Day 39: Wooster to Niles OH

Wow, another near-century today, 94.2 miles. The scenery is spectacular, the towns have a real warm charm,

The towns are starting to fly their patriotic July 4th decorations....

the body is holding up, but the humidity is a challenge especially since I ride all covered up for sun protection. The perspiration is constant so I'm forced to drink constantly. I think I take in about 40 oz of liquid per hour and I'm still thirsty at the end of the day.

I really enjoy the peace and quite and coolness of the first 30 miles or so. The mornings are spectacular....but mornings around here have a tendency to turn to hot and muggy afternoons.

We saw ample evidence of the rain storm that hit last night. Here is a field with a large stand of water. I'm sure those are really happy soy plants.

Water from yesterday's rain storm. A welcome sight to the farmers.

Darryl, the owner of the Circle Restaurant in Deerfield, OH gave us one of his giant pancakes

Wow, what a site to behold and it was just as delicious and such a treat!

This is where they are located in case you are in area and want some good food

After making one turn, we were surprised to see this line up of cycling fans. Makes the Tour de France fan support pale by comparison.

(L-R): Tom, Richard, Tracy, Robin and Tom. All are Cross Roads Staff except Richard who was nursing a sore ankle today and was not riding.

Each day we get a sheet of turn-by-turn directions to safely guide us to our destination. These directions are reviewed the night before at a meeting called 'route rap'.  Included in those directions are warnings of road hazards such as this very rough rail road crossing at mile 38. Cross Roads really puts on a good tour dedicated to taking care of us and safely getting us to Boston.

Hit this wrong and you'll be down in an instant. Thanks for the warning(s) Cross Roads!!

One final note: today we road on the only stretch of dedicated bike trail on the entire tour. A very nice 9 mile stretch near the 80 mile point. This picture doesn't do the scene justice but this OH trail was very nice.

A very nice Ohio bike trail that we got to enjoy for 9 miles. No cars!!!!

 Well, tomorrow is 89 miles to Erie, PA and then a well deserved rest day. Michele was born in Erie and she has uncles, aunts and cousins all lined up for visiting. Should be a fun day and a half.

But for now, and for me, it's route rap at 5:45, dinner at 6:00 and then a good night's sleep.

Take Care

Tom

Click here for details of today's ride:
Day 39: Wooster to Niles OH by xctom2012 at Garmin Connect - Details