80ish miles.
not real eventful today. woke up early and changed a flat. i met the owners of happy acres and some of their employees - great people. hooked me up with some ham and cheese and i hit the road.
the day was full of hills, small towns, back roads, no cell service - the boonies. and i liked it. there was very little traffic so i could ride in the center of the lane. i had absolutely no campground to get to so i took my time.
i took video and pictures even stopping to get off the bike and get some scenic shots.
i rode and rode and rode until i made it to parker dam state park. it was dark when i arrived so i sat up shop and hit the hay. i was awaken by thunder at 1am and it proceeded to rain all night.
not real eventful today. woke up early and changed a flat. i met the owners of happy acres and some of their employees - great people. hooked me up with some ham and cheese and i hit the road.
the day was full of hills, small towns, back roads, no cell service - the boonies. and i liked it. there was very little traffic so i could ride in the center of the lane. i had absolutely no campground to get to so i took my time.
i took video and pictures even stopping to get off the bike and get some scenic shots.
i rode and rode and rode until i made it to parker dam state park. it was dark when i arrived so i sat up shop and hit the hay. i was awaken by thunder at 1am and it proceeded to rain all night.
day 3 - blakeslee, pa to stillwater, pa
day 4 - stillwater, pa to waterville, pa. 85ish miles.
gotta dig the kindness of strangers.
i left whispering pines early during a misty rainfall. teresa saw me off and offered me practically everything in their store. i appreciated the kindness but there was nothing i needed or wanted to carry.
when i arrived in the town of millville, i sat a stop sign chomping some cashews when a dude, steve, walked up and started asking me about where i was headed. after some chitchat he invited me to eat breakfast with him and his pal wayne. and boy, did i accept that. i had had left over rice and pasta earlier and a real breakfast really hit the spot.
we ate at a local diner where everyone was friends and joked around accordingly. the conversation was real mellow - we discussed travelling, work, city life vs. rural life. i tell ya, i wish there was a place like this back in nyc.
after swallowing my food and slamming my coffee i was out and cruising.
after miles and miles i came to a hill the guys had mentioned at breakfast. twas the longest and most difficult climb i had come across yet. seemed to go up and up forever into dense fog which kept me from ever seeing the top. but what this climb did do was empty out my stomach and vanquish all my energy. it was time for a second meal.
i rolled into the town of jersey shore, pa after a fast descent off the mtn. i saw a place which read french toast on their sign so i went right in for another breakfast. after a large helping of b&g a couple approached me and asked where i was headed. i told them and they responded, "well, it looks like rain out there. why don't you stay with us?" i could tell these folks were genuine and not dodgy or anything, but i politely declined and explained my ride and sponsors and that people were expecting me. they pointed me to a back trail as to avoid the busy roadway up to waterville.
about halfway up i developed a slow leak bit decided to press on as to not get stuck in the dark. as i rolled into what i thought was waterville, three of the hillbilliest gentleman came up to me as i stared at my map.
apparently everything about me screamed outsider, from my socks to my bike to my helmet. we spoke for a while, me in my long slow colorado draw, and them with a thick country, backwoods accent. bob and tom knott, bros, and dave were their names. i came to learn that bob and tom are known as the 'not so right bros' in town.
we sat around dave's house for a bit, drank bud heavies, talked about the ride and routes. they wanted to take a photo with my bike and me so i told them we could use my phone and then i could email them the shots. they immediately burst into laughter, "email!" they exclaimed "boy, you dont know where you are!" Apparently i didn't. gonna have to print out the shots and send em via snail mail. those guys could have hung out all night. as the sky began to darken i headed to the campground.
on the way out a car rolled up beside me and shouted, " you riding for lymphoma?" i nodded. "i'm a reporter." so he took some photos as i cruised on my partially flat tire.
i arrived at happy acres planning to slip into a cool tent but to my surprise they hooked up a yurt! this place was dope. talk about luxury in the woods. hot shower, big bed, sofa, kitchen, tv where i caught up on the world.
the reporter, patrick, and i sat in the warm lodging and i gave an interview. seemed like a good one too. hopefully I'll see the article today.
solid day.
gotta dig the kindness of strangers.
i left whispering pines early during a misty rainfall. teresa saw me off and offered me practically everything in their store. i appreciated the kindness but there was nothing i needed or wanted to carry.
when i arrived in the town of millville, i sat a stop sign chomping some cashews when a dude, steve, walked up and started asking me about where i was headed. after some chitchat he invited me to eat breakfast with him and his pal wayne. and boy, did i accept that. i had had left over rice and pasta earlier and a real breakfast really hit the spot.
we ate at a local diner where everyone was friends and joked around accordingly. the conversation was real mellow - we discussed travelling, work, city life vs. rural life. i tell ya, i wish there was a place like this back in nyc.
after swallowing my food and slamming my coffee i was out and cruising.
after miles and miles i came to a hill the guys had mentioned at breakfast. twas the longest and most difficult climb i had come across yet. seemed to go up and up forever into dense fog which kept me from ever seeing the top. but what this climb did do was empty out my stomach and vanquish all my energy. it was time for a second meal.
i rolled into the town of jersey shore, pa after a fast descent off the mtn. i saw a place which read french toast on their sign so i went right in for another breakfast. after a large helping of b&g a couple approached me and asked where i was headed. i told them and they responded, "well, it looks like rain out there. why don't you stay with us?" i could tell these folks were genuine and not dodgy or anything, but i politely declined and explained my ride and sponsors and that people were expecting me. they pointed me to a back trail as to avoid the busy roadway up to waterville.
about halfway up i developed a slow leak bit decided to press on as to not get stuck in the dark. as i rolled into what i thought was waterville, three of the hillbilliest gentleman came up to me as i stared at my map.
apparently everything about me screamed outsider, from my socks to my bike to my helmet. we spoke for a while, me in my long slow colorado draw, and them with a thick country, backwoods accent. bob and tom knott, bros, and dave were their names. i came to learn that bob and tom are known as the 'not so right bros' in town.
we sat around dave's house for a bit, drank bud heavies, talked about the ride and routes. they wanted to take a photo with my bike and me so i told them we could use my phone and then i could email them the shots. they immediately burst into laughter, "email!" they exclaimed "boy, you dont know where you are!" Apparently i didn't. gonna have to print out the shots and send em via snail mail. those guys could have hung out all night. as the sky began to darken i headed to the campground.
on the way out a car rolled up beside me and shouted, " you riding for lymphoma?" i nodded. "i'm a reporter." so he took some photos as i cruised on my partially flat tire.
i arrived at happy acres planning to slip into a cool tent but to my surprise they hooked up a yurt! this place was dope. talk about luxury in the woods. hot shower, big bed, sofa, kitchen, tv where i caught up on the world.
the reporter, patrick, and i sat in the warm lodging and i gave an interview. seemed like a good one too. hopefully I'll see the article today.
solid day.
day 3 - blakeslee, pa to stillwater, pa
day 3 - blakeslee, pa to stillwater, pa
i awoke this morning to sunshine and crisp temperatures. i shared some coffee with barb and paul and i was off for a 70ish mile day - nice and short.
after 15 miles i felt as if i had gone back in time. suddenly i was traveling through rolling hills and small small towns. towns with one stoplight or no stoplights. cars were few and far between and to my dismay, restaurants or markets were obsolete. i had no idea how sparse PA is.
after countless rolling hills, narrow roadways, and great views, i found myself in shickshinny, pa. here i refueled for the last 18 miles which appeared to wind through more hills.
as i devoured a meatball sub, fries and chocolate peanut butter custard i asked the server for the best route through the hills. she spouted some route that involved an incredibly steep road. the men in the next booth chimed in with a route that avoided the hill so i agreed to it. before departing the older of the two guys, joe, 81, introduced himself and asked me to come by his place to check out all of his antiques. i thought this to be a bit strange but i imagine he just wanted to share some words with someone else.
i went by his house, which he built decades ago, where he had hundreds of antiques lying around, all of which are going to be sold at auction. when he shook my hand good-bye he gripped it as hard as he could to show me he still had tons of strength, even for an old feller. i snapped some photos and hit the road as it started to rain.
this is a new philosophy i'm adopting out here: if someone wants to visit or hangout or show me something, then i'll agree. safety and time permitting of course.
after some time in the rain, i rode upon Whispering Pines Campground. Here i met the Wojton family who could not have been nicer. they offered me some hot chocolate and anything else i needed, which turned out to be propane.
they told me of their daughter, Valerie, who died of leukemia last november as tears swelled in their eyes. Teresa, Valerie's mom, handed me a picture of their daughter and asked me to carry it with me throughout my trip. "of course" i replied. there is a facebook group titled 'remembering valerie' for anyone who would like to take a look.
after some tender moments they showed to the trailer in which i stayed the night. a warm and cozy place that allowed me to dry off and sleep well as it rained and poured all night.
i awoke this morning to sunshine and crisp temperatures. i shared some coffee with barb and paul and i was off for a 70ish mile day - nice and short.
after 15 miles i felt as if i had gone back in time. suddenly i was traveling through rolling hills and small small towns. towns with one stoplight or no stoplights. cars were few and far between and to my dismay, restaurants or markets were obsolete. i had no idea how sparse PA is.
after countless rolling hills, narrow roadways, and great views, i found myself in shickshinny, pa. here i refueled for the last 18 miles which appeared to wind through more hills.
as i devoured a meatball sub, fries and chocolate peanut butter custard i asked the server for the best route through the hills. she spouted some route that involved an incredibly steep road. the men in the next booth chimed in with a route that avoided the hill so i agreed to it. before departing the older of the two guys, joe, 81, introduced himself and asked me to come by his place to check out all of his antiques. i thought this to be a bit strange but i imagine he just wanted to share some words with someone else.
i went by his house, which he built decades ago, where he had hundreds of antiques lying around, all of which are going to be sold at auction. when he shook my hand good-bye he gripped it as hard as he could to show me he still had tons of strength, even for an old feller. i snapped some photos and hit the road as it started to rain.
this is a new philosophy i'm adopting out here: if someone wants to visit or hangout or show me something, then i'll agree. safety and time permitting of course.
after some time in the rain, i rode upon Whispering Pines Campground. Here i met the Wojton family who could not have been nicer. they offered me some hot chocolate and anything else i needed, which turned out to be propane.
they told me of their daughter, Valerie, who died of leukemia last november as tears swelled in their eyes. Teresa, Valerie's mom, handed me a picture of their daughter and asked me to carry it with me throughout my trip. "of course" i replied. there is a facebook group titled 'remembering valerie' for anyone who would like to take a look.
after some tender moments they showed to the trailer in which i stayed the night. a warm and cozy place that allowed me to dry off and sleep well as it rained and poured all night.
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