XC Day 6 - Oberlin OH to Newbury OH
Today we had great weather as we rolled out. Our trip to Newbury was just over 80 miles with about 3500’ of climbing, mostly consisting of rollers or short climbs.
My legs were sore when I got up in the morning, but the group I rode with went out at a very gentle pace which was terrific. The scenery and the roads were wonderful for the first half of the ride.
With no winds to speak of, everyone was much more relaxed. Compared to the past two days, there was more side by side riding and chatting.
Unlike the in the west where there are grand vistas, here the beauty is often simple rather than majestic.
At one point, we were behind the Trek van which was behind some construction equipment moving very slowly. Jesse decided to pop out to see if we could ride by. It turned out that the construction vehicle was painting the yellow lines. When Jesse rode over the newly painted line, he created a nice yellow spatter pattern on his bike, bag, and even his jersey.
At one point, we passed 3 fire trucks and a sherif vehicle by this house. The firemen were putting out a large bonfire. I think that it may have been a training exercise.
Throughout the morning, there were lots of lovely views.
Shortly before lunch, we rode through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Our lunch stop was near this covered bridge. Our route did not actually go through the bridge, but many of us checked it out.
The riding after lunch was a bit mixed. Much of it was lovely such as this road above. However, some of it was on busier roads with limited or no shoulders. Several of my fellow riders had drivers come uncomfortably close to them with their vehicles particularly trucks.
As usual, we rode through several small towns.
As the afternoon wore on, the clouds darkened, threatening rain. However, like yesterday, the rain never materialized.
Here was a small pond that a number of Canadian Geese were enjoying.
Tonight we are staying at the Punderson Manor Lodge in the Punderson Manor State Park. It is a lovely building although it is rumored to be haunted. We will have to see how I am in the morning. Today was also a bit odd checking in since there were about 8 black suburbans in the front. Apparently, Ohio’s governor was in the building having some meetings. As a result, the place was filled with official looking people in suits, some with radios and sidearms.
Tomorrow is a short day, just 60 miles to Meadville PA. We will be biking through Amish country, so perhaps there will be a horse drawn buggy photo in tomorrow’s blog.