Logistics:
Since we arrived at the Campground
after 9pm and set up so we could get a restful sleep with the AC at
full blast, we would not have to drive in the AM. We of course
ignored our alarm and finally got moving around 6:30. The RV looked
like a war zone with dirty dishes still in the sink, computers on
every surface and towels and cloths hanging on each hook. First
order was coffee, then some lite b-fast. We had decided since it
would be another scorcher today and we had 60 miles to go we would
save ourselves and Zin some suffering today and leave her in her
kennel in the RV with the AC going. She however was anxious to join
us as she responded to seeing us in our biking clothes and helmets.
We coaxed her into her Kenel and said our good-byes to two very sad
eyes looking at us thru the Kennel. By 7:22 we were off.
The Route:
We only had to go about 4 miles off the
route from our site to get back on the designated trail. After a
short climb out of a creek bed we were greeted with nothing but flat
open space. There was really little to observe. We counted 5 cars,
4 dogs (one with 3 legs), 2 cats, 2 fellow cyclists and 1 live snake
in the first 21 miles. We also noticed that in Indiana some of the
farm houses have put in quite elaborate swimming holes, complete with
docks, beach areas, lounge chairs, diving boards and our favorite a
rope swing! We contemplated if these 'natural' swimming pools were
more economical than a more industrial lap pool. We figured the
maintenance cost alone would justify this more natural alternative.
We were making great time as we hit the 20 mile mark when Kevin heard
whimpers, grunts, snarls, and wines from behind. Theresa was
gradually slowing down because of an excruciating back ache. She
did take her Aleve this AM but it was not helping. For those of us
who suffer period back spasams or pain it can almost cripple a
person, and definitely makes it a challenge to breath easily.
The towns along our route were
virtually non-existant today. Many existed as a dot on the map due
to a small post office. The only things we say repeatedly were
Marathon Gas stations. Kevin pondered why they were named Marathon.
Then it occurred to him that each station was placed 26.2 miles apart
in any direction. The first was in Hoagland, which was our initial
rest stop at 27 mile. We asked if there was any cafe in town but the
reply was “there used to be one but it closed”. This was a
common theme in these small towns as we noticed lots of vacant store
fronts and very little services. We settled for a hoagie sandwich
with Turkey, Ham, Cheese and the key ingredient of bologna (suppling
the needed fat and salt), diet Pepsi and a Payday. We sat across the
street in the shade of a Lutheran Church on the ledge of a planter
for about 40 min. Theresa stretched out her back and studied the
maps and helped Kevin down the hoagie. The 10am church bells rang as
we once again mounted our bikes for the next stop Monroeville, which
would mark the transition from one American Cycle Assoc. map ( #9) to
the 2nd and final map on our journey. Each map has
approximately 400 miles carefully charted in full detail. We now
continue our adventure with Section # 8 of the Northern Tier.
So on to Monroeville as the two began
to slowly ramp up their speed and cadence in an effort to do slightly
better than the days prior average speed.
With 23 miles left of their 60+ planned
day Theresa begged for a brief stop to switch maps and to stretch her
back once again. She read the directions a few times and off we
continued. A turn east was required in the center of the town,
however the street signs did not match the directions. After a few
false turns we concluded someone had turned the signs! Sometimes you
just have to go by feel. Thank you to whomever thought that was a
bright idea. We only had one more stop in 13 miles before we
completed our ride for the day. We followed a creek bed that wound
us NE. The road was smooth and flat with a small shoulder. Theresa
tucked in behind Kevin to get any draft to gain any speed she could
muster. There was a stiff breeze that gave us a bit of a cross tail
wind. There was nothing refreshing about the wind, it was hot and
dry, and the pavement provided the same sensation as an open door on
the oven once it is at temperature. Parched we arrived at our last
stop, Payne, which surprisingly had another Marathon station.
Wanting something cold, we inquired about a cafe or ice cream shop.
Pleasantly there was one just 2 block off the path. The blocks were
very residential and the yards were full of debris from not just one
but two severe storms that ravaged the area. Alas we pulled into
what may have been the only dining in town as the noon sirens sounded
trucks pulled in and out grabbing a quick lunch. Kevin collapsed in
a shaded picnic table in a gazebo next to the Drive Inn. Theresa got
sodas, water and an ice cream cone. Ice was the key ingredient here.
Kevin put some in is dew rag and let it melt to cool down his head.
Talk about brain freeze! Theresa took any remaining ice and wrapped
it in here neckerchief and put it behind her neck to melt the last 10
miles of the ride. She balanced the act of keeping ice on her neck
while also rapidly devouring the Ice Cream cone which was on the
verge of sublimating from a solid to a gas and bypassing the liquid
stage.
We asked the locals if there was any
short cut to Paulding. “NOPE, you gota go down the road to the
lights and make the turn thru town and follow 500 all the way. As we
finaly reached the edge of Paulding we elected not to go thru town
because on our way out yesterday we discovered that the roads were
bad and heavily traveled. Thanks to Google we found a way around to
the north side of town where we rejoiced at seeing the golden arches,
and one more Marathon station, which meant the car was near. Once
in the car the temp registered 106 degrees. These have been 2 of the
hottest days we have ever biked in over 40+ years of biking!
Stats:
Day 9 of riding, 62.1 miles (metric
century), 14 mph avg, total trip miles 455, and 3846 calories burned
for the days ride.
Kevin's Garmin stats:
After the Ride:
We loaded the bikes up and Theresa
fetched water from the store then we headed the 50 miles back to the
campsite. Since we got in so late last night we needed to officially
register and get all the paperwork done. The facility would be nice
if we every got out of the RV to walk around and enjoy it. The heat
is keeping us indoors as we work had to cool off. There were even
several small ponds for fishing and swimming. Zin was very happy to
see us and we assured her that she was much better off inside the AC
than riding in the trailer in this heat. Kevin suggested Pasta for
dinner and it hit the spot.
Plans for tomorrow:
Theresa is struggling with plans for
the next 2 days as the campsite we are targeting is 11 miles off the
route. We may just let Google guide us and worry about getting back
on the trail in a few days. We don't move the RV until Monday, so we
have a day to get the details figured out.
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