The day started off in typical fashion, with rain, and no sun to be seen. It's incredibly strange to be receiving this much rain, as we are biking from east to west, so we are apparently running into successful weather front after weather front that brings more rain every time. While I'm one to enjoy riding in the rain, this is actually becoming quite bothersome, as it means it becomes essential to clean ones bike every day, and it means spending 10 hours a day in a wet shammy, which after doing this for two weeks is somewhat of a health concern. This rain was also annoying because it was slow and steady versus the torrential downpour that I've become used to, and that made cycling almost a surreal environment.
West Virginia and Ohio mark the start of states I have had little to no experience with, which very much excites me. Originially slated as a 100+ mile day, the trip leaders moved around the schedule before the trip started to give us an "easy" day before normal mileage would pick up again (the extra mileage would be picked up biking and building the same day in Columbus, OH)
Today was a relatively short day, with substancial climbing, especially leaving the city of Pittsburgh. I was extremely thankful for the shorter day, as my back and knees were in considerable pain throughout the day, and I'm not sure I would have finished the day had it been a century day.
Riding into Ohio involved taking one of 3 dangerous highways over bridges, so we called for a police escort for the front group of riders who arrived to a prearranged checkpoint. Riding in a police escort was awesome to say the least, like riding in a presidential convey (just without the president and stretch limos part)
We stayed at the Methodist church in Steubenville, which was incredibly kind to us, although it featured one of the hottest nights in a non air conditioned spaces that I can remember to date.
Other noticeable things about the day was webchatting with my family and Katie, who were sharing a Shabbat dinner together. Seeing all of their faces made me a little homesick for probably the first time on this trip.
Today was also the first day that I've noticed the beating that my bike has taken so far. It has practically rained every day so far this trip, which is not great for the bike. Rain is the bike's enemy, as it causes all of the working components on the bike to rust and pick up road grime, which further grinds down the components. The bike has also taken a beating from my little spill, getting stacked next to other bikes all the time, breaks on the road, and just normal wear and tear from riding almost 1,000 miles at this point
1 comment:
Very impressive ride. We enjoy following your path. We hope you stay strong and healthy. What an amazing summer. Try to bike on over and visit us when you return - hope you can make it up Hunting Hill! Love, Elyse and Larry
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