Early on after leaving the campground near Transfer, Pa I crossed into Ohio. Strangely, I felt like I was almost home just by getting across one more state line. I shot done 305 east to west which was pretty flat for a long time. And then, no more of the level stuff but rather steep slopes. Steep slopes in Ohio? What's that about? Yesterday, I had remarked that I might miss the hills. Lunacy! I will not miss the hills. They're hard work for an old man on a bike. I like the level roads with a bit of rise and fall. The hills are a challenge now and then but everyday, hour after hour I can leave behind for now.
Rich Facko asked for a count on my Twizzlers. Well, I've kind of gotten off of that diet but I do have them with just in case things go wrong. I believe Twizzlers are one of the major food groups and recommended by hospital nutritionists. Just thinking about them makes me want to go back to incorporating them into my nutritional program.
The ride today was sunny and summerlike. One of the advantages of riding the bike is that your senses are alive. I pick up smells and sounds that I otherwise wouldn’t. I notice details of housing, roads, traffic, people that I wouldn’t normally notice if I were driving along. It pays dividends to slow down sometimes, be more alert to our surroundings and pick up sights, sounds, insights that normally escape us.
At the end of the day, after 85 miles, I arrived at North Royalton, OH. Highest speed for the day was 38 mph. Now mind you, I’m not doing 38 mph solely under my own power. I need a good downhill to do that. So the fact that I got a top speed of 38 mph means there was at least one good downhill throughout the day. Well, there were numerous downhills with the required uphills. Like I said before, IN OHIO?
I kept my eye out for Drew Carey as I traversed the ups and downs of Ohio. I understand that he was raised in Parma which is just north of where I road through. No Drew sighting though.
After calling it a day in North Royalton, Carlin and I bundled up our equipment and headed back to Matt and Beth Casey’s home in University Heights, a short distance from where I ended the ride. Matt was a 1991 graduate and he and Beth graciously welcomed Carlin and I into their home. After Matt graduated from Marist he went to John Carroll University in Cleveland and has made Cleveland his home. At dinner, we shared great stories of Marist from the past. Matt astutely noted that Marist changes lives. Indeed, I agree, Marist changes lives for the better.
For me, one of the great side notes to this adventure is the number of former students who have gotten in touch with me and let me know what they’ve been up to. It’s so good to hear the great stories of the good lives and great things that you, the Marist Alumni, have accomplished and the good that you are doing for others.
Another disjointed thought. The questions about the Little Guy continue so I’m putting the Little Guy website on the Intriguing Website list for those that are interested. I am not an agent for Little Guy, just for Marist.
For your enjoyment, I've included a picture of a Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road. For us old timers, check out the song of the same name from the 70's. Perhaps our culture has advanced in certain areas. Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road.
Tomorrow, we’re off to Clyde, Ohio. The forecast is looking like rain in the afternoon so I’ll have to get out early and peddle fast to avoid getting wet. I’ll let you know what happens.
