Today was a 62 mile ride into Pennsylvania. Again there was no state sign. I will be able to get the picture when we go into Maryland though. Heather asked me to ride with her this morning, and unfortunately she got a flat tire almost immediately out of camp. Thankfully Gene was there to help :) I know she wanted to stop early on but it was foggy and hilly. I really wanted to get to the checkpoint at mile 26 so I encouraged her to keep going. When we got to the stop, Lynn told me to continue because Heather was being sent home. I felt really bad, but I needed to continue. Not to far down the road I ran into Ben and Reesh who were waiting for me. I really thought that was great so I bought them both lunch. It was another early day into camp. Some people got a ride into town, but I just wanted to hang out at camp. I really needed to catch up on my blogs ;) Dinner was catered and yummy, but so was the brisket that Steve and Rick bought Gene and I when we picked then up from the bbq joint in town. I'm also looking forward to a campfire and smores tonight!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Day 41: 7/28/12
Today was an easy 60 mile ride from Burton to New Waterford. There was a burger king next to the first rest stop so I enjoyed breakfast #2. I got into camp early, and I was so glad I did. Shortly after arriving I set up my tent hoping to dry it out. Almost immediately it began pouring down rain. Gene went to find the keys to blue thunder because his windows were down while the rest of us tried to move the bags further under the pavilion. After the rain I showered, napped, ate pizza, and then blogged while a couple other people played cards. I went to bed near the lake...beautiful!
Day 40: 7/27/12
Today was a 93 mile ride from Sandusky to Burton. We rode through Cleveland today which is where Liz is from. It was great because her family hosted the lunch stop. Luckily we got there and ate before the storm blew in. We waited it out under a bathroom awning before continuing. Liz was our tour guide as we ate our way through Cleveland. We stopped in the west side for coffee, in little Italy for lunch number 2, at on the rise for fresh baked goods, and of course the rock and roll hall of fame for some pics. My mp3 player fell off in front of blue thunder, and Gene went back to get it for me. Unfortunately, it didn't sound the same. Looks like no more music for me. At camp I enjoyed a couple summer shandy beers while Gene changed my tube and replaced a tire for me. Steve, another friend from Padre, came out to visit. He joined us for dinner at tom and jerrys. It was great to see him since Florida may get him this year. Another great day on the big ride!
Day 39: 7/26/12
Today was our rest day in Sandusky. I woke up and started my laundry. I knew we wanted to get an early start for the amusement park. On the way over, we got McDonalds for breakfast.We got 16 people together in their Jerseys to take some pictures outside for publicity so we could get free admission to cedar point and soak city. They also brought us to the dragster roller coaster and gave us immediate entry. Reesh, Ben, Cam, Sarah, Gene, and I all went to soak city to enjoy the slides and the lazy river. It was mostly cloudy so it was a little chilly. We left to go do some roller coasters and of course the sun comes out. I wanted to go back to the water park so Gene went with me. As soon as we got in the lazy river, the sun disappeared again. We decided to make the best of it and go in the hot tub in the adult pool. We got out at the perfect time. Before we could buy tickets to an extra ride, this strong storm blew in. Gene and I waited it out before getting arbys and going back to camp. Liz had brought blondies back from home which were delicious and perfect for dessert. Then it was time to pack and get ready for another day of riding.
Day 38: 7/25/12
Today was a 90 mile ride from Napoleon to Sandusky. We had our first check point in bowling green at a bike shop. They opened early for us so I bought a new chain. I also stopped at a coffee shop for breakfast 2. Lynn's dad joined us for the rest of the ride. He also told us it was Charleton's birthday in two days, which I'm still not sure if it was true. Reesh entertained me for a good 10 miles recapping the first two Batman movies for me. After lunch i noticed I had a slow leak. I pumped it up and figured I would change it later, or Gene would. As I rode into camp with Reesh, Ben was already in the pool and got all the strangers to shout for us. Liz and Molly left with family for the rest day. It was a $12 night so we headed out for dinner. Sarah, Todd, Gene, and I went to a great wine bar with tapas style food. It was great, but pricey. After dinner we made a stop at Kroger thenwent back to get my credit card from the restaurant. At camp we watched funny you tube videos (surprised kitten) then went to bed.
Day 37: 7/24/12
Today was 70 miles from Kendallville IN to Napoleon OH. Steve stopped at a lemonade stand, and bought ice cream for the rest of the riders that were coming through. Shortly passed that stand, we stopped for lunch. I did not blog soon enough, so I'm having trouble remembering details of the ride. After I got into camp, Gene and I went back for ice cream. I couldn't get it on the ride because it was cash only and I had spent all my cash at the movie last night. I got pistachio nut soft serve and it was delicious. At camp, I started my collection of nap time photos. Dinner was catered in and it was delicious. We had fried chicken, mac n cheese, scalloped potatoes, green beans, salad, and strawberry shortcake. To drink we had tea or lemonade which is now my favorite to mix. It was a hot night, but I survived.
Day 36: 7/23/12
Today we rode 110 miles from Valparaiso to Kendallville. The day began with rain, therefore making the railroads slick. I was riding behind Jeffrey around mile 25 when I watched him slip on the tracks and go down. Unfortunately, I was already concentrating on making it over the tracks safely so my reaction time was delayed after crossing. I saw Jeffrey down and slid to avoid him getting road rash on my knee and elbow. I did not break a nail though. The self proclaimed turtles came up on the wreck, and Molly also went down on the tracks. Gene cleaned my wounds at lunch. After that excitement, the sun came out. It became exceptionally hot. I was also frightened by a dog at mile 70. Things got better towards the end. I found an ice cream shop with sea salt Carmel nut 12 miles from camp. I was glad to make it into camp. Since we lost an hour entering eastern time, I had just enough time to shower before dinner which was catered by the chamber of commerce. Even the mayor came out to eat with us. She was a very pleasant retired marine. I quickly set up my tent so Gene, Reesh, Sarah, Cam, and I went into town to see the dark knight rises as this cute old local theater. It was cash only, and we just barely had enough. The movie was really good!!! By the time we got out it was cool enough to consider sleep and that is just what we did.
