(I think my bike computer was not working for several miles, which is why my mileage is less than expected.)
Today was the most urban ride we've done. After we left camp, we rode along Highway 6, which runs along Lake Erie. We got to see the houses of the rich (nouveau?) who can afford to build their tract mansions on the shore of the lake.
This was my first glimpse of a Great Lake! Lake Erie is huge! It looks like an ocean, but it doesn't smell like one. There are waves, lighthouses, and sandy beaches, just like an ocean. Here are Patty, me, Tracy, Pauline, and Janet at a rare public beach in front of Lake Erie.
One funny thing: men in tractor-like vehicles ride along the beach and smooth down the sand. That's a good thing. Apparently, no one in Ohio wants to look at or walk along a messy beach. The seagulls like the messy sand, though. Oh, maybe that's why they smooth it . . .
The further east we went, the nicer the houses became. Does my bike match? Would I be allowed to live here?
Today, at about noon, we entered our biggest city so far, Cleveland, OH.
After lunch at a great little cafe, Janet, Patty, and I became urban cyclists. It took all three of us to navigate the city streets, watching for traffic, buses, parked cars, pedestrians, while at the same time reading the directions on the cue sheet. Riding in downtown Cleveland was quite an adventure, and I'm not using the word "adventure" in the most positive sense right now.
We rode through all sorts of neighborhoods in Cleveland, both urban poor and old money rich. We went by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, through Little Italy, by Case Western University, then on into Shaker Heights. Eventually, we left urban and suburban Cleveland and entered the countryside. There was NO corn! Instead, there were hills, polo grounds, secluded homes, and woods. There was also the birthplace of James A. Garfield. (Did he play polo, I wonder?)
We are camping tonight at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton, OH. This is a very cute little town, and I'm looking forward to exploring it tomorrow - a REST DAY!
4 comments:
You are left with only single digitg numbers before completion, YAHOOOOO! Can you believe it? The excitement amongst all of you incredible bikers has to be electric. I sooooo wish I could be at that finish line to greet you. Sending tail winds, sunshiny days, and cool temperatures!
Susan Rucker
Rest and smile in your sleep about the remaining 9 days.
Single digits. You no longer need to remove your shoes to cout down.
I know you are smiling about it but you might be getting a bit nostalgic soon too.
Is it too soon? Nostalgia about the end before it occurs?
I hope all of the rest of your ride is just as amazing.
Rest day! I hope you have a good one.
How would life be back at home after all this? What is going to be your next adventure?? All the things that you could do; Oh the places you could see. Hmmm...isn't that the title of a Dr. Seuss book??
Enjoy your last few days on your bike, on the route, and with your friends. When you get back...you'd have to deal with lesson plans, school schedules, and bratty 1st and 2nd graders. Hmmm...are you sure you're coming home?? :-P
Love,
~fe
I have an idea that most of the small children who meet you for the first time this year will believe you rode across America on a bicycle.
But when you show them your pictures and read some of your your blog aloud telling your stories and proudly smile at them, they will have to believe.
Imagine what that will mean in the minds of these children of the next generation... 'Their teacher rode across the country on a bicycle!' (This was before people had to!) You will be opening young minds to possibilities most adults think impossible.
I can't tell you how really big I smile when I think about it. How about you?
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