Saturday, June 12, 2010

In to the flats!

I am finally out of the hills! I never would have thought I would be happy to be in Ohio but the first road I came to that went straight and flat was one of the most wonderful things I have seen in days.  I give myself a week before I am bored with it :)

I had a hell of a time getting out of PA.  Wet trails, head winds, crappy roads and a blown tire pump all slowed me down and I ended up coasting the last 10 miles into New Castle, PA with 60lbs of pressure in my rear tire and no pump.  I ended up blowing that tube 1 mile from the bike shop and had to push the bike up the last hill.  Huge thanks to John at Bicycles and More for not only staying open late and waiting for me but for all the help on the bike and tubes.  I wouldn't have made it out of PA that night with out him!  I camped out that night on the PA/OH border in between a bike path and railroad tracks.  Freeze dried Kung Pow Chicken and 16yr old Scotch made a great supper and the trains didnt even bother me that much. 

The next day I mailed some things home, trying to keep more weight off that rear tire.  I mailed 6 lbs of equipment home and also lost 8 lbs in the prior week despite the 5000 calorie diet I am on.  So far so good with no flats yet!  Since I came into OH a little farther north than planned I got a hold of Wendy, the older sister of a great friend who lives in the Akron area.  I had an absolutely wonderful time with Wendy, Jeff and their daughter Jocelynn.  Between the delicious ribs, cold beer and great laughs it was a wonderful end to the day and I was sad to leave so soon.  Thanks again Wendy! 

And so I continue on alone across the midwest.  I hope to end up somewhere near Mansfield, OH tonight which should put me into Indiana in 2 more days!

2 comments:

  1. Love hearing updates! Thoughts and prayers with you as you travel alone. Figure out a way to stay healthy. Too much weight lost and you'll have problems.

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  2. Grr we absolutely loved having you... you are welcome back anytime for more ribs and cold beer...good luck on the journey you are gonna do just great...love and miss ya kid...take care and ride safe

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