Ohio ups and downs

Monday, September 29 Greenfield - Lancaster

Off to a good early start, the roads were wonderful, the day’s journey was only 52 miles, and by 11:00 we were on target to arrive at day’s end by 2:00.  Imagine our disappointment to learn that the road ahead was closed for construction.  The detour route (Ohio Hwy 188) only added 2 miles, but it proved to be 23 miles of ugly hills.  Oh and did we mention - heavy truck traffic.  Oh, and no shoulder. (About 4 miles into the detour Diane began to swear like an old salt every time she approached a new hill – but always went for it and persevered.)   In the end, WE DID IT, arriving at the Shaw’s Inn, where we had a very tasty repast in an elegant atmosphere, served by attentive wait staff.  Tomorrow we hit the run again, and as always, under the possible self-delusion of a fast care-free ride.  

The day was off to fast early morning run.

 

Diane stops to "cowboy up" by pulling off her long sleeve shirt.

 

In the early part of the ride we only stop to "off load" more unneeded stuff. (Diane mails hone another 2.5 lbs. To be fair, Rob's crippled derailleur was part of the package.)

 

The only redeeming quality of the afternoon was the emerging Ohio Fall colors.

 

 Technical Section

 

On occasion we like to provide readers our opinions on what goes into successful bicycle touring. Sometimes this takes the form of equipment choices, riding technique and other times simple tricks that increase your chances for an easy quick ride.  Today we are sharing one of those tricks.

 

Here Diane demonstrates the Snot Rocket which is accomplished by inhaling, placing your index against one side of your nose, pressing one nostril closed and explosively blowing air through the other nostril - expelling mucus in stream and thus allowing you to breathe easily and placing more oxygen at your disposal, allowing you ride quicker.  (Diane has mastered the snot rocket while pedaling at speed, but your camera man found it difficult to capture it in a photo.)





Ohio Welcome

Sunday, September 28 Augusta – Greenfield

Great breakfast at the Parkview Inn, but it was not served until 9.   As soon as we could, we started our day’s journey with a quick two block ride to the ferry, the Jenny Ann.  It was just departing from the Ohio shore, and takes about 7 minutes to cross.   One of the oldest ferry services still in operation on the Ohio River, it has been in continuous operation since 1797 when the original ferry was hand-propelled.   The Jenny Ann accommodates six vehicles and operates every day from 8 am to 8 pm.  The fare is only $5, but for bicyclists there is no charge!!  By the time we disembarked onto the Ohio shore, it was 10:40.  The first 12 miles up from the river was a surprisingly easy climb, and with scant traffic.  We followed the White Oak Creek all the way up.  Much of the day was great riding, and for the first time on this trip we had a conversation while bicycling.

On the smooth stretches in the afternoon headwinds, Diane even did a little drafting.  But, out of nowhere it seems, it was Kentucky redux, and Diane found herself walking the last steep part of each hill, at about 2.4 mph.  That was not fun.  But lo, is that a pickup coming our way?  Indeed.  So we took a 5 mile pickup ride through the tough hills, and a bit a of road construction activity, and then finished the 7 miles into Greenfield on our bikes.  We had a reservation at the Yellow Rose Bed and Breakfast, and as prearranged, we called the innkeeper to let her know we were about 40 minutes out, but we were unable to reach her on any of the three numbers she had given us. 

We decided to have dinner in the downtown area, a few blocks from the Yellow Rose.  The Chinese Restaurant seemed to have good ratings, but it was an unsatisfying meal.  By that time it was dark, so we walked our bikes the three blocks to the Yellow Rose, hoping for good luck.  No one was there, but the door was unlocked and there was a light on in the back of the house.  So, we made ourselves at home.  Later the innkeeper returned our calls-turns out she and her daughter tag team the operations, but this time they got their signals crossed.  The door was unlocked because the previous guest left it open.  Yay for us!   

Everyone loves a Ferry ride!

 

Welcome to Ohio and the Midwest.

Where apparently Dairy means a lot more than milk cows. Yes, a service station and store.

 

Some enjoyable flats running before we encounter the Kentucky hills that snuck into Ohio.

 

And to close this entry, some other pictures de jour.

Ohio creek

Ohio River

 

A house along the Ohio River built to resemble a Steamboat.

 

And an example of the many art shots Rob takes when trying to bicycle take photos at the same time.

 

 

A Kentucky Ridge Ride

Saturday, September 27.  Georgetown to Augusta. 

Super 8’s breakfast offering was very weak, so we walked down the block to the Cracker Barrel – a delicious healthy offering!  But by the time we got good air it was 9:50 before we hit the road. 

The ride to Cynthiana was a relative easy run but Diane still was feeling the effects of her fall, and the fatigue from the difficult ride the day before.  When we were about to reach the east end of Cynthiana, Hwy 62 was posted as having no shoulder.  No such sign had appeared previously, so we took this as a warning not to ride it.   And once again decided to hitch a  10-mile ride to rural route 19, our final road leading to Augusta. 

Hwy 19 was a fun ride in spite of 3 two-mile steep climbs - it was more like what we had hoped the entire Kentucky ride would be.  The B&G  Country Store in Powerville was a perfect resting spot about 3 miles from Brooksville. After Brooksville the road was even better, although there was still some significant climbing to do.  And then we reached the final one-mile descent into Augusta, and to our last night in Kentucky at The Parkview Inn, an old hotel just a block from the Ohio River, where we enjoyed a great buffet dinner.

Now that Kentucky is over, I think I have found the key to a successful ride across this state. You need to find a "ridge road to run."  On a map, these roads show as wiggle lines where the streams fall away from the road in both directions.  Because anytime you cross a stream/river in Kentucky it is a quick descent followed by an arduous climb back to the top of the ridge.  (Diane says, "Rob, you are just now figuring this out????)

Diane rides a Kentucky ridge road.

 

The classic country store with a great owner.

Where one can buy Kentucky's only soda and a classic Dr. Pepper :)

 

The Déjà vu sign.  Kentucky is one of those Southern states that starts mile markers over at the county line with zero. And with 129 counties we saw this a number of times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diane Rides On!

Friday, September 26. Lebanon to Georgetown.

The MyrthleDeen B&B owner and former chef was willing to serve us breakfast at 7am.  Another yummy meal! (Do you notice a trend of partially defining this ride by the quality of the food?)  Over breakfast, we visited just a little bit with his two young sons, a real pleasure.  And then we were off! 

The first 15 miles on Hwy 62 was flat with good payment and a broad shoulder.  Once out and running, Diane’s confidence returned and she biked strongly.  But later in the day, Hwy 62 returned to its miserable ugly ways, becoming a nightmare of a very narrow road with absolutely no shoulders.  That caused us to fall very much behind schedule but on we pressed.  But about 8 miles away from our destination, the continuing need to pull off the road to allow the building traffic to safely pass, the rare but growing verbal abuse by some drivers, and the impending darkness, led us once again to ask for a ride. (A pick-up a day keeps us on our way.)  We were accommodated by Eric and Rochelle, a sweet retired couple, and their loving border collie mix, Annie, who gave Diane sweet and gentle attention.  They delivered us to the Super 8, where after our showers, we feasted on Domino’s pizza and cherry coke.  And Rob inspected the bikes and conducted the required routine maintenance. 

We leave the grand MyrtleDene.

We are riding a little of Kentucky's "Bourbon Trail." This bridge is just down the road from the Wild Turkey Distillery. When the wind is right you can smell the brew in the vats.

 

Hwy 62 at its ugliest. The road has been turned into a giant waffle surface in readiness for repaving.

 

 

 

Along our ride we have encountered this tree with its unusual "fruit." They turn out to be the seed pods of the magnolia tree.














We start to see our first Fall colors.

PS 

(Adult section)

Bicycle touring is not without its dangers, but as they say "you pay your dues and you take your chances."   Diane paying her dues certainly paid off. She religiously wears her helmet no matter the heat or discomfort.    (Note the cracks where she hit her head on the payment.)

 

Of course all close calls seem to have a humorous component.  This one comes in the form of bruises. Let's say, if Diane were a horse she would be a fine Appaloosa with a beautiful spotted romp.

(One of the many spots.)

 

 



 

Tobacco Road

The day began pleasantly (our mornings almost always do) but the hills never stopped.  We took a little break at Black Gnat, an unincorporated spot on the map, with a small convenience store that had probably been there since the beginning of time, and smoked in 24/7.  But the little wooden park bench outside suited our needs fine, as we imbibed on the routine comestibles. 

We were in the heart of Barren County.  We traversed tobacco fields, a crop we had not seen before.  Although the views were stunning, the hills made the ride less enjoyable.  Late in the day, Diane lost control of her bike as she came to a stop, and toppled off her bike.  Although she has fallen several times over her thousands of touring miles, she had gone over 6000 miles since her last fall.  And for the first time, the fall was hard enough to crack her helmet. But no broken bones, only a minor abrasion on the elbow and brusing on the left arm, leg and tailbone.  She was pretty shook up, but rode for a mile or so, to where we could get a truck assist. 

Once again, a pick-up driver to the rescue.  His name is Brian, an older gentlemen with a good sense of humor and sense of service to others.  The sermon at his church that Sunday was about being a friend, and that was on his mind when he answered our plea for help.  He delivered us to the lovely MyrtleDene Bed and Breakfast in Lebanon, Ky. We finished the night by eating large servings of Mexican food. Tomorrow we try to make 70+ miles but that may well prove undoable. Stay tuned for the day time reality show, The McDaniels Try to Make Their Miles. 


One of the many Kentucky back roads of the day.  Diane tops one of the many nasty little hills.

Drying tobacco in the field

Tobacco drying in the shed.

 

Black Gnat City Hall.  Apparently spending public funds on anything is frowned upon.

 

Left Nashville back in Rhythm but Kentucky is ready to Rumble

Wednesday, September 24.  Diane took a relaxing approach to the morning, lingering over breakfast, taking her time packing up, and making sure this Blog was completely up-to-date, so we weren’t on the road until 9:25.  The first thirty miles were a relaxing roll out of Hendersonville, even as we made excellent time.  The hills were manageable, the weather agreeable, and we rode north on 31E on a 12 foot shoulder that was smooth and debris-free.  But then, we crossed into Kentucky.  OMG!  A narrow shoulder with a rumble strip down the middle, and ever-increasing traffic, including lots of semis. Those truck drivers were professional, courteous, and safety-conscious, as were the other motorists.  But riding in that situation was taxing and fatiguing at best.  So after four miles we decided to try a side road.  Mistake.  The hills took on the characteristics of a major rollercoaster - except you got to push your ride uphill. We self-corrected at Scottsville, and returned to 31E.   Surprise!  A brand new surface, wider lanes, huge shoulders, no rumble strips.  Unfortunately, this only lasted for 4 miles, when the new pavement stopped and the ugly stuff returned, in spades!  But we persevered, and arrived Glasgow in time to partake of an excellent steak dinner.  We are staying at the Hall B&B, a lovely home with a rich history.

A number of Tennessee acreages had slate fences.  This is the most impressive one we rode by.  

 

Just was struck by this vestige of the past.

Excellent Tennessee road.

 

 

Horrible Kentucky Hwy 31 rumble strip. Now imagine yourself riding the white line with two semi-trucks meeting each other. (As they say, Do not try this at home.)

 

 

But you can get a fine meal in Kentucky.  This "onion bloom" weighing in at one pound was excellent. (I tried to eat the whole thing, but failed - Rob.) And steak was perfectly done. 

 

 

 

PS



There seems to be two approaches to managing the items you take on a bicycle trip. Some people like to unload as little as possible from their panniers each night.  Thus minimizing the time it takes to be ready to ride each morning.

Others seem to want to make sure everything is still there each night and carefully  re-pack their panniers each morning .  (Diane, I am just saying - Rob.)

 

 

 

 

Stats (or so)

OntheTrace2014 Stats

Sunday September 14:  Breaux Bridge – Simmesport

Time in Saddle   6:34:37                  Odometer           1167
Distance 65.6 m                                Max speed         ?

Average speed 9.9 mph                   Start-Stop           10:20 – 6:50

Monday September 15:  Simmesport – Natchez

Time in Saddle   6:24:10                  Odometer           1226  Assist

Distance 58.5 m                                 Max speed         ?

Average speed 9.1 mph                    Start-Stop           8:30 – 4:30 

Tuesday September 16:  Natchez – Port Gibson

Time in Saddle   4:27:58                  Odometer           1268

Distance 42 m                                    Max speed         27 mph

Average speed 9.3 mph                    Start-Stop           10:20 – 4:10 

Wednesday September 17:  Port Gibson – Jackson

Time in Saddle   6:38:17                  Odometer           1333

Distance 64.1 m                                Max speed         24.5

Average speed 9.6 mph                   Start-Stop           8:20 – 5:40 

Thursday September 18:  Jackson –Kosciusko

Time in Saddle   7:03:19                  Odometer           1393

Distance 71.5 m                                Max speed         22.1

Average speed 11.2 mph                Start-Stop 

 

Friday September 19:  Kosciusko – Houston

Time in Saddle   7:03:19                  Odometer           1491 Neon Actual 1464

Distance 71.5 m                                Max speed         ?

Average speed 10.2 mph                Start-Stop          

Saturday September 20:  Houston – Belmont
Time in Saddle   4:31:55                  Odometer           1541 Assist

Distance 49.1 m                                Max speed         29

Average speed 10.8 mph                Start-Stop           10:20 – 6:50 

Sunday September 21:  Belmont – Collinwood

Time in Saddle   5:42:25                  Odometer           1600

Distance 59.5 m                                 Max speed         33.9

Average speed 10.0 mph                 Start-Stop           8:30 – 3:25 

Monday September 22:  Collinwood - Columbia

Time in Saddle   6:19:59                  Odometer           1661

Distance 60.2 m                                Max speed         29.9

Average speed 9.5 mph                   Start-Stop           8:00 – 4:45 

Tuesday September 23:  Columbia - Hendersonville

Time in Saddle   3:27:07                  Odometer           1692

Distance 29.6 m                                Max speed         36.1

Average speed 8.5 mph                  Start-Stop           7:45 – 6:55

Wednesday September 24:  Hendersonville - Glasgow, KY
Time in Saddle   6:44:18                  Odometer           1756
Distance 64.2 m                                 Max Speed          34.2
Average speed 9.5                            Start-Stop         9:25 - 6:25

Thursday September 25:  Glasgow - Lebanon

Time in Saddle   5:15:59                  Odometer           1802

Distance 46.1 m                                Max speed         36.8

Average speed 8.3 mph                   Start-Stop           8:30 – 4:45 

Friday September 26:  Lebanon - Georgetown

Time in Saddle   7:04:28                  Odometer           1865

Distance 62.1 m                                Max speed         34.2

Average speed 8                               Start-Stop           8:15 – 6:15 

Saturday September 27:  Georgetown - Augusta

Time in Saddle   5:13:40                  Odometer           1913

Distance 49.4 m                                Max speed          30.1

Average speed 9.3 mph                         Start-Stop             9:45 – 5:45

Sunday September 28:  Augusta -Greenfield

Time in Saddle   6:08:59                  Odometer           1970

Distance 55.6 m                                Max speed          30.3

Average speed 9.0 mph                   Start-Stop           10:45 – 6:45

Monday September 29:  Greenfield - Lancaster

Time in Saddle   5:04:32                  Odometer           2023

Distance 52.8 m                                Max speed         34.2

Average speed 10.3 mph                Start-Stop           8:15 – 3:15

Tuesday  September 30:  Lancaster to Coshocton

Time in Saddle   ?                              Odometer           2062

Distance 38.0 m                                                Max speed         ?

Average speed ? mph    Start-Stop           ?

Truck—Zanesville to Coshocton

Wednesday  October 1:  Coshocton to Bolivar

Time in Saddle   4:56:01                  Odometer           2115

Distance 53.4 m                                Max speed         25.8

Average speed 10.8 mph                Start-Stop           9:00 – 3:00

Thursday  October 2:  Bolivar to Warren

Time in Saddle   5:10:06                  Odometer           2163

Distance 48.1 m                                Max speed         39.2

Average speed 9.2 mph                   Start-Stop           7:45 – 4:45

Bus ride from Canton to Alliance 

Friday  October 3:  Warren to Conneaut

Time in Saddle   5:25:09                  Odometer           2226

Distance 62.1 m                                Max speed         24.1

Average speed 11.4 mph                Start-Stop           9:00 – 4:00 

Saturday  October 4:  Conneaut to Dunkirk

Time in Saddle   6:26:37                  Odometer           2304

Distance 77.14 m                              Max speed         34.1

Average speed 11.9 mph                Start-Stop           8:00 – 3:47

Sunday  October 5:  Dunkirk to Corfu

Time in Saddle   6:36:14                  Odometer          2374

Distance 69.7 m                                Max speed         31.4

Average speed 10.5 mph                Start-Stop           9:55 – 6:30

Monday  October 6:  Corfu to Fairport

Time in Saddle   5:38:19                  Odometer           2434

Distance 60.0 m                                Max speed         37.8

Average speed 10.6 mph                Start-Stop           10:06 – 7:00

 

Tuesday  October 7:  Fairport to Baldwinsville

Time in Saddle   5:41:48                 Odometer           2500

Distance 65.9 m                               Max speed         28.1

Average speed 11.5 mph               Start-Stop           8:30 – 4:40

Wednesday  October 8:  Baldwinsville to Barneveld

Time in Saddle   5:48:25                  Odometer           2602 Neon added 38

Distance 66.4 m                                 Max speed         23.3

Average speed 11.4 mph                 Start-Stop           9:50 – 4:45 

Thursday  October 9:  Barneveld to Speculator

Time in Saddle   5:24:02                  Odometer           2653

Distance 51.1 m                                Max speed         34.2

Average speed 9.4 mph                        Start-Stop              9:15 – 3:25

Friday October 10:  Spectator to Ticonderoga

Time in Saddle   7:14:55                  Odometer           2724

Distance 71.0 m                                Max speed         35.1

Average speed 9.7 mph                   Start-Stop           8:12 – 5:17

Saturday, October 11:  Ticonderoga to Williston

Time in Saddle   6:30:00                  Odometer           2771

Distance               46.7                        Max speed         36. mph

Average speed to Ferry 7.3 mph               Start-Stop           8:10 – 5:00

Bus Rides – Charlotte to Burlington to Williston.  Walked bikes .7 m from last bus stop to hotel, arriving at 7:30 p.m.  Neon jumped odometer  from 2771 to 3156.   

Sunday, October 12:  Williston to St. Johnsburg

Time in Saddle   7:11:57                  Odometer           3225

Distance               69.3                        Max Speed         36.

Average speed 9.5 mph  

Monday, October 13:  St. Johnsburg to Gorham

Time in Saddle   5:56:45                  Odometer           3277

Distance               51.4                       Max Speed         36.1 (Diane)  42.5 (Rob)

Average speed 8.6 mph                    9:00 - 4:38

Tuesday, October 14:  Gorham to Wilton

Time in Saddle   6:15:45                  Odometer           3343

Distance               65.1                       Max Speed         33.4

Average speed 10.3 mph                Start-Stop           9:18 – 5:50

Wednesday, October 15:  Wilton to Waterville

Time in Saddle   4:31:51                  Odometer           3387

Distance               43.8                       Max Speed         36.1

Average speed 9.6 mph                   Start-Stop           9:10 – 2:40

Thursday, October 16:  Waterville to Bangor

Time in Saddle   6:14:00                  Odometer           3448

Distance               61.1                       Max Speed         34.8

Average speed 9.7 mph                   Start-Stop           8:27 – 4:40