Childhood Car Game

Many, many years ago, I took a trip back east with my parents. The three of us, along with my great-aunt Betty spent several days in the car, driving around to historical spots. Aunt Betty taught me a game to play in the car to make the time pass. You counted the cows that you saw out of the window on your side of the car. But the minute a cemetary came into view (on your side), you "lost all of your cows" and needed to start over.

I've been thinking about that game as I've ridden past lots of examples in both categories.

Day 38 - July 29th - Napoleon to Sandusky

(photos: ferry schedule; aquatic option; entrance to Public Library in downtown Sandusky)

I was assigned to breakfast crew (along with Chad and Catie), so was up a bit earlier than usual. We worked with Sharon to set out cereal, coffee, juice, and cut up some delicious melon. In spite of extra morning tasks, I was able to leave camp with Rosie before 7. A 90 mile day was ahead.

The route was generally quite flat with some gentle rollers.

While riding down Main Street in Bowling Green, we saw Chuck motion to us from the sidewalk. He was just leaving a coffee shop! Rosie and I were more than happy to pull over, and check it out. Having a hot, tall latte in a thick glass mug can really set you up well for the balance of the day. I also ordered a chocolate chip scone - which was more like a cookie. No matter. Needed calories.

Rode on through Portage, Ballville and Fremont. Mile upon mile of corn, farm houses and out buildings, rows of soybeans. Pulled over at the lunch stop (mile 50) - a table set up adjacent to a vacant field. Mark shared with me a mention in USA Today about some recent layoffs at Starbucks. I phoned a team member to check on my status - got confirmation that my position was not affected. Whew. Change channels. Back to The Ride.

Construction work necessitated a detour - one the took us under the Turnpike in one direction, under it again on another road and back again. It was becoming a regular feature. And the wind had picked up a bit. Sometimes in our favor. But as soon as we had to take a right hand turn, it was coming at us from the side. Another turn and it was a relentless headwind. You reached the point of not caring how you were going to reach Sandusky - just wanting the wind in your favor.

Finally reconnected with the original route outside of Castalia - just a few miles from Sandusky. Rosie and I stopped at a gas station - I ate my pb&j and she bought a coke. A common routine for us around 2pm. No longer running on vapors, we were ready for the final section.

Rode into Sandusky - and found the KOA campground near the Lake. Set up my tent, and then...both of us headed into town to find the library. I also wanted to see the Lake and check out ferry options to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) where my dad used to vacation as a child. Rosie went into the library and I went down to the waterfront. It was after 4 by then, and I just didn't feel that there was time enough to take the 5pm ferry and get back by 7 or so, and then ride back to camp. Took some photos and joined Rosie at the library. After using up our alloted hour at the computers (cost of $1), we meandered back towards camp. Stopped at Jack's Deli out on Highway 6, for pizza and beer. Then returned to the Big Ride tent village for the night.

Trains

There is a train track less than a block away from one of the borders of this KOA campground. Trains must have rolled down that line every 20 minutes or so during the night. How can campers possibly find this restful (unless they have a train running through their backyard at home)? It is still hard for me to ignore the rumbling, the whistles, the clanging. When I mentioned my challenges with being so close to trains, Darrell quietly shared some wisdom: when your route parallels the tracks, you can be assured that it will be on a very gentle grade. A small concession to the iron goat of sleep deprivation.

Day 37 - July 29th - Kendallville IN to Napoleon OH

(photos: early morning barn view; state line - as good as it gets on a county road system; afternoon barn; court house in downtown Napoleon)

Members of the Kendallville Parks and Rec dept prepared breakfast for us at a pavilion in the campground. Pancakes were on the griddle at 6. Juice, coffee, eggs and bacon were also on the menu. Nice to have a change from our standard morning camp fare. It took awhile for everyone to show up as some watches and alarms hadn't been adjusted for the hour time change that bopped us on the head at the end of the ride yesterday.

I left camp a bit before 7. Nice rollers in the early morning air. A bit of fog for the first 20 miles - but more picturesque than concealing. Stopped in Butler for some oatmeal and coffee at a local cafe. I was halfway through my bowl when a clutch of other Riders showed up, doubling the occupancy of the place within minutes. About 5 miles outside of town, I encounted a very low-profile state-line indicator. No big Welcome To or Sorry You're Leaving signs out here on County Road 28.

In the next town of Bryan (mile 40),. I ran into Tracy and Rosie. They were snacking in the sun at the local Walgreen's. Cliff rode up within a few minutes. He mentioned word of a coffee shop that was a few blocks away - but he wanted to move on to the upcoming noted check point. However, the three of us, when hearing "coffee", had to go down the alley to investigate. A fine place it was - complete with religious undertones (poster and pamphlets). No matter. I ordered a tasty grilled sandwich and a V-8 for lunch. Rosie and Tracy went straight to the coffee. We had a great time there, and were even approached by a local retired teacher who gave us a donation to ALA after hearing about our intentions. When we re-emerged into the bright noon-day sun, we were immediately reminded of what non air-conditioned air feels like. It was hot! Putting-your-hand-in-the-clothes-dryer-at-the-end-of-the-Cottons-and-Heavy-Towels-cycle hot.

Rode on to the lunch stop check point. Not too compelled to make a sandwich - just wanted to keep going. The three of us continued over mostly flat rural roads. Arrived in Napoleon early afternoon. On our way through town, we passed a noted soft-serve ice cream establishment. Several Riders were already seated at the outdoor tables enjoying a treat. We joined them in the shade. I was getting antsy to get into camp so finished my orange slush and took off before the others. The final route segment followed the Maumee river and deposited me right at the Henry County Fairgrounds. It was still quite hot out, so I set up my tent to dry out. Grabbed my journal and rode into town to search for the local library. Found it - just within a few blocks of the eye-catching courthouse building. I asked a librarian where I might find some postcards of the area. She did some brainstorming, and then posed the question to some of her associates. Within a few minutes, calls were being made to various shops around town, the Wal-Mart, and the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber apparently had a few in stock and would stay open a few minutes past closing if needed. I thanked the search team and rode over to the CofC. Bought a few cards from the sole person in the office - a bit terse, who gave no indication of receiving the call. Rode back to camp in time for dinner. Our facilities for the evening included use of an large open-ended building. It was nice to have a enclosed eating area - however, we had company. Not many mosquitoes here - but the flies made up for them in spades. For dinner, Sharon and others grilled skewers of vegetables and some chicken. The cooler had a large bottle of white wine - a refreshing libation at the end of a hot day. The night air was heavy and just a few points cooler than during the day. Made for a restless, damp night of fitful sleep.

Day 36 - July 28th - Valparaiso to Kendalville

(photos: find Stephanie among the sunflowers; Loretta and her helpers; Regina and her Snickerdoodle cookies)

Breakfast was served at the dining hall starting at 6. It was a challenge for everyone to get there, and to pack the truck after a rest day. Didn't leave campus until 7:30. It was warm (mid 70's by 8:30), a bit hazy and humid. The day's route was mostly flat with gentle rollers in some sections. Rural settings, interspersed with small towns along highways 2 and 3. Rode with Rosie most of the day. The stated distance was long (110 miles) and I just decided to make a full day of it. Our destination was a campground in a small town - so no big rush. Better to enjoy the sights along the way.
In Lakeville (mile 47), I noticed a couple of outside of a small coffee shop to the right of a busy intersection. Saw Seattle's Best Coffee signs in the window. Bob and Kathleen had stopped and were enjoying ice cream (just 3 scoops for Bob) and a coffee drink (Kathleen). I went in, surveyed the options and ordered an espresso shake. What a great treat! The proprietress insisted that it be topped with whipped cream and drizzles of syrups. Well, if it would make YOU happy...
Rosie ordered a cold blended coffee drink - again, capped with calories. Quality refueling.
Stopped around mile 50 to make a sandwich at Mark's table - set up in a vacant lot. Didn't end up eating the pb&J until I reached camp. Too many other treats were coming up...

Around mile 61, we noticed an increased presence of Mennonite and Amish households/farms. Buggies on the road (or in driveways), work horses in small pastures, and orderly lines of simple clothing, flapping in the breeze on the clotheslines. We spied a small sign on the side of the road - Big Rider stop. Up ahead, Loretta Miller (a local Mennonite woman) along with 2 younger family members, had set up a table with homemade cookies, cold water, and ice cold milk. She was ready for us. All she asked in return was that we provide her with our names and addresses so that she could send us each a letter. "And you need to send me one back. That's all. Just one.". Gladly, just please pour me another cup of that cold milk.
Farther down the road, we noticed a sign - Spike's Woodworking. Rosie stopped to take a photo as she knows someone with that name. As soon as we pulled over, we noticed a little girl emerge for the house on the property, look at us, and run back inside. Shy one she was. But she quickly returned, running out to us with fresh snickerdoodle cookies in her hands - cookies that she had just made herself! We gratefully accepted them and asked if we could take her picture. Yes, that would be ok. Within a few minutes, Regina's entire family (2 sisters, a brother and her parents) had come out to the roadside to learn about our ride and to tell us a bit about themselves. We had a great time talking with them - and Doug and Patti rode up to see what was going on. A regular party!

Finally rolled into camp around 5 - but it was actually 6, as we had moved into another time zone.
Dinner was being prepared for us at a campsite pavilion by members of the Kendalville Park and Rec Dept. I quickly set up my tent, and went to eat dinner. Then took a shower and had a bit of leisure time in camp before it was time to crawl into the sack. A long day, but very enjoyable.

Day 35 - July 27th - layover day in Valparaiso, IN

My but it was nice to get up leisurely. Went to breakfast at the Broadway Cafe (adjacent to campus) with Cliff, Bruce, Barb, Diana, and Darrell. A place similar to the original Rose's in Portland. Family restaurant, open 363 days a year, extensive menu, large portions. After breakfast, I walked to Walgreen's to pick up some more laundry soap, look for postcards (only found ones with photo of a rabbit with caption "Some Bunny in Valparaiso Loves You" - I passed), and a few lunch items (cheese sticks, V8 and crackers). Walked back to the dorm to doze and listen to music. After lunch, went to the Valpo U library. Beautiful building and wonderful facilities. Spent 3 1/2 hours reviewing photos and adding new posts. Finally emerged around 5:30 and went back to the dorm to clean off my bike. Dinner at the Broadway around 7. Clearly not much exploring on this rest day. My efforts to locate a pool had been futile. My left quad had been quite sore during the past few days. So it was probably best that I just stay within a tight radius.
Made a few phone calls today. It was enjoyable to hear familiar voices and get caught up on family and friend news.

Day 34 - July 26th - Coal City IL to Valparaiso IN

(photos: supporting the aged; view of an out building; other buildings on the property -with guess what? a cornfield in the background)

Managed to sleep most of the night, in spite of campground revelers and humid air. Camp breakfast included a bit of levity, probably due to the fact that we were approaching a layover day. Several rowdy Riders were compelled to make lots of noise while eating breakfast, hoping to "give back" to our noisy neighbors.

Rode out of camp with Rosie. At times met up with others along the way. Both of us looked in vain for a decent coffee stop or cafe as we pedaled along. Morning miles were spent on gently rolling hills or flats, interspersed with small towns. First water stop at mile 25 was next to a cornfield. Sharon embellished the usual snack fare with bags of Hostess Donettes! I find myself eating all SORTS of things that I would ordinarily scoff. When you are hungry, you are famished.

Rode on to town of Beecher (43) where Rosie and I went to McD's for ice water, soda, and ok, just 3 of those small chocolate chip cookies please. Lunch stop (mile 50 or so) outside of Reichert's Tavern, in the shade of some large trees. Sam joined us for the next leg, which culminated at a stop at Subway around mile 70. What started as a stop for a restroom, turned into a "it's just a 6" snack" break. Rosie and Sam decided to take their time for the final segment: I just wanted to get it over with. I took off and put my all into it - though my left quad was starting to get sore. Took a wrong turn at an intersection but realized my mistake only a mile into it. Right Turn at the T? Left Turn? It DOES make a difference.
Arrived at the designated dorm on the campus of Valparaiso University a bit before 4pm. Gladly checked into my room, set up my tent outside to air, and started to create the Layover Day Laundry pile. Re-charged appliances, and went to dinner at 6. Ate gobs of food just trying to fill the void. It's a good thing that cycling clothes are stretchy!
Managed to get onto a computer in the dorm lab and tapped the keys (doesn't that burn calories too?) until nearly 11pm.

With clean clothes (and bed sheet), review of my email, and fully juiced electronics, I could sleep well. And did.

I've had several conversations with other Riders lately about the concept of miles, and the definition of our days. Initially, the daily mileage on the cue sheet had a one-dimensional meaning: 60 miles - hmm, kind of like a training ride. Or, 100 miles - wow, I haven't done a century in a long time.
But we've come to find that our daily experience is defined by additional variables as well. The stated distance is but one factor. Others (of little or no concern to those traveling in vehicles) include:

1. temperature range during the day
2. wind - is it working for you or against you; does it change directions when you do?
3. grade of the road - 100 miles on the level is quite different than 100 miles of rollers that remind you of ocean swells
4. humidity level (including threat of rain or dramatic storms)
5. road surface (the ones so far in Indiana are pitted, patched and unpredictable)
6. presence (or lack) of shoulder - if no shoulder, do drivers skirt you or drive within inches of your handlebars?
7. condition of shoulder (clean, or littered with broken glass, minimized by presence of a rumble strip?)
8. food and drink ingested prior and during (in remote areas, this is limited to what you carry on the bike)
9. unexpected problems with mechanics of bike - what IS that clicking noise?
10. unanticipated problems with mechanics of rider - oh my aching kneecap

Whoever said that riding a bike was simple?

Day 33 - July 25th - Belvidere to Coal City

(photos: my daily pb&j doing a balancing act in a corn field; fellow Riders preparing their own sandwiches; comparing our height to that of the local crop; end of the day gabbing)

Up early for a good camp breakfast. Jim - who had scurried home for a night with his family - showed up bearing 3 boxes of fresh doughnuts. Early birds get the best ones. Packed up my tent and gear promptly, and checked around to make sure that I didn't leave anything behind. Nearly forgot my camelbak (for the 2nd day in a row). Rode out of camp with Janet, Rosie, Diana and Barb. Covered the first 30 miles of the day with them. In Malta (30), checked in at the water stop and then joined Jim and others at an adjacent cafe for some french toast. According to the meanu, loganberries were an optional addition. Yes please! But what was presented in a small cup next to the french toast was something that tasted very much like cranberry relish. Oh well. Fruit of some kind all the same.

Rode on to the lunch stop (around mile 50) with Jim, Doug, Brendan and Tony. How creative of Sharon to set up the table right next to, of all things, a cornfield. In fact, the truck was parked just off an intersection - and cornfields came to a point at all four corners. Made a sandwich to eat on the way, and left in the company of Janet, Rosie and Barb. A good part of this next section was basically flat - we were almost always bordered by fields of corn or soybeans. The sun broke through the morning haze, and it started to get hot. Our energy and sense of humor was being sorely tested. We stopped at around mile 75, under the shade of a large tree. Ate what we had, and assessed our water situation. Glad to find Nick at mile 80 with large containers of water and a laid-back attitude. Upon pulling out of that water stop, my determination was renewed. Barb mentioned that the next stop she wanted to make was our destination - where she could finally take off her bike shoes. I adopted this goal as my own and pulsed along the road. Where I found the energy (only some of it could have come from a 1/2 package of peanut M&M's which I quickly ate at a red light) is a mystery to me. The humidity in the air was like a damp towel that I couldn't shake off. But Barb and I pushed on. We finally arrived at the Coal City Area Club (weekend hangout for camp-loving locals), with Rosie and Janet close behind.

Sharon had set out some cheese and crackers, and out of the back of the truck, someone found a couple bottles of wine. Let me tell you - when you are dehydrated, you only need but one plastic cup of vino to forget the tedious aspects of the day! Dinner was prepared and served by a local catering group. They were astonished by how much, and how quickly we gobbled up pounds of pasta, and loaves of toasted garlic bread. As soon as they replenished the serving dishes, hungry Riders were lined up to empty them.

Returned to my tent to prepare for sleep. The air was very heavy and still. I retrieved a small paper plate from the back of the truck to use as a simply hand-fan. The inside of my zipped up tent felt like a steamroom. The ciciadas were VERY loud and their noise nearly drowned out the ruckas of the inhebriated campers parked just down the lane. What a day. What a night.