tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62060324869494826912023-11-16T00:02:58.866-07:00USA CYCLE FOR PROVIDENCERichard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-31345408581043089692008-07-28T09:36:00.016-06:002008-08-05T04:54:51.404-06:00FINAL POSTING<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKOYjYhtPnb4Wh6z4d_YmfPumBqUFjtlVKorA-YoA9EVYEb0FCbHG0AynDKj6G0u0AAqPVz08lUhSkYVcY1_Iv2vT0JYnkZ9UnsgGeIcLLeJFcoftembwPL3NKwxEQJtTGlDHaNzy-FM/s1600-h/abblogo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228103640623526322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKOYjYhtPnb4Wh6z4d_YmfPumBqUFjtlVKorA-YoA9EVYEb0FCbHG0AynDKj6G0u0AAqPVz08lUhSkYVcY1_Iv2vT0JYnkZ9UnsgGeIcLLeJFcoftembwPL3NKwxEQJtTGlDHaNzy-FM/s200/abblogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This cycle across the US has indeed lived up to the reputation of the organisers, America by Bicycle (<a href="http://www.abbike.com/">http://www.abbike.com/</a> ). Their logistical input was top class regarding mechanical support, route directions, motel and meal reservations, support on the road and dealing with contingencies as they cropped up. 10 out of 10.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">MY WORRIES</span></strong><br />My worries at the start concerned the day-in day-out cycling; how the body and its parts would cope and how life with this group would pan out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8qCrRyVHYlKm0iISpMwKwNy2AoRvcD7p9lvFdwPHLJ2eSaqwN3yQQyy8fn-kQB9KHBNVN7h0M3d0pWmJuHI7Jjy5a2iQVs6kgs9u7DdFwz7u5Tw5SPgOg7ml2rauKt-zJJ_sV_IGr4E/s1600-h/group+at+start.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228093902685335106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8qCrRyVHYlKm0iISpMwKwNy2AoRvcD7p9lvFdwPHLJ2eSaqwN3yQQyy8fn-kQB9KHBNVN7h0M3d0pWmJuHI7Jjy5a2iQVs6kgs9u7DdFwz7u5Tw5SPgOg7ml2rauKt-zJJ_sV_IGr4E/s200/group+at+start.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was a ‘motley’ group that assembled in San Francisco on May 31…from 9 different countries with ages ranging from 17 to 70. We were complete strangers (apart presumably from the 4 married couples) who were not selected but just presented themselves for this challenge. We would live and rub shoulders for over 7 weeks while on tour. Not only did the group bond into a close unit of friends with each one looking out for the other but our group readily accepted those who joined in at the various rest-days for sections of the trip. Those late-comers commented on this as days went by. The number of e-mails flying between cyclists indicate the friendships that were formed over the 52 consecutive days. As the main group broke up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbA_Ytzc0GwMyhH1-biaPVJ4_qzsIdpErAuOOuRdMbe3epk5Pe7_r8a4M2HLC2IbyaxTXVNwSHnLy1gHtSWtRDO-Jdeqd7jpx2QqaiysTvLmrAdpuEfEzVa7KmEpaom4n4nrDLYHiNqU/s1600-h/23+JULY+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228095681916081874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbA_Ytzc0GwMyhH1-biaPVJ4_qzsIdpErAuOOuRdMbe3epk5Pe7_r8a4M2HLC2IbyaxTXVNwSHnLy1gHtSWtRDO-Jdeqd7jpx2QqaiysTvLmrAdpuEfEzVa7KmEpaom4n4nrDLYHiNqU/s200/23+JULY+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> invitations to homes, states and countries were issued with heart. So many expressed a wish to come and cycle in Ireland. I’d love to design a 10-15 day cycling route to take in the scenic and historic spots and make it available.<br /><br />I was lucky that no serious health issues arose over the 54 days I was out on the road. Nothing serious that didn’t clear up in two or three days. Over the first six days my butt was unusually getting progressively sorer. I worried how it would be after seven weeks. But with treatment with hydrocortisone and skin-aid purchased in Wal-Mart in Winnemucca things began to clear up and within 2 days I was as comfortable as if sitting in a car. The slight well-documented problem with my left knee cleared quickly principally by altering my early morning pace. A practice to continue with.Apart from these, nothing. Not even a head cold, thank God. The wettings we got during the last week dried up quickly in the warm atmosphere unlike at home.</div><br /><br /><div>I can honestly say that I went to bed each night looking forward to getting up on the bike the following morning. No dog days; no wishing that it would be over soon. In Portsmouth as others were packing up to go home I was lucky on two counts. I had been focusing on two extra days for a long while before and then with Ted and Michael there I never felt alone on the road. From one support team I had just passed into the care of another. As someone said ‘All this long distance cycling is cyclogical’.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">REASON TO CYCLE<br /></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGR18Z6M_Aj5D0WRRclVgIQKHBqMWDBdWLKCW9cEtAF1RGP-ayVIZMiCwWjUffNmz1hOcHrJBrMB5S8hLLBwiUufufo7mNVKLwiR09K5J7oUEMO2gFpV_zLFvyf0-nzYiLu41QH5y8jfE/s1600-h/Providence+own+2004+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228097380038982194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGR18Z6M_Aj5D0WRRclVgIQKHBqMWDBdWLKCW9cEtAF1RGP-ayVIZMiCwWjUffNmz1hOcHrJBrMB5S8hLLBwiUufufo7mNVKLwiR09K5J7oUEMO2gFpV_zLFvyf0-nzYiLu41QH5y8jfE/s200/Providence+own+2004+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>Having a reason for the challenge outside of oneself was important.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyv-lxvyvNoX7i1d60JDRkC7CQY70eOOCTpvw_JeFV3wzTvEHhmrRrquvxn_6RVQhv-7tvbq5Ge7N4L0ROYEoBIp8zD1Nln48k_Xh9-rrusGYajLgWLi0b8yYb0b5Z_rLcutb6rYJ6EU/s1600-h/P1010091.JPG"></a> Just doing it for personal satisfaction only left space for disenchantment. Many of the cyclists were on a mission for a cause….in many cases causes that had connection with their own or their families lives. For me, Providence and knowing that the children prayed for Sir Richard at assembly each morning was like a tailwind. If things looked dark, I knew they were with me. I just couldn’t let them down. They were rooting for me. after the day’s cycle into Indianapolis fell through and then the day cleared up I did feel a bit down. That evening when Jay put me in contact with Larry, George and Rick that they were looking for a fourth to go back and do the missed 62 miles on the rest day, I really felt that the day was saved. I would have been so disappointed to have left a gap in the trip. It was the prayers at assembly that put Jay my way that evening. Coming down from Portsmouth to Providence with Ted and Michael, I thought many times that here was three chasing down the east coast of the US all for a small (but so important) school in the north-east of India. The internet isn’t the only thing that connects people.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">SCENERY</span></strong></div><div>Apart from being in San Jose last August for the birth of Saoirse, this was to be my first experience of moving about here. I was looking forward to seeing the country at grassroots level. I appreciate I didn’t see everything but what I saw really impressed me. California impressed with the high Sierras and my first introduction to the travails of those early pioneers like the Donners. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGMKnV-ikrqwpUrmJId7tCsjI6Jys2OjF04EYoKDYYJgmPTqUYaYeZhWjX721BEi9U6QOZ_tFQEn34a0tHjnIj9u0hOePmsHqyGonbU0GB6ROmHA4zRCCB0fD9FgpLT64iv192Px20CU/s1600-h/CCC+JUNE+9+COMING+DOWN.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228095688500371650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGMKnV-ikrqwpUrmJId7tCsjI6Jys2OjF04EYoKDYYJgmPTqUYaYeZhWjX721BEi9U6QOZ_tFQEn34a0tHjnIj9u0hOePmsHqyGonbU0GB6ROmHA4zRCCB0fD9FgpLT64iv192Px20CU/s200/CCC+JUNE+9+COMING+DOWN.jpg" border="0" /></a>The climbs of California changed to the dry sage-covered deserts of Nevada that gave me new understandings of words and phrases like ‘vast, enormous, as far as the eye can see, straight, flat’. That first view of the salt deserts of Utah from the windy height above Wendover was something else. From Provo in Utah the dried-up lake-bed deserts continued right into Colorado before climbing to the majestic Rockies. At first the green was refreshing before the snow appeared on either side as we scaled Monarch Pass. 11,312 feet. I had never cycled above 2000 feet before this trip. The descent right into Kansas brought on the agricultural element and that was so interesting with grain, feedlots and oil-jacks. And the Greyhound Hall of Fame in Abilene. Missouri was doubly memorable – those endless rolling hills and my visit to Tipperary and meeting Rick Stanford there. The tail end of the flooding in the Missouri and Mississippi was still evident and crossing the Mississippi was the notional half way point. Corn (maize) and soya predominated the scenery through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Now the state lines were being crossed in quick succession and once Erie was reached on the Lake there was a mental countdown in operation. Now it was vines across Pennsylvania and into New York state. Another local highlight on Tipperary Hill in Syracuse. The terrain began to ripple as the trip moved into New England and the Berkshires with their sharp climbs right up to the second last day ensured that we kept our feet on the ground (but only metaphorically). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pDaE-rLOuUdnKZ2WmxBz0701UUuvdy7zysp7adkl8itac3Cor95A-0-3kLt5aUNbjK0Vu7Kkr8LXqm2tjC1UPmR7hjoGVahTd4wrnYrK-Wi9zKMEOKhrOJEAOtDxlQcyOWYKxVpfRN2D/s1600-h/ROLLING+HILLS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228095696971353314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pDaE-rLOuUdnKZ2WmxBz0701UUuvdy7zysp7adkl8itac3Cor95A-0-3kLt5aUNbjK0Vu7Kkr8LXqm2tjC1UPmR7hjoGVahTd4wrnYrK-Wi9zKMEOKhrOJEAOtDxlQcyOWYKxVpfRN2D/s200/ROLLING+HILLS.jpg" border="0" /></a>That final approach to the Atlantic at Wallis Beach was charged emotionally and when Ted told me that he had a friend who came along (Michael Ryan walks up behind me) there was no point in trying to bite the lip and hold back. We had joined the oceans. Down the New Hampshire coast with a tailwind was pure pleasure with the Atlantic as a companion.I had a lot of planning done for the trip down through Boston (many thought I was crazy to attempt it) and it went without a hitch. Mostly built-up areas for those last two days and the constant threat of thunderstorms ahead. At the finish it wasn’t ‘Thank God it’s over’ but rather ‘Thank God that I have arrived safely’. It’s lovely countryside with such variety. I really need to scan back over the thousands of photos to relive it all. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">PEOPLE<br /></span></strong>The people that I encountered along the way impressed with their genuine interest in what we were doing and full of encouragement. ‘Well, good for you’. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PkCdWivHqKlZp888Fn3m5UWSjCIhWPNBjK9RTtx1hviKSSMLr8OiMhpCo_rQZhBL0VoERBgsJLeUgU5n4dtr_Pa8_dL11Mm95dJnKiTPocfHEcK1iDPm6AllwGjRvFUBWnrIT5-iyi8/s1600-h/TIPP.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228095695473164306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PkCdWivHqKlZp888Fn3m5UWSjCIhWPNBjK9RTtx1hviKSSMLr8OiMhpCo_rQZhBL0VoERBgsJLeUgU5n4dtr_Pa8_dL11Mm95dJnKiTPocfHEcK1iDPm6AllwGjRvFUBWnrIT5-iyi8/s200/TIPP.jpg" border="0" /></a>Not only in what I was doing but I noticed that Americans among themselves were so positive and supportive with not a trace of belittlement. In all situations, restaurants, stores, on the street and road, asking for directions there was a genuine desire to assist even to go out of their way. ‘Put your bike in the back of the truck and I’ll bring you to the intersection’. When they told you to ‘Have a nice day’ I take it now as more than just a mere formula. My impressions of the American people was also confirmed with my experiences with those on the trip (70%). No one was left to fend for himself. Each one of them so interested and so interesting. My experiences didn’t tally with the stereotyped Yank.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">PROVIDENCE</span></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5t9Eaml-bXZSXEuiuMaGNs8y-HvQjkuHt-NxklywJt8IwC0dO0wtuMhSst-M1Y227paqORiY0G6Kmirj50yrx-LYciufxe6A6t5csx6ckxrmKJyCXVL0YsatiaCvtCZ0N4DhmgUL81CQ/s1600-h/Providence+own+2004+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228103046709783906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5t9Eaml-bXZSXEuiuMaGNs8y-HvQjkuHt-NxklywJt8IwC0dO0wtuMhSst-M1Y227paqORiY0G6Kmirj50yrx-LYciufxe6A6t5csx6ckxrmKJyCXVL0YsatiaCvtCZ0N4DhmgUL81CQ/s200/Providence+own+2004+045.jpg" border="0" /></a>Attracting of funds for Providence, Shillong was the purpose of the cycle. Please God , it will be successful in that regard and the children in Providence will have a better opportunity in life as a result. My thanks to those who supported the cause right from the start and who have come on board along the way. I would only love to be able to get across how much every single Euro/Dollar can make a difference to their chances. And once they have an education, horizons broaden and the sky is the limit not only for themselves but for their families in years to come. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJo8RdFzRndP0d-vTMCp26YELPlsQFfbLMv1vJLf3SgHRzn-yn3b2YoZbbUDG77BbEF4vtF0JucBbEZ54EmXaSVs79O1vO-Ij9hzIajpvYThsCkVjgvyIimsrbI0yF8eqhbK4ajg7leE/s1600-h/ripples+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228098893776874706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 91px" height="154" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJo8RdFzRndP0d-vTMCp26YELPlsQFfbLMv1vJLf3SgHRzn-yn3b2YoZbbUDG77BbEF4vtF0JucBbEZ54EmXaSVs79O1vO-Ij9hzIajpvYThsCkVjgvyIimsrbI0yF8eqhbK4ajg7leE/s200/ripples+3.jpg" width="174" border="0" /></a>A pebble cast into the pond at this stage will send out ripples that will continue right to the most distant shore. Those kids are worth every single mile that I cycled and every foot that I climbed. And they did their bit – their constant prayers were a wind that was always going my way.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I find it difficult and unfair to single out particular high and low points. It was not a continuum but a sequence of highs. There’s no part of it that I want to forget. I’d dearly love to switch on that video camera in my head and relive it all again…scenery, people and experiences.<br /><br /></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">BLOG<br /></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_x1G0wDRnvIJsYiGrIfNcEL9va3x4BPNMVG321-s-HYupRAXAmyuOiEIIq9lnKP7UWFQvFYlm07jQIIh-NF5MloG8UDR5eW1fMmXZG3LY5NUoepNjDzAxvyChoT15DUXKkO2gfbRWWA/s1600-h/blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228093894560262226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_x1G0wDRnvIJsYiGrIfNcEL9va3x4BPNMVG321-s-HYupRAXAmyuOiEIIq9lnKP7UWFQvFYlm07jQIIh-NF5MloG8UDR5eW1fMmXZG3LY5NUoepNjDzAxvyChoT15DUXKkO2gfbRWWA/s200/blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Originally I decided to keep a blog (my first blog ever) and thought that it would take just half an hour each evening. It took considerably more but the fact that so many were logging on (more than the number of miles that I cycled) made the task one of interest and a labour of love. It was my homework each evening and had to be done. I felt you were with me every mile of the way. I cannot imagine how it would have been if there was no contact with base (and with so many parts of the world) from start to finish. Days would have been more difficult and the temptation to pack it in even for part of a day would have been greater. I’m thrilled now that I decided to do the blog and don’t regret a moment I spent on it. Credit for that is to you. Comments coming in were so positive and they came from all over – Ireland, England, USA, Netherlands, India, Australia and South America. Would have loved to reply to them all but not possible. But they were of as much interest to me as, hopefully, the daily posting was to you.<br /><br />My thanks to all who assisted me in the various parts of the cycle (on the road, navigation, support, advice, psychological, at the start and at the end) and to those who did Trojan work in the fundraising aspect.<br /><br />Regarding <em><span style="color:#000099;">‘blog withdrawal syndrome’</span></em> that some of you mentioned I have some possible suggestions for relief: </div><br /><div>Using numbers from the cycling totals (adapt the units according to the jurisdiction)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AsMVLv4MlPG6AW_GiHHSMkuPyVQehubrHX0abG8K3avyVemCdyxKeXgU6xyYqb7-S5p42nLDw2EhZku81-xF-U41DRzqodpKnV7XHLOrXts7QRLLxIR5wz4ngHoz2f2wZoL21M3ohVs/s1600-h/man-woman-cycling_CROPPED.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228101500160801906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="128" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AsMVLv4MlPG6AW_GiHHSMkuPyVQehubrHX0abG8K3avyVemCdyxKeXgU6xyYqb7-S5p42nLDw2EhZku81-xF-U41DRzqodpKnV7XHLOrXts7QRLLxIR5wz4ngHoz2f2wZoL21M3ohVs/s320/man-woman-cycling_CROPPED.jpg" width="241" border="0" /></a><br />Go for a cycle of 4021 metres i.e 4.021 km ( from distance cycled)<br />Go for a cycle for 288 minutes i.e 4 hrs 48 minutes (from total time)<br />Go for a cycle of 25.76 miles. (from height climbed)<br />Cycle for 11 miles. (from lbs lost)<br />Cycle for 1300 metres i.e.1.3 km (from number of centuries)</div><div>Fix 11 punctures<br />Cycle through 15 parishes (from number of states crossed)<br />Cycle through 4 counties (from number of time zones)</div><br /><br /><div>You’ll feel the better for it and remember, thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-85920685967285607252008-07-24T21:15:00.005-06:002008-07-26T12:14:17.314-06:00DAY 54 OF 54; JULY 24; SHARON (MASS) TO PROVIDENCE(RI)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 29 miles<br />Cycling time: 2 hrs 19 mins<br />Average Speed: 12.7 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 983 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 114 bpm </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Distance so far: 4021 miles</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 129,857 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 11<br />Today’s Profile: </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227088759493794834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy44ejcQrNGL3mn9is-c2FqRkS8AO_dyZdAlBZEtBw51qveoK_q3C3zqAK_3nL6ibtvegg_wEWJ3cEyVVRVWoGgSNWcuEGHvfGYyz3BjdV8jJjwMkIQeb-KxW1TL1EIaR8Z32rWECVyZA/s400/JULY+24+PROFILE.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227088762124428290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGmSqyaaZign7hvNx86P-LAt48Aw1z28KVkwr6-V1gDyqyS35mYyMMv8YFj7KfuxsXGwRfPxwSE-XfMcOpTqyIJTfE_v4JbB_cogANvsvjtsSTGNY2EdCP86twIy0nwI6T2SVPKsloxY/s400/JULY+24+ROUTE.BMP" border="0" /><br /></span>Dedication:</strong> There is a double dedication for this special final day.<br />I cycled in gratitude to all those who have contributed to Providence because of this cycle. Your contributions go in full to the benefit of the children. The fund is still open for others to contribute. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNVnnwNwT6LFfl70WpFQHoPufiHmfGHlo6QDnQdR3YivjyuuobpTnzjw4P-j_AGLtQV80G-iLMqW_IjBoGNDYqeFBqCJozRqWo_p2G6jPYf2bdiK50h8ICvdl8Af9_hzikhlD7fPwgkM/s1600-h/Providence+own+2004+062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227098195561402482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" height="171" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNVnnwNwT6LFfl70WpFQHoPufiHmfGHlo6QDnQdR3YivjyuuobpTnzjw4P-j_AGLtQV80G-iLMqW_IjBoGNDYqeFBqCJozRqWo_p2G6jPYf2bdiK50h8ICvdl8Af9_hzikhlD7fPwgkM/s320/Providence+own+2004+062.jpg" width="252" border="0" /></a><br />I also cycled for the Unknown Soldier. There are people, I am sure that I should have mentioned. And there are children in Providence who did not appear in the dedications. Do not think that you are not included. You are. This most special day is for you.<br /></div><div><br />Now on the final day. Unbelievable that it has arrived. This day will see the culmination of something that started almost two years ago as a grand notion and aspiration. I knew it would be an emotional one.<br /><br /><br />I had stayed in Ted’s house overnight and for the first time in seven weeks I didn’t have my bike in the bedroom. Would it be OK and cosy in the garage? Should I drop down during the night just to re-assure it in the early hours? However, both of us got through the night just fine.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227084429129776338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1nnfC3KZRvr-hcXbVPUnpqD2ci15Q8CrEVScUIPWynjZ9efU5U-xSOQPlXAXaCXB3NV8f11l2CXeOau4zlZlz51LaIRU4cL77QFm8xUPCILe860y9itFlcBlZuLQZ6ArPyicAiY8PwY/s400/LEAVING.jpg" border="0" /> Only had 29 miles to do today to complete the challenge. Today would be heavily charged so I was glad I got plenty of mileage done yesterday. Started at 11 am (a late start) on Walpole Road just where we had finished. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227083628593417970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4uZ0ezHAX7eGGAIZjA13dxP0NYH7dzMKttvTKTC1AB-M4-5Q5DMp8ntDVTZbaTpJRjVUIipSZ-EekGzrHlLqatUDNL0-T9bGpTMEME-wZF1w26exyf17YFiDyCkS2T5bkU5DE2K8NAo/s400/MASSA.jpg" border="0" />The weather was fine though the forecast was for trouble. Still on rural roads for the 4 miles to the rendezvous with Bob.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227084422447858402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcduUj8LPmC-Q2woWCHAtjwGxHvx8cJd35rJBhEGB5pfXzaY9ODSGrGzXCTgod4ttW0oAkQDkYEqbHRDh6J85NmQYJqsryEj5Ab1Mr-E-8Y8TGT3BPUxwfQOf2UGxDEmJbyUO9CcuQfFs/s400/ROAD+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227084427714518802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh91tEaW39whggspNXrB7a5CYfJKqqkTSwyttnKDb-SIm-TRraryVtjgsQNztoeBYWpShFaswbIaBr4JLB9IyG2Nac2uokoJBbzcrJNby1gXHsxv5zdBxiDzaFICzi7yHP2nvoClY6qVU/s400/ROAD+2.jpg" border="0" /> Along the road I had to struggle to concentrate. The occasion was very much on my mind. A lapse could spell disaster at any moment. What a pity that would be. I spotted a number of roads that reassured me and I just knew that they were guiding me. There had been so many Charles Roads back Boston way and one near my route in Pawtuckett. No sign of a Barrie (Barry) Road. I didn’t really expect to see a Sinead Road or a Saoirse Street. As time went by and with Ted and Michael firmly in control of navigation I regained my focus. No call for any heroics at this stage (or at any stage)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227083628390299794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs0irZXGDO_UW2mLWnfL8wlZLDrDEzgz-pQL1w7zyfsCmbZYhmtGiSGT_xYqG-sDmFE-Zd3lCFymSaTb63Gw9Fwl24FB4BvKxUWaNtwzPd5K3uWqhFJyI8klScnSVH1Za0vQsCq8wd9Q/s400/CLOUDS.jpg" border="0" />We rendezvoused with Bob as arranged at the junction of Washington and Hickory Road just south of North Attleboro. He was going to lead me along a bike-friendly route to central Providence. The skies were inclined to put a stop to our gallop. Motorists at the junction suggested that we take shelter from the approaching storm. A nearby pharmacy was established as base. Very fortunate. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227083632981089554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4XIadYZIzmQA3joS4FWCCfrzbZ8p_N8LrwY5t6RivQXSNAiVMdE_74ul0xEG6kC-uTzt3O48olNI2HQlDZXkplShBU7Gh7Gqe_4bJrhzjiY7L5sIQaRanccxtsEvpl9Es3NCGQkRDcc/s400/RAIN.jpg" border="0" />For almost half an hour it bucketed and there was no going anywhere. When it had eased off and the lightning had stopped Bob and I pulled out for this stage….a little over twenty miles ahead.<br /><br />With so much surface water about and trying to keep an eye on Bob there was no opportunity for photos. Puddles of water could be hiding serious hazards. Bob’s route zig-zagged through built-up areas and his flashers were my lifeline. If I lost those I was lost. He excelled by slowing at every type of junction. On the roads we took there was no Welcome to Rhode Island notice for a photo. The rain (eased a little) was another factor against photos.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227083627977000658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcv5fLoCTPP2P_WM7x6mSoB1ILMPjlNnDxygWx167JRV6iZkEYIRaku99n0HFODRMuJt-eNcQvI8rj4PSAc2v1iNAYY2TiWvd8Drd5oFT6svLEVLJ_BWi3EgOuhxV5iCDILChsWSfUoo/s400/PROV+BLVD.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227084428792244754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIy3ULz1tVOmGPjOK6JdfaVngAqXhsJRCGZDW_eLgCoDJlTQN5smMkmj_7ekYklpEpySyRT3-px3O2uk_kHkxt9WTv2HWqD6v5hUUIswEWXKaKjZ2fP1cI_1TBb_gsA3JXYqo64Zca-8/s400/WELCOME.jpg" border="0" />I cycled through Cumberland and Pawtuckett and down Blackstone Boulevard (with its new bike lane) before swinging in by the Amtrak Station in Providence. The first thing I spotted inside the central concourse was a large welcome sign. I accepted graciously.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227083630405599186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflSYOixpZ_isRUc-fTlSFoKn3bWOJed1HhGlEuhOLhCfJdOi1doK1G7IH_YFPUsz367c5g98_fjJy9IrTm_GhaQeVyIatmBkPUaC0EWupDfFA9-T-qyOwCKirjPS9NlfVUK5AmxlPqiw/s400/PROV+PLAN.jpg" border="0" />Ted had arranged a ‘few people’ for an official arrival at Water Place Park just beneath Rhode Island State House, atop of which stands the Independance Man. It is a Venice inspired area for strolling and for free concerts.<br />The plan was that I would arrive at 3.20 pm by coming through the tunnel at the far end and cycle around to the right to finish at the covered section. There had been pretty constant rain but it eased off at this stage.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227084427183507378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pp6gKvwp7utaf4qdhI2NrtN3JHcM598N59uzjE_6lRPKtDobZdbQH3rqFN6_Stgd-Vl9JxN8ib85TVe0QU8wZPnA4VtbOBNCDRKlEYKcWqUB2BrcKEAmowelZEBd9UTFc7pziHpwC7I/s400/ARRIVING.jpg" border="0" />I arrived to a welcome by the Mayor of Providence, David Cicilline, members of the India Association of Rhode Island, Michael Ryan, Pat Dalton (Golden and Providence) and many friends of Ted and Karin. It was emotional to finally complete but also to be received graciously. Michael and Ted had a Welcome banner up with the Ireland and India flags. In time the wind vented its anger on the same banner<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227085102096950786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIgm0Vwj6Wtqr9JO6hD_CtM9MVLykoWWmeffI0zQy_A-sQqIvk5zacKtJb-9FgHJA9IY692xys_MJYfqy6z3KOLJZgDRSIdNeUhr_l5nXMIo6Kk4bMzA0FdMxeeCzumIclt64vnGs77Q/s400/WELCOME.jpg" border="0" />. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227085088416685650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UQPJ5Zi6nQ34tWBrNmm0qJl53AYoMYDGl4miFO3r-ArKvmSzyFhbXUWEj_qe030NTD286mc9Hw9JalmoVj94CGncCevOv4v3uCwWBmggPLjoxHKZg50uswktQiB3lGQfnUp1QQTS_0I/s400/MAYOR+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227085090775415298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_P7yf_y1cXXY5-Vibxg-Ip5LFUb3GHodLFyYh01fITHtH8_R6Sf4q1MG1ys2Vd9fLIBOF0k1fOeKoYE7TbmIO7caTejGP-XtZ55ox362A_9coYz9qmxs7dAdO5LoZkIeh0PWIDff_mM/s400/MAYOR+2.jpg" border="0" />The mayor congratulated me on the achievement and presented a beautiful Citizens Citation. I was chuffed. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227085096218741666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55mCfAlQKyedKE7E592_WJ-cOLu8DaDqKYtfGnw4EPz_3cZjfG2zQBSwUk4qum4_WaiPzKqzlllHnhLkpsfgdOoIyF6xIupksL6IevB_TmzklnTojMlV91WY2BMOQVBvi7Uc4e9an56Q/s400/MAYOR+3.jpg" border="0" />I thanked all for their welcome and for being there and spoke of today as the culmination of an undertaking that was almost two years old. It was always going to be for the benefit of Providence from the start. The 4000 miles had been cycled; the USA had been traversed; the 54 days finished and the challenge complete. Thank God there had been no ill-effects or health issues. I had been so lucky. </p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br />Last night Ted and Karin hosted a reception in their beautiful home for friends to mark the conclusion. Was thrilled to meet so many genuinely interested people and relax in a friendly atmosphere.<br />Thank God for the health and thank god for the energy.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">NUMBERS FOR THE COMPLETE TRIP</span><br />Distance cycled: 4,021 miles. (6721 km)<br />Hours of cycling: 288 hours.<br />Feet climbed: 129, 857 feet (25.76 miles or 41 km)<br />Calories burned: 252,509 calories.<br />Average Heartbeat: 109 beats per minute.<br />Average Cadence: 75 revs per minute.<br />Number of lbs lost ; 11 lbs<br />Centuries: 13<br />Punctures; 11<br />Days: 49 days cycling; 5 days rest.<br />States crossed : 15<br />Time Zones: 4<br /></span></strong><br />NB: There will one more general posting to the blog in the next few days. Thanks to all who kept in contact by means of it and to those who contributed comments.<br /></p></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-90102348692499624212008-07-23T22:23:00.008-06:002008-07-25T17:27:46.982-06:00DAY 53 of 54: JULY 22: PORTSMOUTH (NH) TO SHARON (MASS)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 86 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 47 mins<br />Average Speed: 14.9 mph</span></strong> <div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 3161 feet.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 108 bpm<br /></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Distance so far: 3,992 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 128,874 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 11 </span></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><strong>Today’s Profile: </strong></div><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226435149916025986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzHWNn3XP3kjuA2FjF4WkidAl2T8yHcr58WBUZXYMHy88CS0ZMnwhD2lhydxIocbe9qYiDshyphenhyphenBR1xkjof2nwIBuTrTnGHoL5dr-fFHErQqPxbckBmdTBfmi0J4xPP5wrxmoVTuNPx7Zk/s400/July+23+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226435192641075874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZ4aOzEiRlKbCbsmdQdqREEyYWXs1W3POZkzBdnhXIoS9Asovu5k5NVe9wrRmhqLl98TmAwqzg1Y2EjiHIfkfZ8AFefyiq6vaacDKaRkEk3425CjxVdGePn0TtLTqTMdc_y5_oB5GQlc/s400/July+23+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /></strong></span><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today my cycling was dedicated to my older brothers Sean, Eddie, Nicholas and to my sister Mary. They toughened me up in the early days. And for my deceased mother and father…from my father an athletic interest and from my mother good nourishment. Thank you all.<br /><br />A special day of cycling – had to build own cue-sheet, new support team, through a major city and travelling south for a change.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226432805419158578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc5AdE6AddwPrh6gXW0SlvmgEz8Z_SJZTDUWvOlTZUrraYjeF44VCw8wtFJ5eQ-OiJ6DyMuyiYu49WSY4hp1NI675dptZLLEA2FgNEOQtHWm_DlheV1cbMwphsHjwtmbgJ_aQJc_dy-A/s400/DAYCARE.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226434432864575970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzUWRfKnQqN3-Gm1d_qqLO8FD-Q9o8IOAk3XbjY0dH3fmjbk_mcyVi-NbdfssbGwQYlnMpFoEr22QV0tXNFgjfJL4xBrrtP0i-52q2MZU4mrTPT0KKOm7vFqCxDykGfw7KLuLOl0FTPk/s400/SUE.jpg" border="0" />For me it was alarm, breakfast and loading as usual. At the same time twenty of the other cyclists were checking out and loading all their gear onto the shuttle for Boston Airport. Another round of farewells and photographs. Never would our unique group be together again, but I know that we’ll be in contact<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226434428263992530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf7UO5IV9pGnZKKuCUu-vJjtaA-XoNsYLz9YI5QOYIxpJwOAwXwJCd84bwuwOgOoqm_ILzUwPqsElAkgx8ql0otcSsZYHr0JcOHN29ysBjySZcfCfIb5XoSg0_OSIofFQOQWElKD5UkI/s400/ROUTE.jpg" border="0" /> Ted and I went over the route one more time in the lobby. Cue sheets checked, maps highlighted and suggested stops marked. This was the first such day on this trip. ABB weren’t there should things go wrong.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226434430496132370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqEVcuMfFbEIaSPC1LzkUfjz3E6PuCJuwdaxoUAk8lC9P8SpRKavEawPgiAOu3Az_EKchFRyazE86P1Re3BAJMhbn0aP5GuEesXZQCnIVB5dmaNWzrcz4zeQ6IPyzRTIvIGmpmeiCK7A/s400/WALLIS.jpg" border="0" />I started out from Wallis Beach where we dipped our wheels in the Atlantic yesterday. At this hour of 7 a.m. there was no problem find parking space. Bike reassembled and ready to hit the road. Weather conditions were a mixed bag. Scattered rain in the morning with the threat of thunderstorms in the afternoon but a north-east wind. I liked that idea.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226432802773204626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU1ndSWjDNTlkl8mHC4Qs4_23S1Pb_0X9AwgJcEsRJBrhGRbsKBdYlPRI-LVOMVM4NCKyWsyFqtYld9c2kIwYcHLBQbDHZt85KuXUt02JJ3mdqwSGYrQewZcasGPA046DZUo5Kv9g7cw/s400/COAST+ROAD.jpg" border="0" />For a change I was heading southwards with a light north-east wind in my back. Was lovely to have the ocean there on the left and I was getting use to that sea smell again. Not a hill in sight till after Boston. I was beginning to miss those climbs!!<br /></div><div>Navigation for the first 20 miles was very direct. Stick to the coast. After that it would be more of a challenge. But, I like plotting out routes and drawing up a cue-sheet. (I never used a cue-sheet before this trip but I see their advantage now. I hardly looked at the map today.) When hill-walking with the O’Dwyers, Brownes and Kennedys I always liked depending on the compass to follow a route and preferably with a little fog. Getting through Boston would be a challenge that I looked forward to.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226433587530188898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aqSL7elALJUOJM5oYDxz26Ku8TFMoLHY9GhZUgSYhSTcILOR5-hb5A_rDLfxdN2NR8vf6472lhFCOLEANyv6dIfxGdGU2n4VlPjbCJLnUbEIdvkjFIjnrQlSLSwxUhX_pU69ghtqh2o/s400/HAMPTON.jpg" border="0" /> The early miles passed through Hampton. A busy resort by the looks of it. Some fine residences about, but on the main strip it gave the impression of a Bundoran. At this hour the only movement was people off to restaurants for breakfast.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226433589933118258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIqmVuzCAG6ByeCKHhI249dAP6hX8TGWj2rlDDyegmLPUsYivYIilC0k1w_AqHUE5OkoJR-ACixsoGaHCsICR8MZN4fGcCdy7vDVEM1IlKuYO2KwSQoyeakQ6Zwfh-D6vJWzqHQNbKeY/s400/MASSA+CHUSETTS.jpg" border="0" /> I was disappointed that there was no notice that I was now entering Massachusetts with a welcome sign. I went back and enquired. Even locals couldn’t help. On the far side facing the other way there was a welcome to New Hampshire. Had to be satisfied with the notice that I was entering Salisbury, the first town in Massachusetts. Utah was the only other state with no Welcome sign as we entered at Wendover.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226433590694337458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bbb3fR0WfTisfd4LA8zEE3lQ4h_5PkdUE37sQXhPHvWXC9JI35LzTY0wFh3lDE4gIVUnvOGhunfej1sjnY-J4i5PRmhW6SEUTQV8QvgjEQhToC8nosob1-q83S43Fume-hLmwHa6uL4/s400/FERRY+ROAD.jpg" border="0" />On Ferry Road before Newburyport I had a touch of the rural. A nice road with bulrushes on both sides at one stage. There was a detour from our planned route because of a bridge being out. It didn’t add many extra miles or cause difficulty.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226432811747599954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTe1HCXZrorM0Df_weWu2f8P30POcc9ZhUq-MsGK7QMQk1bXWynrWIzOLkywRHfZMPZefH9GJup24T_3nC5wKIYnpjWJwEEt1FBuMA3Gka0d9ZY3ftp-PuDtkTvwOsCp3BNQ1Wf2_LmRg/s400/DOGS.jpg" border="0" />While on the detour I spotted an interesting WANTED sign. I think I have a few addresses from Illinois and Indiana that I can supply. No dogs at all entered the picture today.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226434430270693138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkLczw1djw-evxw-dzjaalFsS_p86vv0E1mftq-QP38AmyZpFzm8WjfjEEMtn5nKAp8Rd7d7LRihmaWFQqSeyjPSu0Qx5uDBJOcN7zSKla0LWJX8uTPPpcbNdw3mr4iY_FMSsTBh5Qvs/s400/SALEM+BRIDGE.jpg" border="0" />Coming into Salem (of the witches) brought me over the massive bridge and I continued through the road construction (resurfacing). Support staff had to do a bit of a round and fell behind. Saw a number of ‘witches’ walking about who were tour guides or hostesses in restaurants. Enquired about the location of the courthouse (where we arranged to meet) to be told that there were three along the street. “Which one would you like?”<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226436114202225106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMtMcQswmV4SpZKNlTkkn2ZBGC-xAdeRqe14l3IsAUwWroXUUi0NBZku9lRpc9NeeB0ZQs7I2bYy1oZcF_-s1gAn023oaAeaj10n-nU3pvxIPjTltwjfI8EcNn1D6fRZyDnHQQ6m6zNU/s400/green+bag.jpg" border="0" />Support staff today (Ted and Michael) had a hard act to follow after the performance of ABB over the last seven weeks. But they turned up trumps in all aspects. Had a green shopping bag tied to the roof-rack and I could spot it in the traffic. No missed turns and at all landmarks on or before schedule.<br />Here was the three of us chasing down the east coast of USA and the common link between us was that we were at this for Providence and its team. Those kids deserve the best. They’re worth it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226433586157870610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCiP-_cvW8A5OweemwKVNG9y6lQRVKRvH7RgSeAYaD_GWF6Rh6UkoWW-jiTbTm6WAj7hw7IeHRR_9KeRqoBjI8ZL3pNO-NpkATLDzBtnIWbX7kkc4uPWoXma_ryOsF1G5qLNJsv9aQXs/s400/EVERETT.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226433583843287986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkKkXe2Wt6UUnYuEia_Wxm6c8ELKbEY0835BneuJpAo3jdxJP4VHQ1voP4kqp1W90cWeJOjVecPC2RZ9oJ_-pQ7veYWblBh6CCaynHduk17p8Rgh0jzboDxVrMS__Sucxvsq7kqB8LcQ/s400/EVERETT+CREDIT+UNION.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226431937541473794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtOatL4rzL9ed4OBmoa3O3z0GwjuedG1_BldhyphenhyphenJnZXs-z5qiAvT4_v8w_wf_JtRyJVJXAV_BZRPXCgW2Kv8y9SKl3XX0F0mbzwdpz-qFpNLWaT5JIZP3uc4-kdhxoPf06YVfMJUYhhD8/s400/BOSTON+1.jpg" border="0" />Just after noon as we passed through Everett, the downtown of Boston appeared on the skyline. Everett had all the services of an active neighbourhood including its Credit Union. I did notice that some few motorists were a little more impatient than in other states. Pulling out in front of you thinking that cyclists move at walking pace. And cars reversing out onto busy roads. I can’t say that there was real danger but it was different.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226431938467538850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFdVRf3FTLNV_eNgRwH1Wb_kPrG4AUUousX9Kl32nuD7IsgGd52zHHQPd_UQMJzLF4x-ySl_cP-JPv9vXitH3Kgq2MunLBdKFW-mZYf88MQWEa5TadRBpNQi33z5wLhKX2lgi2sdHF2k/s400/BOSTON+CHARLESTOWN.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226431944978929826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRo-wwn6Rc3qaEGyzt5k8d2GDhfwwWlQw1yn8rLS1vusV4wVJI8fLvq9NJFDWJCWqdkiaauYgaJknswOxU1Ipgi0PGVYc-YBwqTVnPYUIPpw94ilUfq6LgAqeikVHo3OZp8O6qXNBQsQ/s400/BOSTON+QUINCY.jpg" border="0" />Entered central Boston after crossing over Charlestown Bridge. Was a tad underwhelmed by the said bridge. For some reason I had expected it to be an architectural gem.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226431937540438258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniplRgjKdHFIk8Kp6U3I8hIjqNPm-SUeNwJS1xPs42vbd1Wq2tHDTiYAx-dTM4VdhLWJEPPN7UIYDorC7Vj9TXdOOSMZKpBdXzTep88AGKgRX_I5OHCwQ12nqKhUf9wm6_SJQLWQ5iZs/s400/BOSTON+DICKS.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226431945773183090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJHmsMslxNyx_QG7exrmhAHtUleGDsmu3vHVrpMEHqU0n6fK-4qz_w2w4pHzvIfcd_r6lMpkVL8AC0-ODhN2yeLrImb0wurcRzb_JRfHlMT61L4RCx5MM5RD1Bebz1KJ8rCV162f3nvU/s400/BOSTON+HAT.jpg" border="0" />Boston was lunchtime. We had arrived at 1 pm, a half-hour ahead of expected time of arrival. Pulled up at Quincy Market and there was only one place that I wanted to eat…Dick’s Last Resort where you got to eat with attitude. Had the Wednesday Special… ‘Dick’s Big Pig’. Even got crowned by the waitress.<br /><br /><div>From Dick’s Last Resort I wanted to ring Sinead (she worked there in summer 1998) and t’was then I found out that I had lost the phone. Had neglected to zip up my trunk bag fully after leaving Salem and there were many bumps along the way. Tried ringing it and went into voicemail straight away. At this stage it’s in smithereens some where along a Massachusetts road.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226432788584262354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3ImVXZMR_c44LYyLh7E44Xd3P2dTYPXkFxb3jys3WGzLfh8s_8kGJjueRJVtAVTo4oBJpcOWN2Nkr8lzj8C-adGXuTx-a2g9zVjW-V9eRpE8-wkvFYrYGZApLr3UTMzNx8HHtGaH5Ds/s400/BOSTON+STATE.jpg" border="0" />All morning had been fine with a slight tailwind but rain appeared as I restarted after lunch. Raingear on as I cycled up between the towering office blocks in downtown. Made great headway by cycling right up to the red lights and then first away. State Street and left onto Congress, over the bridge and right onto A Street. By the time I was halfway down Dorchester the rain jacket was off again and it stayed off for the rest of the day.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226432793422467410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtnlk74PahUuwENrC_O1K55_A4ljSK0hHdTBdWxbVIOLsKDO8SlXV1erI3SvNTvmgduhVGuh__1BoQZ1YQixYSf1AnKM7gzxCe7S08iSPTBKSex_2UvWkRjLlcyZmu0lO7Od-3LH7XGY/s400/BOSTON+TERESA.jpg" border="0" />Dorchester passed through south Boston which has strong Irish connections. At one junction there was the large church of the Blessed Mother Teresa parish. Dorchester went on for miles in a straight line till I crossed over the Neponset River.<br /><br /><div>In the mid afternoon a severe storm warning was issued although it was still dry. It was moving north-eastwards from Providence. Even at 3.30 pm it was unusually dark but I was keen to cycle on till rain arrived. Just after Sharon heavy drops began to fall and I knew this was it. No point in getting soaked unnecessarily when a major part of the journey to Providence had been covered.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226434432634246386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvt0j-PdkL27Onaq_ZAlg48955VWhYoGNOB5Smww6eVnDZ1k5p3dxM7oegWMQL7nFhrbTf5GvNKEe11zhw1bjQGHiARMblp6aYB_C0oxnk9ryZKQoZgbRdPkBbX7TuyWQXpKKNPvHDySE/s400/STORM.jpg" border="0" />No sooner had we packed in the bike but the heavens opened. I was just 4.5 miles short of the best scenario that I had planned out for today. 86 miles done and just about 40 for tomorrow. On the Interstate back to Providence traffic almost came to a standstill with the lack of visibility. In Providence itself near Ted’s house there was plenty of debris (including heavy branches) along the roads and streets. At 8 pm tonight there was another vicious thunderstorm with the heavens bucketing down. Hope the skies are fully drained now.<br /><br /><div>Tomorrow is the last day of this adventure. I can’t believe it. Leaving San Francisco this day seemed a thousand years off. Now it is here. Only one more effort to complete the challenge. Incredible. And I don’t feel tired nor jaded nor exhausted.<br /><br />A very successful and exciting day for so many reasons. I cycled as strong as ever and enjoyed every single minute of it. Pity about the phone.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-86343627358562813842008-07-22T19:04:00.000-06:002008-09-02T14:45:55.293-06:00DAY 52 of 54: JULY 22: MANCHESTER (NH) TO PORTSMOUTH (NH)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 70 miles<br />Cycling time: 4 hrs 59 mins<br />Average Speed: 14.1 mph</span></strong> <div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 2649 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 100 bpm<br /></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Distance so far: 3,906 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 125,713 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 11<br />Today’s Profile:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226015335633444082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyasqlgXSF8pU_OfZETbUF3K_0awyldEJ1QXMmmIBz9Ui6axXVGlRyi-0-8ieBbrikJi4FK2hZv1L0MX-dVbFMp1FaQfyOIghi7EbmTo5akj1-uLyqwGBvodM0JSnXZyYld2W_8mv2wA/s400/July+22+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226015338249583138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wcYxZVZDzxl-AXHlLgs8PP2GjSD3I7iDr6z4KshHc-RqlFxIOfh1id3TSdFA23Yfhui1ELc7RQM5eNe-I_cx4uC3WHLArz0Z9baVRu5BS1VAmbk2-2wS8QmtAfnIVnsxzoGWsdVNvvk/s400/July+22+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today I cycled for my own family at home in Tipperary and in California who have supported me all the way in matters dealing with Providence, Shillong and with this cycle. I know I can depend on them and fell so proud of them. I hope they feel the same way.<br /><br /><strong>Providence [10]:</strong> Providence now is giving every support possible to its pupils when they leave and set up businesses or take on apprenticeships. Total support at first and decreasing as time passes to encourage independence.<br /><br />For the general group this was their final day; incredible that the challenge was seen out to the bitter end. For me it was special as one of the group but my mission for providence continues for another two days.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226013700251091730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WDUpjkJ9Ii5R1GR2SbfZDT2DyxUhSfRsRqrGGAan0QRnzQpizwcCvLg5Yds7b5ysIQZABzAppffxFInLHqtWUJbM0rZ9gajp_y37WWGrKJ-dfsda8we3NTT010rjqK-iSP-Fm0eNhUA/s400/WHEEL.jpg" border="0" /><br />Last night after uploading the post to the blog I went to admire my new wheel to be confronted with an absolute flat (#11). Before retiring it had to be replaced. This morning the side was bulging and the tyre was pinching the tube. Another period spent sorting that out before breakfast; it was a matter of technique. Won’t happen again.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010775352694562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSPEu0VFZGFAsYEhyXP8j1Q8THYcvlSjAYNsVwf4AHYsKquAOKh7TFQQNNGIBkovk3XNvFMsEB8CW9RwdWCmSPxJhHiCr2-rRNS3VJc1gzEAXYFYTyctKgA57ExrxVR52iMqeZxKiDdE/s400/BREAKFAST.jpg" border="0" />Breakfast was a little subdued as each tried to deal with his own thoughts. For the final parade we were asked to wear the ABB shirts. To the beach it was just over 50 miles with no climbs as serious as yesterday.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226011922300495250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP00UNIaxVldfRS9sYaMXxU9CNAa3fG2fTvEnFFFvDFYget4TcXfbLy6SaUN_ETUfFVXuyRfDKprAx9uOr3hHltyoolOBhgD9WlsBiXR3pTrnPgbWj9UoIW8Ad9kmT5kPNgK9X-V-nSY/s400/LAKE.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226011921935249826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHH7WsK181lHtWu24ejoXijupslKXfyIjh0xbWHDTJnWVzAL1rNAC5Wc8S_RcZE5RuSSKcgwIN0_dNj8rYUfw0Tf4OteHIlbiWy_XbcnE_xH2Gq_zMF0vRSlJBjbrck8wxhvKZBd1oeU/s400/LEAVING.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010788292265218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkE4G1m-uf6UGmQ9JkenatKQ9HnXTKOyO57BpVaYew52-NEZPXtWBilMLMixNZ_ufBKb8R00GCkoh_Onog5lAX51AV0Bi9mSWn2YHiM8sXeqNZVQOdGeJNXIGqLEIdLQqiUJHBes1o4k/s400/GROUP2.jpg" border="0" />Leaving the motel, most rode off in groups. Cameras were there to catch small clusters of cyclists. This was the last loading of the van and signing off of the list. In San Francisco this day seemed so very far away. Now it was real. I cycled with John, Amy, Rick and Jay to the SAG stop. A nice morning but no sunshine. It was hazy and we really wished that the rain would stay away.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226013700862112002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x38NNmMBBAcjIdZApElG0bwi6ejgyzjWf_axHe1oLzT1xsTR6gZDgKWbS5B_ZDqaQp4bydTq6d8hjjHkh-6zYKUCdY4pZkex5YrM0lhyjcFq092CYSbq_ROk9TLK3BO1yUTTLb7R9wY/s400/SAG.jpg" border="0" /> Everything today was unique in that it would be the last one for the full group. This was a group of 40 individuals with nothing in common except the desire to ride across the USA. It was that common desire that bonded the group and made it so positive.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226013695518297410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBM2hvRaPyv2WCDGEW6j6VJEkJmVbZNpOBv-2i-g5nBEVKP6Buq3yojbFqx4zFiyjikhpiOu4j965N1LAmESU7bHMM01tWhI_8ZuDEL_e2pgBI3A7y9HQXBjjFQ4QJwnDiTQM0VRR1fs/s400/RYE.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010781925223442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFw89TQagjLVR7vWpas6EE84iyLDwdPotNR3Zifga-3Mu-ZaLnENswbgC4T_eQsnwUVZiSZrVxjrk3p6M0DZomlFigOBaPc35jqATfKDhy4uj5OMcj40iupBSc9U4VgGQ5GXlPjEGCOQ/s400/FULL+GROUP.jpg" border="0" /> There was only one SAG today but all assembled at Rye High School at 11.30 for the final approach to the Atlantic. We all tried to sum up the experience and felt fortunate that no serious incidents had occurred. We had finally done it although even the strongest riders had doubts about their ability to carry it off at the start. Another group photo was arranged and will be treasured. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226011934090543954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sSoFIX1w9xy3dylrI6AJAu7f_yGq-_wScfnVBgnFJAmBdSSvkF670JyvB8NTNfzvZNkRF3dcvLig3rCkWc43T6AUEkaqg3bCV4b2HQF7caIyj1cd4wHWJmMs4c5qL3ylovwW7K9uM3I/s400/PARADE.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010780006984594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8T-wpqCKkcLWES0lsHTymttpvMY99PK3dmZeVFCEOM5_PXYy5xVmBP7TZLNeC6DHuiN5upO8MSlqC48kPdAiCfVXSiQRH0AABHE3j4si5RXijt1pbCLmI1pcKfH-AA1Ak9S2IEI-XsKY/s400/FIRST+VIEW.jpg" border="0" /> Two police cars arrived and took us on the 3 mile trip to Wallis Beach at a handy pace. After the rains of the last few days, it pleased that the sun shone for the ceremony. Friends of cyclists had assembled down there earlier on and the usual bathers were there. All heads strained to catch the first glimpse of the Atlantic but it was the ocean and seaweed smell that hit first.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010777695233426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cAt3iRPtxOv091MDGEO5SMcSKPg7P5or2umSLYzy3kJriuUztck_lh-ZpeHwWMGIOE7wYTX_IhlsXGU8CSS_oEQ73cRpoHApxV2gBcnzaSTwoWQNpkrVFisUj2KPyr01Acm4_sqNBNc/s400/DIPPING.jpg" border="0" /> Ted from Rhode Island was there as I knew he would from our conversations over the last few days. This was the first time we met. All contact before was through technology. We carried the bikes over the soft sand and then dipped the front wheel in the Atlantic brine. Mission accomplished for almost everybody.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226011926983005474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDKV9rv5a0y1hO1Iqekt_mxVb3dmnGW_KJX6NlR_wv3h6riBuiBCQjWV_3WLgEGxjv4xJga-k0bazjHclj4RL5WwXpsK8T8DaJo_3I-sZVtREYg7qW3_dYKU0GnDW8oMjZuntG8qoQGs/s400/MICHAEL+AND+TED.jpg" border="0" />Ted told me he had a friend come along. I turned and there was Michael Ryan. I almost dropped. It was so good to share that moment with him. These final moments of the adventure were emotionally charged and seeing Michael just added to it all. Between the jigs and the reels I got no photo on my own camera of my dipping in the ocean. I know Ted has some.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226013694124985170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8reEtAPR0AC-x3pfl_OVyFffj3FEZ3yL4sMBZakqJCdsf3tNYIuydzWbDxb0RO6LSmsrfHQ5Au0_8YkCJ5Uq0r_3wY5pCU4NVLgNy-JA_Y6ycncN-4s-dOhhQiWHiB5RB8bmGyDhN35Y/s400/PORTSMOUTH.jpg" border="0" />Officially the ABB trip finished here and especially those with family there began to scatter. I wanted to stay around for a while. It had taken so long to get here. Finally after I’d arranged to meet up with Michael and Ted later on, I headed off into Portsmouth and the motel. I took a detour out around Route 1B along the shore. No need to rush now.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226011929221339346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKp3BR8ciY2ANalvY95LQsYbaUkeL06pSeI16dDhj5if5W_N6ByKOWC5pCM06ferS5ue2HsC6ZAtiS0n682fYDuoH5t-pxY6wNE4keYefj28DIsrQyagSV3QylaHVOeLPfS2YWEcvL5g/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" /> At the motel some cyclists were already busy boxing their machines for flying home in the morning<br /><br />I set about finalising the route for tomorrow and have it ready for Ted and Michael when they called. I’m down to the last two days now. My mission will be accomplished when I arrive in Providence…another 130 miles or so. My evening is following the pattern of the last 52. I’m really looking forward to this new element of the challenge. And I have two good men in support doing SAG for me. they will arrive back in at the motel at 6.30 for the off.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-66171223615947695492008-07-21T21:36:00.009-06:002008-07-25T17:25:05.395-06:00DAY 51 of 54: JULY 21: BRATTLEBORO (VT) TO MANCHESTER (NH)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 91 miles<br />Cycling time: 7 hrs 19 mins<br />Average Speed: 12.5 mph</span></strong> <div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 5907 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 107 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 3,836 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 123,064 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 10<br /></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Profile: </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225683323216456226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVAbG0LkMQxEg1dJuldHUhqpi-mIgSB4fbrZg4BR7nkrEmHMXNHyTNh9VJc9em1sv7o0bPHH9NOcW-twA_AQPO1EG04WamTGEAIuCPRWrUcx3TT9iEtLmLsVbYL8s3BJ9nRPeST0wKj0/s400/July+21+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225683322164914530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLHym6ynXiDuNB3pLaaEriw1CEMq__UexhRw69pRH2olm7MhpsiVpWLa5QsWiz18_K1WhR1HQeS-ds1dQGfC5B72feIzBqIVXRlmsVtq6c9osR79t_BZbUqaDwWU-mcXa_Rt4efMp9lY/s400/July+21+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogNsF138uhl3CBSOOOcPJRu9KspNawFATL7l-ohBjq-BuzZn8qpqsMI7BvHxsrict8TU2lrSQcVV7SMF5kXmrHOtWNkczDU0rQBV0HhigW_iR5xmLzNVy5BMZHVFJKIQgqM1De52AN78/s1600-h/Rickey.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225684254646965538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogNsF138uhl3CBSOOOcPJRu9KspNawFATL7l-ohBjq-BuzZn8qpqsMI7BvHxsrict8TU2lrSQcVV7SMF5kXmrHOtWNkczDU0rQBV0HhigW_iR5xmLzNVy5BMZHVFJKIQgqM1De52AN78/s320/Rickey.BMP" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyRlcSVRNGD3HRuk4Ux2C9pFs2HJq8-qDRhiufOlKUDcH6CPGEqYh-xVih_YfxhVYr5CvYPNOPhj2FIBGDbjvXBsgP3ReQ-zRgZ_VIcvRBF6y2kO1aXMXBAfTnphsRTnKkG_SW-qpBWc/s1600-h/Kordolin.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225684255940925602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyRlcSVRNGD3HRuk4Ux2C9pFs2HJq8-qDRhiufOlKUDcH6CPGEqYh-xVih_YfxhVYr5CvYPNOPhj2FIBGDbjvXBsgP3ReQ-zRgZ_VIcvRBF6y2kO1aXMXBAfTnphsRTnKkG_SW-qpBWc/s320/Kordolin.BMP" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4CYxM73WRhz-sm6xHEyjkP61mGDhEUzesCwZrvVAGB3pKZI8sPTmJIcNxzdv_ToQJ-xIKhX_dHI1yB9m0G0YuIDr44LLQkwYppIJu_0qhjGkG8_fT_LxkQE7UorjAw7-TXd3bU2a40c/s1600-h/Michael.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225684253778603154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4CYxM73WRhz-sm6xHEyjkP61mGDhEUzesCwZrvVAGB3pKZI8sPTmJIcNxzdv_ToQJ-xIKhX_dHI1yB9m0G0YuIDr44LLQkwYppIJu_0qhjGkG8_fT_LxkQE7UorjAw7-TXd3bU2a40c/s320/Michael.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> My cycle today was for Kordolin, Rickey and Michael so that they and all the pupils in Providence will get the opportunity of the type of education that Edmund Rice envisaged.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I had been made aware that the sting was in the tail i.e that this trip to Manchester would be a testing one. Forewarned is forearmed. Thanks Andrew.<br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylhxGywLOC3SajxAiPMM5EF_Wo_Lvl4f2YSXs7JEanjj3LWM9RJnkDzCEsM2n-YhkZPZ06BNjbwoMK89Mawu3KyfNLMA2U9XxDShS9yB-PPQQOLBow4CSojYV-NfgI_kApuMzkJFDH8w/s1600-h/P1010065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225684788129960562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px" height="162" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylhxGywLOC3SajxAiPMM5EF_Wo_Lvl4f2YSXs7JEanjj3LWM9RJnkDzCEsM2n-YhkZPZ06BNjbwoMK89Mawu3KyfNLMA2U9XxDShS9yB-PPQQOLBow4CSojYV-NfgI_kApuMzkJFDH8w/s320/P1010065.JPG" width="234" border="0" /></a>PROVIDENCE [9]</strong> Providence is more than just a school…it is a centre of care. The children are provided with a hot meal each day; visits by medical personnel are arranged; clothes and shoes are distributed discretely as are umbrellas for the monsoon rains.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><em>Some of you may have noticed that yesterday’s posting was a day late. I had it all ready on time but couldn’t connect to the internet in Brattleboro. Neither did the mobile or room phones work.<br /></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225677908465539186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlK0j1USrlyG6SMKp0BVY2GpvEq1bf_ZiIY8SzE3pdbw7mxFUoWx7xwV5U-4lJKUbaPhJburzFL93Q9h4nnuBb_DbEdWfwznMzh_j8HkPdf_XmTdFKwQYraVPW11Hir4zB3PsDLSgzYo/s400/CLOUDS+AHEAD.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225678628522706562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-ui3y5hssSIGVxETWAUqezBbTX0tDI5JepxpAtbLyGKbJUGZKWTbl-hvhtqEnJ9KefjVdRPtjA3obTR-g80YD-IeHjJOgHCs0qxzELJxX33oVHH0um4s4_-wzan9JW06da8i1EGzE-E/s400/EARLY.jpg" border="0" />Distance for today wasn’t the longest but the climbs decided that we should start early with loading at 6.30. The outlook for the day was gloomy although there was no rain as we left. Still, everyone had raingear on the ready. Mist was drifting down from the hills to meet us on the way up. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225677909327397570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp55axgnkeVHSUxmX0goS1HACFaMY3erw8wE79amF1YyQjXnfuIRhqKnC3GZqmqoHhmidvtkVyES7hxuEiiZDRbSO9XMohqnMN_FsyqOGKDpKv5yTOmVGEzAV824BChPL6KTVZ4MaU3cw/s400/CONNECTICUT+RIVER.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225678634150442642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnvcggnXXrX99TrREgrLmKzQ98LrjunRPSq66f2jhry6j1ziPbV7VhPrQLfCL4rJR_gsWxif6DwMnhlVhrGCkD7qp5kHOQqUoBpf7Wz2pRtqqb6x7JPdXBiddxFnzjHq2JRb9vwyB3JI/s400/NEW+HAMPSHIRE.jpg" border="0" />Shortly after passing over the Connecticut River in Brattleboro and as we climbed out of the river valley we entered New Hampshire (The Granite State). Two states in two days. New Hampshire with Maine and Vermont make up New England and the state’s motto is ‘Live Free or Die’ referring back to it’s long held belief in freedom. New Hampshire was the first region to break away from English rule in 1776. It’s about the same size as Munster with a population of 1.2 million. New Hampshire is the first primary to be held in the presidential election cycle. Earl Tupper who blessed the modern luncher with Tupperware was a native of New Hampshire.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225677907034286018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gNDfm-VNJ4KakbCOzZseoiyn6yCZtaquGs4aAKVIAJcYIZKicQOluHgBHG8Yb5BVAeUbKO9ealk7TnFWAEBlL4PzOYOP2g9TvQzGvAqBX95XQo-qTz3V8bGSm6z4xSN5O8Z898nsVDE/s400/CLIMB.jpg" border="0" /> Some serious climbing today over the Berkshires known for their sharp steep inclines. Fortunately heat was not a factor on these that were all in the 10% region with one of them hitting 18%. It was down to the lowest gear or pedal out of the saddle. None of the group did the unthinkable of walking. One of the most demanding was up Joe English Road. Why didn’t he stay at home rather than come over here building hills!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225680113133325698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenRSlMxCw22dpfFngAGNEN9T97pFIhz8cl2__85j0Kv44T-epUuA2Pi5Ype-bSBUcMLMBFPNiZA8kwgtVO3I_gbU4FFo1vnD4P6hCumNc73QjnQU7x3XWQWwIf0PPQH3zvv28f2WulH4/s400/ROADS.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225680110162575650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pI3o15TfHtBlKVBk_oxOwr1cPecOdS1wIJzxzELNnKoCnm_X8xFUjrB9mQJDqWpe6ycIfrz37VYIRRsZcdFFUm8XUHnCLJHvbhIBND9DgwGwLTEWLnMx-fF1hPQofjQnMEGsbnZPqjg/s400/STILL+WATERS.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225680112232853394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6qDMCxhAXQwtr5SJVS4aFPEU-K4ODtXfhWGVVqrznuOPpjP21fm-cmgIiR5bsSg96CSFYpneMgPjcTsLo42eRBz1GrwXIzIdTnlJMJPgiGyhC17u3ceAgG-F7a21uuuN1c-FqalNxrc/s400/LAKE.jpg" border="0" /> Very few fields of crops to be seen. In trees most of the time and it reminded me of cycling in Wicklow from Glendalough down to Rathdrum or down by Shillelagh or the Glen of the Downs as it used to be. Plenty of still small lakes with lots of holiday cabins in the trees and each one of them with canoes and snow-mobiles alongside.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225680112280702210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEN1lP8balKMtLzRfky-i-Hn5i_iXFhm8N2ZFkZIMAap-O_KBRSuJdPyZfbP1W0zbERH24LncdBByI4YLhXtFxAxeK-IUVRYLBsrVKbs19Onac-hdBAXTW2ff8evsgI2xcNv4kq2KtvM/s400/DIRT+ROAD.jpg" border="0" />For 1 mile today we cycled along a dirt road, the only time we have done so. For some unknown reason I met more cars and pick-ups on that 1 mile than on any other 3 mile stretch today. it was rough but I knew that it was only for a short stretch.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225680111818426418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNv8dQVYvuL7mLQA0dEtI37cC1EexUBYA-QHs4KNGEJnT2dBeB2KuYgeYaNpR2p27V9VN_N9EbtLd4KY6HZ6DyjoZ2hko8huALXWL286qd5llOBNYP14wGczG8_VKQ47mruHmSEpKZ6U/s400/DOG.jpg" border="0" />Followed by a dog again today but I think the poor thing did it because he was attempting to live up to the image. Didn't feel threatened.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225677901194680994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5Hew5TJQOdpeYj6wQojnszrpwu3WKRQgJ95Kv8VjPcALNempwfWMQgUEF9Ct0AUE04hETrHklKVcv44X50JkW-7r0x-USbAGBmc19mo4JKWjGfb86KMeqruDG_ot7c91-xqrGpjjqpo/s400/ANTRIM.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225677907923381474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbess7oRWaIXBL6H-s3nB8KbAMcJxUH0dxNcjn10I4mqcBuXoCp8DtnFQtAoWJM1jVxV4_5jKHE_aCpdGQ8TausN9LVLmTh20wa5urJIFf72VGIO5gJp7K6xB2D-h1KIhJun2IN5b0zwo/s400/CHURCH+AT+SAG2.jpg" border="0" /> Francestown at the second SAG was typical of the villages with white-timbered churches and so many old houses built of stone. Familiar town names cropped up again especially Antrim. There was another Dublin south of the route but too far away (15 miles) for a side-trip.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225678631588193058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUFooYugJ6cLI-9HdjZgrj-umfIfoltjob7JthvcXSKyr-GMcAJttIPyh-b0Zg9lbeczP459PAXwWbW6JFVUEO7fX3sgtwgthhAQ3YDgQlgijo32cTKTLdZEUert70RvmO9GxEd1pK78/s400/OUT+OF+RAIN.jpg" border="0" /> It was murky and misty all day without any drops falling but thunder sounded behind me when 20 miles from destination. Rain came down heavily and I took shelter in a carport for a short period when just 5 miles out from Manchester. The thunder didn’t really come over so it was only the discomfort of being soaked I had to contend with. No chill in the air. Really this has been the first continuously wet day we have had over the seven weeks. That’s a new experience for me.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225678628853203858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNL_7quNx4NM_ElnHKysYKkdu-2s-IRuvW0PqdfEu2XyTxjh5Y6o0BvaqOuQ0nmQ2LQLv0CschtV6wAaSeUKWf7c638WC0jnyQtFYcR7vhHcAzz7wzZ5ZUb0-kVsf1RXOh2ofy3N1zu8/s400/MOTEL+1.jpg" border="0" /> I arrived in Manchester shortly after 2.30 with the rain still coming down heavily. No need to worry with the certainty of a hot shower and dry clothes. Not everyone can be sure of those. As I came in along Donald Street a large cemetery on my left was dominated by an ornate grave with Harrington inscribed on it in large letters. With no internet or phones last night I just wondered if the tomb was an omen that Padraig had blown it. No such significance as I later found out. With Dublin (NH) being far off the mark today I wondered if it was a sign. No, for 23 reasons.<br />Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire ( but not the capital). It prospered as a cotton mill town and took its name as it wished to be as its English namesake. There is a strong (21%) Irish community dating from the mill days. Dick and Mac McDonald the founders of the fast-food chain were natives of the town.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225678637583145986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujPyoaekCGQx6jx5fcZLN2QTzzOH3CCsf0Ht4QSkka8P57O9_9vGMhgVFOblpVYbesDjymrP90oDs3quPlwczoRHD6_BykKTtrriXQzT3gL-KVQn8UAkzHBNZhoF5GG1jEPR9msL6_yc/s400/SPARE+WHEEL.jpg" border="0" />My first task in Manchester before going to the motel was to go about a replacement rear wheel. I thought it better not to leave it to the last day. The first shop( a large bike shop) couldn’t help but I got fixed up in the Bike Barn and had the new one fitted and ready for the road in 10 minutes. Now I could return the loaned wheel I had to Gerard. I finally made it to the motel at 3.30 like a pessimistic cyclist…with a spare wheel strapped to my back. That’s one less item to worry about in Portsmouth.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225683317518278722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7BrUC9eNWr-ctH2IuIDQhyphenhyphenrISlbDmEPsN8TcRVHTdIMvGiDdJy6HAo1g6H0KQbIZfBKqLZ6aofHTAoicl7KYv774LtQx3Vp0piUguWqzI3nOcp5FIlngRPv3ofcsmPxuMtozvdxCKSg/s400/FLAT+KING.jpg" border="0" />Tonight’s dinner was the official end of trip occasion as some will leave with their families after the wheel dip tomorrow at 12.30. Presentation of certificates and novelty awards to all and each cyclist spoke about what the adventure had meant for him/her. It was an emotional time for a group that had bonded so well. However the alarm goes off tomorrow morning again…. the last time for them and the third last time for me. Let’s hope the weather will be kind to us for the ceremony on the Atlantic beach. Gary and Alan both had 17 flats and were crowned while Piet has gone flat free....so far.</div><div>Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-49291261767020855382008-07-21T14:39:00.008-06:002008-07-25T17:23:53.318-06:00DAY 50 OF 54: JULY 20: LATHAM (NY) TO BRATTLEBORO (VT)<strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 77 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 08 mins<br />Average Speed: 15 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 2038 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Average Heart rate: 111 bpm </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Distance so far: 3663 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Ascent so far: 115,519 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 10 </span></strong><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><br />Today’s Profile:</span></strong> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225574185402306050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HYiOH_xa-UrUyxSbXY5GiE_ouHDa5GZyHKsgYNcuYo-sOG7pKGHacgktALzyu7D9PgV0BfIrDyHhiO4VAB5KRDwsUq-UKAnTRuEVOlgCYMDHqmAZGSqzobB8yDx4gQohfOhwurehC_o/s400/July+20+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225574189717437426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VeNtAXgHmrtHHDH4wUxL8qih4kr8SbEr1CA_eQ34ooT6Rw8ntzZT9trTpOWJcp60LZN6Az9pdRkAY4A0FOd0wFa67LpZ86WIiaju0ZGKSWwX-2y4uLC4RGiwn69jqtLB_u6RyvLnC-M/s400/July+20+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4RT8-90M7VM0RuICZrfvlRoQe6qmH3_mERHSvX8aC6dVUBHZdJqFNDclfOdPytrdTIkxkmAprjIyJBOvKbMTSGnpVSH7ltg2ovdQbWOkPXW9jpzs9ZdcU-Rq4oGxqWBNtCNYkCTOjmE/s1600-h/Kiran,+Christopher,Bantimai..BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225574915888303426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4RT8-90M7VM0RuICZrfvlRoQe6qmH3_mERHSvX8aC6dVUBHZdJqFNDclfOdPytrdTIkxkmAprjIyJBOvKbMTSGnpVSH7ltg2ovdQbWOkPXW9jpzs9ZdcU-Rq4oGxqWBNtCNYkCTOjmE/s320/Kiran,+Christopher,Bantimai..BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today I cycled for students in Providence that I have not mentioned by name (except Kiran, Christopher and Bantimai) If you are in Providence, this cycling effort is for you.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>A new state and back to the mountains as we line up for the final descent to the Atlantic.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8MpcovzoAGifF9PFkjCzMp5FEkoyy_eXx_hWXIi-hTCNut-mHh0UGhtRRmWlvsmXSBVG4UgxAY6nYim6LFXYgt2HhqxrNKJ4APL4-_lLDYiR-Yf0s2bK5wkxBXyMcNHaoQpsClt1I3U/s1600-h/FEB+2008+080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225575631422858914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="175" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8MpcovzoAGifF9PFkjCzMp5FEkoyy_eXx_hWXIi-hTCNut-mHh0UGhtRRmWlvsmXSBVG4UgxAY6nYim6LFXYgt2HhqxrNKJ4APL4-_lLDYiR-Yf0s2bK5wkxBXyMcNHaoQpsClt1I3U/s320/FEB+2008+080.jpg" width="220" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Providence [8]</strong> Since Abbey India Project started, 32 Abbey students have gone to assist in Providence and the whole experience has made a deep and lasting impression. Ten more students are preparing to travel out in Oct/Nov 2008. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225572422444730674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7udn_VND3MKFMTn85sNCiFJfxZMDXyLacdvICYoz0ZkywHUowL0Kv51DutMaFfrOqBqjmxYYkkDWGlor578l78nZ6AD_CNcp0qU_DFQnfUt7_qyLrANckI9bFsJzagAlwu6cZd0zedw/s400/START.jpg" border="0" />Pulling out onto the quiet Sunday morning roads of Latham at 7 a.m. there was a bit of drizzle and it seemed we were in for an unpleasant day. However by the time I had got 3 miles done the rain jacket was off and stayed off for the day. Just 80 miles lay ahead but we knew that mountains lay between ourselves and destination.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225571490401434802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9MpGRm3ycqbGHl0BXxLfH3_7hYOyLPQg3MNq0mS7ojb1n9Nt-sSqJAPZ2irkCHUq5lnbd1yEyn9I9rUN5EbZTOAC1NyeN_fxVf97eX-rdC5hPxEwbwFGawNcDBR13DM6pGjRfED31nE/s400/HUDSON.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225572426325479794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3HbSOHRTWXG6LviWWIlGuq3Qb_twfjbwO6am8NO45X7wuG_TMcD8bDc1yAYlhNzNPdPujdUatpJXhtQRT4XqTYkBfEJHaNdzxaXryxdPCghE0oUbLnLuPScfaSbsa0IX1uBhp_knykc/s400/TROY.jpg" border="0" />After 4 miles I crossed over the Hudson as it flowed south to New York City. Immediately across the bridge lay the entrance to Troy, home of Uncle Sam. Initially Troy didn’t look appealing but as I climbed up to higher ground it was quite impressive. This was a short sharp climb of just over a mile and it set the tone for the rest of the day<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225571484668286322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsm55qNp2cNPJmB_Uet1oBN40biiH7KhfazoxCNd66R-mCtV0UW_VZbUF7zeHO9Z0so_50iTxdDyVqTCf-zV9iQgCdAwlIYpjMVnBScccQiktDJlanZ89NxLSgflkeQXrVFz3alMdSeU/s400/COUNTRY+NY.jpg" border="0" />Countryside was very green with the rising ground appearing ahead. No long stretches of road or large tracts of corn to be seen. . If the sun were strong there would have been plenty of shade.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225570621332933074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW3K1mFl5x1v_Ld-n6potlfAvUcAdicheLhltJ_CdXJLsdeHArpo5l0zEgHNS-omCfP1JKciOQiqBcANmCBGxlwOevbJn-QzPNyT42b3ejVhIqzPrJuWwC0r4HKUGM1dk5yhHpIJwHR8/s400/CHAINSAW.jpg" border="0" /> On my right I spotted the workshop and display of a chainsaw artist who fashioned large pieces from trunks of trees using a chainsaw . The finished bears and lions looked most impressive. No sign of the artist himself about yet. It was a bit early for business.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225572413712105954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafcxD2PgMHianzCG2KxRmaP5Xt7Iu-BX_vXmefwV8agSZZIR2YCT0zhzhNsHwF-_86nZr6bMGO_-EblwMYb9x0A_okE_OAdPW8BcXRPdwVRUotlZfhOLxy9w0q3jBG5qHOK-xHMhzzb0/s400/SAG+OUT.jpg" border="0" /> First SAG was in New York (but just about) Everyone was well warmed up at this stage and eager for the climb ahead. Still no great heat from the sun and fingers crossed that it would remain overcast for the next hour or two. Each group moved out with a stateline as the next item of interest.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225571495641494994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZSj1gJJGMmEzQa_SDfddi7FYwf_zmJ1Rry5ESVp0Wz3eAeSGczgd9GTb36GM8ObxzHHfioGb5t1eNjr9YF97_klm-SzTahKaDbpapv8a3IKTsTywvGjEqBn_4G5WyYq9oQ7TaLJJzVk/s400/LOG+CABIN.jpg" border="0" />State No 12 of this long list. We are entering the Green Mountain State (Vermont in French) and cycling west to east across the very southern end of the state. Dairying is the mainstay of its agricultural economy…. not surprising, it is the first home of Ben and Jerry ice-creams. Maple syrup seems to be on sale at most farmers places. Hunting of moose, black bear deer and wild turkeys bring huntsmen to its 80 0,000 acres of conserved wildlife habitat. Moose crossing were indicated as I passed the way but no sightings. Vermont is famous for its vivid colours in the Autumn.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225570609131444578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rlNbS7SLOy3lTj_akaaimG6hkdUXhazBGbeE3fLVXgVdE-TyWD3UqlkNAe6rklTyvq96Imf7kozI-4wb07rKPOy7XAF_hqujWGItkgBXEOQRUqTCgtKxdVtwetOYWc3AYIH9AXFzN-Y/s400/BENNINGTON+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225570616188319618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAN47ljH0mSKBfiQJwtH1fV2-Wq0B4rkce6JQfr4ArtPMWgJtmRs-Bue4zoEbz5g7vM8K41EDClLtVCWmZvyDzMRxVnSM8h2XDGWBrQTi6AVJOKMgn4IdG0_nuRLmHvd74qcVQAAmfr4M/s400/BENNINGTON+2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225570618944092930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vSGE2OJpbAMGuCfKGNzkn5CbfcrWmhm_gTyIOfNnsDrtmvy_H100W2vXxX3-jGCwukJVlBir4RIdtyMVbrn24aqOgHZbCEvi22vp6AWmxSztaU0zXgGE2Qxsw_c8U-aTeaeJN0WAqtk/s400/BENNINGTON+3.jpg" border="0" />Bennington was the first town in Vermont. It had some quaint buildings as I approached but the main street was showing more positive signs. Cars lined the roads near the various churches and both sides of the street had pieces of art depicting people in familiar poses. I could only catch a few of them as I moved up the main street.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225570627138108754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_R1BtT7VnA7Mz7qub2SJPZOI8jZLqmuJy_GLSmyCY2VpOrYBh08tUH4m6tmpggz19rRH6s6zunN6sjRstnsJfMkXeWSosYmaTXvWrA0FcaASIXY66CTcM2EOvP_gnG5V00Jc6NhA9gk/s400/CLIMB+ROADS.jpg" border="0" />Out of Bennington the 8 mile climb started, gradual at first but building into a crescendo of 9%. Luckily the weather stayed cool with some drops of rain falling for a period. I maintained a speed of 6 mph as I moved up. No point of trying to catch up to anyone or to keep ahead of someone. Into the zone and plough along in the groove. Actually, I was surprised when the levelling-off came just over 2000 feet; I was resigned to a few more miles. Plenty of lakes about and obviously holiday homes. This area is just 4 hours from New York and 2 hours from Boston by car.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225576442303382658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAe2cjtHfNsna1qdYHu1wKAkbHm2lVAuelaw2H53aUP_hD9elF9OYgjSvmhWmx_pMiObt03fGjsVsUH7ilcz-wgirE-HsN27Ac90KiJpBkYWHFwK7PSLEJYDCm1DU4jrQklWTF-BfIbc0/s400/CREST.jpg" border="0" />Some of the shoulders were a bit awkward to deal with. The main carriageway had been resurfaced but the shoulder left to carry on. Normally, this wasn’t a problem until it cropped up on a busy descent.<br />Second SAG was in Wilmington a town with busy Sunday morning tourist traffic.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225572416632010258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3L_lGgEiNq_g3VcbWMaz0wa5B6SafLWOUN8ZZBhCKCNAaDgbo58gWi8iUrfl9DNkzHvizuDB8wpG9L_i_R-uf47fUt_SrYwUIWtq3NB5NnBZ2Sj8_JwKkM7hiu6A2Aab6r_831gT53s/s400/ON+SUMMIT.jpg" border="0" /> The final summit of the day came on Hogback Mountain (mile 60) with a reputed 100 mile view. With today’s overcast sky it was a lot less than that, but it was a refreshing change from the lowlands we have been accustomed for the last number of weeks. This is ski area during the winter months and is famous for its covered bridges.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225571491152853090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5jb7FgCTLETwOrlvu8KlzqzOPgmK2_kB1HxVtztD_NhubKSVzjwkLvaSqD_om-ApYOfnfEl5n1s8oGCYjhpaR2zdSkxbml0H5OTr0RNdjSEUq0am5FLApzmJlhPjGr-lBgh4FT4yvW8/s400/DESCENT+2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225572416312906946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbfSJVHBG02LqiK8P-G2AuMPb2OKouB_TkhJMZDr2xdymTikIV1XrYidxbln0BuN_QZrUNtzfCLNe6x-EBmLKmZI6Ca8pmQS8GSlMHqMeL0bfUIe9eiqwP26BH0YMW0SAFCG6_86dX0o/s400/STONE+WALLS.jpg" border="0" /> The 12 mile descent to Brattleboro was worth all the climbing. At times it levelled out and a chance to view the scenery. At one cemetery I thought it had elements of the west of Ireland with the stone walls.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225571497781008402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZch6eM-ucbjxARw5Up1pI1sziQEVcB4Ik0WqCjVAWRunra_1gUTUgSmU0GjUEPtjoLLiPTOv8FwwgKy9T1c202dxYcxiOuXP1FJnfrdgEAw3frOHMarouhL9E-fbl7uIHwKGD0BEy_z0/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" />I arrived at the motel at 2 p.m. as the sky was beginning to darken. Within 2 hours the sky opened with a downpour and as I write there is a thunderstorm outside. Brattleboro is on the Connecticut River and has a population of just over 12,000. In a hilly state it is quite low (300 feet) and so is one of the warmest places in Vermont.<br /><br />A day of cycling that didn’t turn out to be as bad as I was expecting. The overcast weather helped and hopefull the thunderstorm outside will have blown over by morning.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-59857942068767813092008-07-19T19:39:00.008-06:002008-07-19T20:09:50.296-06:00DAY 49 of 54: JULY 19: LITTLE FALLS (NY) TO LATHAM (NY)<strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 77 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 08 mins<br />Average Speed: 15 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 2038 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Average Heart rate: 111 bpm </span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><br />Distance so far: 3,663 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Ascent so far: 115,519 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 10 </span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><br />Today’s Profile:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224908390223249378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizX6KC66WOhEf0N2a8X-SevTZVzMRrGjpxRk4lNkK-NyLnzWxO5_Xf02knWM8lJcd5iqpmXPpfGpYun8_Tky3-wPvRrL5XHmSrGCCBpTw2t7LdCcMHOWPwwSvEtliwjDjAXDE3LODkw40/s400/July+19+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224908392611239762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialjgUcvCLIAJhg95txWvnNZ61kt5kcedrrG_7lFSLBNB-6Vl2q1gWRR8eP_NrKNJTHbsXbtq2ggfSC2m-IBlV5ScvnB4q0Z8y4crHhmn2zpeYSLdQDCc-0_-g28Gn8iNO11c55LGJgv8/s400/July+19+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /></span>Dedication:</strong> Today I cycled for my niece Deirdre and Diarmaid who got married today. I would have loved to be there but they were in my thoughts as I cycled along. Best wishes to you both as you set out on your joint life journey.<br /></div><div>I was expecting stiff climbs today but they were quite gentle. Beautiful weather and an early finish. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvk3OMoGk5u4IDCs23nxllHwRQ5QzOe07qPw8BzlYfHhY0W46sl1Zi1C-bnU0aDzmqUkJlQuHQdHzS6MUKu4CVT5xBVWbHwCVQtRPjL6aWXWGGRsBc3Lqdpg28gyImKo1vQIgvJ0E188/s1600-h/Providence+own+2004+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224908941281859938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" height="163" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvk3OMoGk5u4IDCs23nxllHwRQ5QzOe07qPw8BzlYfHhY0W46sl1Zi1C-bnU0aDzmqUkJlQuHQdHzS6MUKu4CVT5xBVWbHwCVQtRPjL6aWXWGGRsBc3Lqdpg28gyImKo1vQIgvJ0E188/s320/Providence+own+2004+045.jpg" width="236" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>PROVIDENCE [7]</strong> The cost of running Providence for a year at present (including paying the teachers) is € 9,000 ( $13,000 ) or € 190 ($ 280) per week. Relatively small sums when you consider the 200 children and the 7 teachers.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224906469808260018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznf_IlJTVWazMdkP2M5r8Jen_4_x9EUUViSf4k_QECYPGgdELZntnT6Zq59VmRW522_1cOFQSb2xK_HCwBWnPm1gCbxNnCcUPtzBjataJRbVYOvhYy1RTDBdATvBlpRXJH2PyDcSHqQs/s400/EARLY+LIGHT.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224906475522526498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFztSMK8gJCFHJjNjUxmJ6bvQf2fOWGcqKgZ_7Z67CwGhm_vDhvAshhNzgZw_-SWFGNsrgw4kMDuqbrlDMGcH7gZCP9qT9tN8Kj7qINkKAdsJdn6YTtM6wdO0A5OTAzjshntNl_wH0LW4/s400/EARLY+MIST.jpg" border="0" />Loading at 7.30 with mixing of Gatorade and pumping of wheels. A mist hung over the Mohawk River as we took to the road and it was so pleasantly cool. Some rain had fallen during the night but no sign of any more pending. The sun was doing its best to break through the clouds and burn off the mist as we moved east along Route 5. We would be spending 50 miles on this before turning off to the right. I almost missed it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224907243812161042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwE952rdl8athPfMB9Q8Jl4E2rebc_1qWtQk9pt3m589o8maLdAtpJlBC7rU9naykvLvlolDbJXiWupZkLtJ_NW33R4leF34RtytAT6T85bhkYU8Qcxtwr8Zvl2dVMRVsgB_w-N3oUNg/s400/TRINIDAD+GROUP.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Trinidad group rode together today. Two more Cary and Winston joined Sarge in Erie for the final 8-day section to Portsmouth. So the number of internationals continues to grow.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224905877831920738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZQfT-nFUNp4FXmCiHv8bhOQ0apM2oRM_mXLJejkeCYuYBKzZkY5aq1C7ijgHNJvCBFlFjEbBPdXva-jRFIn_K8MU1utKUspDuExzSL8JrzWrTO3ukY5U94Nwcsq4tesbsGLY3dNPcsA/s400/CANAL+ROAD+RAIL.jpg" border="0" /><br />The route followed the Mohawk down stream for the day, though we were not cycling along the very edge. It was like following the Suir from Clonmel down to Carrick, a number of fields between but you knew it was there. The Mohawk even at this stage would be the same width as the Suir when it comes to Waterford. Rail, road and canal move along this east/west valley.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224905865371775474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqqrzhH3LS6t0n5pvVKyHcE1P39w0mVJN9QEzMXK-W2XIPrl77lHO2rNjxi-N-E0rjAhAbwv50DNJdBgnLNSGwtcpWVTnd13JpvVCeWhLqr6qKBU7ejZy0e4ZmdOqHosikPhp8fDoqrA/s400/AMSTERDAM.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224906477954273666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eKxHvdxqc-cZnmgHp-KcD5sSl0XRS4GYHlb143up9rNl7mVd-kJIo5pIl0GJyvApoR3kvU7MeevTT_XjJ3ekEyJGa1W4kJYNLG-wDqUy6u_KmByItZ4bfEkCiOTMeXLL0zC33QCB1Yc/s400/JOHNSVILLE.jpg" border="0" />Untill the first SAG the weather conditions were ideal, light sun, cool and fresh. Climbs were gentle with a low gradient. Soon afterwards we came to some familiar placenames again. Hetty and Piet (NL) obviously had to stop for a snap at the welcome sign for the City of Amsterdam. In fact the ‘city’ didn’t impress anyone. Very run-down the part of it that we saw. But hetty and Piet had more to come – Rotterdam was a little more presentable and with canals and barges they surely felt at home. A pretty town was St Johnsville (not St John’s Villas) with a fine display of flowers. It is the centre of New York state and claims to have the state’s best tasting drinking water. All was quiet as I passed through around 8.30. Didn’t expect much activity at that hour on Saturday morning.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224907248334336290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqobBYrl251UVuEcy9YH2ZWtSCm0uv8FjaUOsme9pW7J3FKLTrAJLV5dNzeh8dlEExthHjB9wlvfasEEh7_YNo-erzk0yKi-nAhHQnXbgyIbI7j0ZQmY88he_zbQB0FlusfNGOJFnaEBI/s400/TRUCKS.jpg" border="0" />All was quiet in Longhorn Trucking Co Inc on Saturday morning with half of their trucks lined up and resting for the weekend. Salt is one of the big commodities they move in preparation for the winter snows around here. Very many houses have small trucks with snow-ploughs fitted ready for the call to clear roads and drives.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224907237858237906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVqoYD4pBRK6KQoGGkLSa78FzvN2TvSGYpEdD7HxtRURXh1BXo84Jwqld3u6-CYnkQ0cKMpSCMUDs6FlG7azrInG2p0UFFQF5bZ8cYicjjb_hI9ruP3WyYym6-NW81ggCtSc3kInAMlE/s400/TRAIN.jpg" border="0" />The railroad ran beside the route along the valley. At one stage a large train overtook me on the right doing around 50 mph. I was cruising along the level terrain at 18 mph and I had travelled 1 mile for it to pass me completely. So, non-cycling mathematicians can work out the length of the train.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224907234550910322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyeWTbIJ19aidYpIrCuhyvDTaqRGuwgmkMPKYu9HSTXArhUZ9ocCTBespaYLx98rvbHzd8oe5Nk8MfIo00yx7TBHjwxkKBnIy-bBwfhjLEhl148T0SRShi1NcWw7u-hEPmaH6hKQfxGc/s400/ONTO+BIKE+PATH.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224905869715533522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT07Evu2o0EHzFd3yY9yaAv6QFQsJq7Jf9LiOCoeUpxg8xv0emCbRc8jD7LqAnjQX20tpo9BLrmfX_J1zC56DzqYDaBdxjrjzI3Y1hnZ-I-AJshfXv7BrBBILZhRdm0qYj7vwk-X3Mmug/s400/BIKE+PATH.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224905873532213058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUYbPfpx5ctRqUEzn5-yLU0pAREs_jJCGNFiZvXzh8BMsD9fEbxEvxBzRs5Bw137UL-huufHTElG4OgPWQ2Iu1_Uo-D0alp5Uw9IJecYxT2HL7Zw4hT_bpEvqciXpVhugTkCrcnBppc0/s400/BIKE+PATH+AND+MOHALK.jpg" border="0" /> Much of today both before and after the 2nd SAG was on a dedicated bikepath. Shortly after Rotterdam we took a left and spent 4 miles with no traffic. Not many pedestrians or other cyclists on it so we could keep up to the 15 mph allowed. Plenty of growth on either side and at times brilliant open views of the river. It looked so peaceful and only rippled by the water-skiers out for a bit if activity.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224906472716397170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5L2p9Rrpg2IJDx5WPaSdlzR-JYyohN-wWafMMVKO50daDSIGwW5u-JSv9E9x8cUQpBxeozlF-xaiQNZtjWWXb3laASkePqTxfYNFYJTh0fsCFWzhmb-bmf6UW0hoVef1wJAfEnRsK34/s400/GE.jpg" border="0" />While on the bikepath in Niskayuna I passed by the entrance of the headquarters of General Electric Global Research Centre. This complex of 525 acres overlooks the Mohawk River and has a workforce of 1900 covering all scientific disciplines working on innovations and breakthroughs. They have another such facility in Bangalore, India. Their motto <em>“what we imagine, we can make happen.”</em>. I like it.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224908385174246082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR3VbfC9l1_uZNnD62DYb2hyphenhyphenpuAuPOtAah52s1bOFniVImwHQk84UdTVATfGqxGi29redpGjzdsHjK8InncPA5TmDVXLd6c4ZEClMlqGko9p4eqGssX4qHOOeCSSVkJnwmS_eXTfw89A/s400/WEDDING.jpg" border="0" />Today Deirdre and Diarmaid were married and I would have been there. I missed the occasion and the celebration but made contact with Deirdre to wish them all the best. During the cycle I frequently thought of them and when I spotted a wedding party posing for photos in a park by the river I had to stop and savour some of the feeling. I’ll catch up on all the news of the day when I get home.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224907236226735410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv_r5qukI7bTuVCicQhI9hwnkFXcxT3By1zR9tNeKTp69NT4U0dXWmE_x1iNl_nAlB4vkED0W8ulDQfmrlEmXy5wCgYi93w49G_SNGvKQiXLkeLGrEA8qDIlCP8UXh_yTJunKjL9T2EI/s400/PROVIDENCE+BAGS.jpg" border="0" />Students of Providence, you recognise these? The produce of Providence vocational skills is very much part of my luggage. Bags from the rexine and tailoring sections of Providence contain necessary elements of my kit. One for toiletries, one for medical, one for phone accessories and Garmin bits and one for all the camera cables and rechargers. They all remind me of the students in Providence as I go about my daily chores.<br /></div><div>This evening after dinner I had welcome visitors in the Holiday Inn, Mary and Steve Muller. Mary’s folks hail from the Clonmel area and they live here in Troy. It was so nice to meet and have the chat.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224910085710898210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmhjRyLlny5KKQbjCrQoDw8wyznjIYi-KdX6ABie1mtTKy5TA1WcprovvP7DqwDlv1LClwm3iEie-q9BMgM3nPoQ5JhvrVTSMi3skT-5Lu-HkGg4j4q5uFzR5UPfvBCThkr9JQsXgdOk/s400/wheel.jpg" border="0" />The back wheel is problematic again. Had it worked on by Gerard last Tuesday and it seemed OK. But the wobble is back and seems to indicate that something has broken down inside. He reckons that it is unsafe to continue with and has given a loan of a rear wheel from the van until Portsmouth. Solution is to have the hub rebuilt or a new wheel. Tomorrow I’ll order a new one from Portsmouth and have it ready for the last two days.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224906485121333154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J6px87bovNHMDS5YgnmDqOQbVZsWyMdusEB2un50h0vXtu6FAMkWkGptXLTXZbtFPVvvP-g_owDUFfYlWsW727fslrlw1dK0PwH6LnsDM0mmiaRPX-NruuVr7Vq2JIsz6T4Uvf2PaBU/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" /> So I arrived at the Motel in Latham at 1pm and rang Deirdre at Waterford Castle just in time before the wedding dinner commenced.<br /><br />A great day’s cycle – I reckon it was my strongest and most consistent so far and I felt great when arriving here. I believe we have a few demanding days ahead as regards climbing. We’ll take that when it comes. No need to be in a rush. Good night’s sleep first.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-7906267609332986272008-07-18T15:15:00.017-06:002008-07-18T17:02:48.181-06:00DAY 48 of 54: JULY 18: LIVERPOOL (NY) TO LITTLE FALLS (NY)<strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 79 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 08 mins<br />Average Speed: 15.3 mph </span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 1740 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Average Heart rate: 110 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 3586 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Ascent so far: 113,481 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 10 </span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Today’s Profile:</span></strong> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224474760461201522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRbeePjvsPPLZnQaksqQ4Izy9KMJQBYlNIVb0RJqTtnfoNXxl3OHpcg9jKOJ6etvRRGduxPLOW6xY6y9FOCW4p_USGV_Z8-IFnTji46ujVgpoVJqDG8D78J1lXkBTFc5uJYOSUKL9DCs/s400/July+18+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Today’s Route:</span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224474764860054162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RjwiauinrwcMP1iavAv8KIK1vELEiZxzy1YbAn-BPtLRRKgFhFfQXIdqduRMOBtVj9PTmCyFGiB1alyEsAkYk5EPmrGqKSEtWtUdls2YWB5C2fSt8fdR3lgqbHA2MnKsr4LCZZBz7fU/s400/July+18+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti546Ugbs1seg541S32EJpO20cQ7PA08rbWeMJQ1PWzlAhQUbmQMlcfURuLL2fjCCVhZ-gGkWnkUYBdFZ0R2E7ts9cXBTDrvKr5tiD_6y15Le7chw-6P74bOL-W7xVqmj3M7VgShz0Ic/s1600-h/DONE+Andreas,Bashisha..BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224491222458828802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" height="156" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti546Ugbs1seg541S32EJpO20cQ7PA08rbWeMJQ1PWzlAhQUbmQMlcfURuLL2fjCCVhZ-gGkWnkUYBdFZ0R2E7ts9cXBTDrvKr5tiD_6y15Le7chw-6P74bOL-W7xVqmj3M7VgShz0Ic/s320/DONE+Andreas,Bashisha..BMP" width="159" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQNrnZ37uNkTUsfYS9i38WcR6SZRW2L0beVSc2XKzhxnHMxOZx0JINdkfaEOgvZrt1sJFxVuTuR_gPzgcxx_LszAENYe1Y7SYBVJeeA-kZyLSgTD7ACl5hcYafX3Te_8mCaYOpKCxOjY/s1600-h/DONE+Albert.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224491230729960562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 89px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" height="144" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQNrnZ37uNkTUsfYS9i38WcR6SZRW2L0beVSc2XKzhxnHMxOZx0JINdkfaEOgvZrt1sJFxVuTuR_gPzgcxx_LszAENYe1Y7SYBVJeeA-kZyLSgTD7ACl5hcYafX3Te_8mCaYOpKCxOjY/s320/DONE+Albert.BMP" width="106" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80Yna2GKZppZUyI_Gg0J40_JOeCcYtdzOdvn_JHtN0fxvICQbfHwIUWoiAw56rOPDmf_n1u-W4s9-RLaIyAkjYm5bN1hdfD3yUC7aMXW99fOdDugr4v0YhKFT7jmAWkoF5CR8dJoRrjA/s1600-h/DONE+Daphi.BMP"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBM2rAbZBJKwoEWEyRN8UtOsSlfmwuoDQXP4dLGrHHIKfICsdXAklQzvkwrm-jpPf9qQNJPpPtYeky1RkleubntSmEJE-NANgjnvZq-cA1q-RF8S6XtSH7DK5Jr2-2OkEIy4vTku6HPs/s1600-h/DONE+Daphi.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224492901109851506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBM2rAbZBJKwoEWEyRN8UtOsSlfmwuoDQXP4dLGrHHIKfICsdXAklQzvkwrm-jpPf9qQNJPpPtYeky1RkleubntSmEJE-NANgjnvZq-cA1q-RF8S6XtSH7DK5Jr2-2OkEIy4vTku6HPs/s400/DONE+Daphi.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today I cycled for Andreas,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz8z5DNE-_Pmt8MpNvDgIc01Z0Rgcvuq3AeQTW1Dt70YUYZpbGIeviRdUwHOkdC_VREbIbvmdw3Zz0wR_ZnZAgAFjslqgokRcuIfh2x3s5zSoBFRhm_Ab5g7WwUo6UdTIYw2WJBM1RP4/s1600-h/DONE+Daphi.BMP"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjbRUye2Eo5SUES4GB1gtAcqEiuDoexU9Xqua0JK3KGgRuKuaVFhuVWUglv8VpBf4muB-g2PaPJDQK8bLa7J4CrvwYfMGe7FeLIvPjgDc38P-4RZ1LEszhWi56e3-xbWEknTk10hCkhE/s1600-h/DONE+Andreas,Bashisha..BMP"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFOsBVgApOTpd8Azl8JtPJNI7oWEYsgGF9zZX5eby_PkuAWt9IYRos_BBVkNWUI1kJmeA6e4mg5-8xffi8UEbBSTAb9gB2_-8VH-wZCV4dWOcVzVShnVnbS1nOeR-Z6-kNJ8UJAn6bzE/s1600-h/DONE+Albert.BMP"></a> Bashisha, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzD6J1qInDpv9r32p15Y9g62VnTranLLARlVRiWXuwXdKrasEDMBDLMvrJw6MGmBy1mPFYY_d3mHwo-C2ur-PS7XRfP5IS0KP9ou4tdMv0gud0mUMJ0CvMQp3nf1wX2aNMcYZ8dVIJ_4/s1600-h/DONE+Daphi.BMP"></a>Albert and Daphi that they will make great progress while in Providence. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGihTtcS0uZpdwhUjjCWAxmBh8EjTEhoNUzus2uGXA24uFf_ctltKxg_srtkAaLg2HxITcT3h3OK3yRJH5M_dPz_Zl25seNaVLvDNm4y_YCLpY7t1co6qFbAI1u8oTxsShghxt02-V6Vw/s1600-h/DONE+Daphi.BMP"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div>Today was another relatively short day with easy terrain and pleasant weather throughout.<br /><br /><strong>Providence [6]</strong> The rationale of Providence is based on the vision of Edmund Rice who wanted to enable liberation through education when he founded the Christian Brothers in Waterford in 1802. The same need is still there but in a different location.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224468954355362962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueZjYXOV5Qj4qjuBi3zDoYYMjU-CbderN1HhfBhmEAxfliaZeWtIESUH61UuptNoAiSs6UhZ1cWd7jJNFXPi6mkOvIWjv3tct6QplOyCXUD_kD0odoHTng4ldjPVs4-lOj24XT2jrmOE/s400/CARS.jpg" border="0" />The big event in Syracuse over the weekend is the National Car Show in the New York State Fairgrounds and classic cars had been arriving all yesterday evening and cruising along 7th North just by the motel. Some owners stayed in Super 8 and their machines looked beautiful as we loaded this morning. Over 6,000 of them and more than 80,000 people are expected at the event.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224468965273692610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA23bU_ZMMZ2kn6BNo3fPVWT6lml08s_TmfVf9m9WI7uU2VzVbJurnHOBBF7wjqrJdgjj3-oT8EIK1w2xP0LlqI0PXx08XidrtpPVSyq929rpmm_Co5-743-jpv6ORSNMH3zdrRBk_j78/s400/EARLY.jpg" border="0" /><br />It was 7.30 by the time we got away through the suburbs of Syracuse. Met a few impatient drivers cutting across in front but nothing that was too serious. A climb that registered 9% caught our attention within a mile of the start. Thankfully it didn’t last for too long.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224466221934641042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmJ3_oTtO4ZNQSyLIkdNAUXh1gKedrAHX45Olt0Z0z0GCSHc9tfYNzzLOv7aN08OJk715406mqXp98x9NTgHDYlD4mi7au0z7sTMBGlWJdMDeSzVB_DFvKqst4idqsDVqCns1Sk0Wnp8/s400/CANAL+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224466225560013426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvxBDbggIFrDCfiIea3nMyZQeZ_YQuWXiPScxN5huiJLKM29cAi-Uoav5KKaQWUQOA0tcSk6TDur1wzCmDENy-lnOXrcVo54cqD7fptApd0azZEpqu1zL-CG26CAW6ycti-jluW56IIU/s400/CANAL+2.jpg" border="0" />In general today our route followed the course of the Erie Canal and downthe Mohawk River valley. Parts of the original Erie canal remain with the tow-path on the right-hand side. At one point a river passed under the course of the canal and the tow-path at right angles.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224466215304376578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijb7c62YCxU7e5vBQX1ZrenRhK2MNkZjtmw95Du9Snc6tBC32cyv7LgzLYCKU0h3VnUod0wVH3VD6iW7yZcEmTVEnEGh0PNsbTxfMw2wHwx8p9BufJWZUy2o2MjCPG2axjBJHGWOnot1I/s400/BARGE+CANAL.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224466231328794770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcTXrB-0_hUug_Y6fMfzS95VspJgVkDXHSD_PvXh7kwOao7rnxt60-nsTuOz6XxQS3iMWSsUe1qLPWwLJi3DD5T_g94WhlsTk2d-_TAYo13rCVf2zgMaK-238MHGEwcMJANdyNFyXOLM/s400/CANAL+3.jpg" border="0" />In 1918 the Barge Canal was an improved version of the Erie to accommodate larger barges with the competition from the railroads. Freight traffic on the canal reached a total of 5.2 million tons by 1951, before declining in the face of combined rail and truck competition. The vanquished Erie still runs quietly under it’s victor the Interstate.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224468959085192178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTydQHPp6Jk1fMGWQ3bGc87Pn2TGfw8jSYLDYl7eVdOnkucc9UeqJPvvYMvfRTLwiipqGBq33R-HtJO-tWsNHuf4JImGBd0E3ssYfoupC46GuIyh24BLyGDb_p8nNaMlcHa64kciMStb0/s400/CORN.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224468966664200082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxqPNoBEfGz4JOZpExM5O0V567yhaHnMoXahFzFDFY8WOoPf_c29o7C6-_wf8O4J7D9AYb9mr6Kj-X6eVaVHQfLkI6Sgx5NWysEuOGxnlOKiFEtpcLhHO_DDLPWLDiXWqeEvtMrehFnI/s400/MARROWS.jpg" border="0" /><geese><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224475738139951538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMPoXP2A_vWEf9Q1HED3yHRH1D5GzSPW-bMp313cvso7M-sn03YHaF49XfPw1ZLHz35YZYXB802YeXor9SXmQSWZtkyuhoA97WOiveDVE-nhbcQDITUSXlnXC1y41lPmNdR6-SWFA-V0/s400/GEESE.jpg" border="0" />A lot of today’s cycle was through residential areas though not heavily built-up. Quite clearly people were arriving at holiday homes for the weekend. Farms were of the small variety and producing for the local market </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><geese id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224466220751482850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZl3CKupqIpInvkdXuRrN29Q_V26JGxDs9ozi2ZZBbaDPFSOuLmvQjM066EOu8GXiq_b48NmdfMNZVSZdbZGMC9nVcGF4SPkAMir9EsU5BYB2Q2OPVi8BZnHXGspjrSezYh_18ReKbkMU/s400/BUSY+ROADS.jpg" alt=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfTco5Rk6BvJtnLHhZI1A3-HyZOcBSUM4JayXYrfLIKwQVsGF_SE3c1iarGNV3zGAhk02uBkBg3a_O3sR1zsps3IVNtA-g_u-pXyYiQZnVasLvwXWZGrnc2ykWV7W6sLVTOIBYSvLSDU/s1600-h/POSTBOX+6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224471563158548098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfTco5Rk6BvJtnLHhZI1A3-HyZOcBSUM4JayXYrfLIKwQVsGF_SE3c1iarGNV3zGAhk02uBkBg3a_O3sR1zsps3IVNtA-g_u-pXyYiQZnVasLvwXWZGrnc2ykWV7W6sLVTOIBYSvLSDU/s200/POSTBOX+6.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYR7gf4S1Nkbl6M5Hue4qZMumvXgIwpL3fI2uhgXGYClHrQdYKJ7YGDhnF0Tos-qzi_AlduUTIQ3y8q0zURXxDbNKmjb-sz8iNoCR4FEBOf3Q83qC7v381GpIXur4RZVKVpL9gKWKihc/s1600-h/POSTBOX+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224471057637340322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYR7gf4S1Nkbl6M5Hue4qZMumvXgIwpL3fI2uhgXGYClHrQdYKJ7YGDhnF0Tos-qzi_AlduUTIQ3y8q0zURXxDbNKmjb-sz8iNoCR4FEBOf3Q83qC7v381GpIXur4RZVKVpL9gKWKihc/s200/POSTBOX+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEscya-FnLxvPWpk1Zy5O7RgnhnRSMGf2rIVZ6PqhMs6GeAVvFGeFiB3Iey7JzXvaL59L7kRSu3WieOhWKF-C35m6lsbqBaihbiHesC7OgO8XlJcbyGd8M65lhyvbYyCnV7CXn2TfZ0o/s1600-h/POSTBOX+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224471027309692114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEscya-FnLxvPWpk1Zy5O7RgnhnRSMGf2rIVZ6PqhMs6GeAVvFGeFiB3Iey7JzXvaL59L7kRSu3WieOhWKF-C35m6lsbqBaihbiHesC7OgO8XlJcbyGd8M65lhyvbYyCnV7CXn2TfZ0o/s200/POSTBOX+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgind1Q6A_wE74TkoA1j7Cuf1GMuHH-R2E3OaA8kEkfIpUppeHWg-HCWjlC3Ou2_ra3bSXZ7ANDHS0gAKk1pg8rHOP5oTLgmbnrTrLTqsJtSUHDhWWGw0DDRdndcrzKUVC9lIHk9J8nW9I/s1600-h/POSTBOX+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224471055593074530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgind1Q6A_wE74TkoA1j7Cuf1GMuHH-R2E3OaA8kEkfIpUppeHWg-HCWjlC3Ou2_ra3bSXZ7ANDHS0gAKk1pg8rHOP5oTLgmbnrTrLTqsJtSUHDhWWGw0DDRdndcrzKUVC9lIHk9J8nW9I/s200/POSTBOX+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxGzMVJxaJ8UeWgVK2QtPGlq6kM207e7M6YhxA3Ml8b9lnsMBiE_ztnCwTb0mdcyXJsdOE2h5lu5Rhj6VbHP6ZuH-ZBoVNNV21-mGptVQtL6Qd-hEp9olF849A5CMZEmeP7wqYiFYE0E/s1600-h/POSTBOX+2.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjHgHJosByD78zsvaS4G8TvqZzY9P_xbU0C2Yc5q0uuWgOwPLZ-CRYKLEsN29rdWlsRnhe0VajN1r4NuN3y6D51O5G5I8XkGjojgw-oUrWclacKYoNp4RBTmUz2n309m099GlBpopb-0/s1600-h/POSTBOX+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224471064204692194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjHgHJosByD78zsvaS4G8TvqZzY9P_xbU0C2Yc5q0uuWgOwPLZ-CRYKLEsN29rdWlsRnhe0VajN1r4NuN3y6D51O5G5I8XkGjojgw-oUrWclacKYoNp4RBTmUz2n309m099GlBpopb-0/s200/POSTBOX+5.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemOfCjYbMFmNVCoTPqhAoSed-6j19pCnN_ElWQp70KQ7DbdHfVjoOXsGPAF0ISaWtlEf845wousjTAWoEZAZrfSMREu4q-HBA-4pgaiwFuRl1yggr52fxXhbtpRhx-M6eP30pIL_y-ko/s1600-h/POSTBOX+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224471850506897138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="168" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemOfCjYbMFmNVCoTPqhAoSed-6j19pCnN_ElWQp70KQ7DbdHfVjoOXsGPAF0ISaWtlEf845wousjTAWoEZAZrfSMREu4q-HBA-4pgaiwFuRl1yggr52fxXhbtpRhx-M6eP30pIL_y-ko/s200/POSTBOX+2.jpg" width="228" border="0" /></a>I have been fascinated by the various designs of post-boxes I have seen along the route. Most are of a uniform design; some are bought creativity and some are definitely one-offs with a personal touch. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224468962884797890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_R6r8ksDQ7tY2GvvVDSmrRr1lHWJYmcFb6jL77h9Qko2A0MyDCAqn4IhJIabctTwHAKwYTUnTHTEAV7vQVyMii5vnMDKqMZPgB4bX4czwEHwI89BPFqfxpSYi-VrqGSQS9sobVEV7kk/s400/FLAGS.jpg" border="0" />So many houses fly the Stars and Stripes on the porch or on a flag-pole in the garden. (Also in cemeteries the national flag seems to be the only element of colour on every grave.) We tend to fly county flags near the house in the same manner especially during the championship season<br /><br />No rain today and not a sound of thunder. As the day wore on the temperature continued to rise. At the finish it was 90 degrees with no wind and feeling very humid. Stopping at the SAG stops was uncomfortable (but welcome) and the only way to keep cool was to keep moving. Once moving it was quite pleasant.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224470297243860866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgI1GHdVSbgzrTwGrxBmhD867FPiSH-8-W0JZSfSr8A_zs5DSLWDF-TW9B5Zo_B8HjB-2KEzzF9N-DmojPIqy1LW8ppaJ8ugAi37G348c1m9ZXR9yKp6wZjhn2befNfNFXcMjlF4xWb4/s400/BUSY+ROADS.jpg" border="0" />There was very heavy traffic as we came towards Little Falls but it didn’t pose any threat once the cyclist abided by the normal traffic rules. Little Falls(pop 1500) is named after a local waterfall whereas Great Falls is further east where the Mohawk enters the Hudson River. There is a strong Irish element in surrounding area and a 3-day irish festival kicks off here next Friday. Irish entertainers (although I don’t regognise any on the list) and possibly Irish weather. Their publicity states that it will go ahead ‘rain or shine’. Tickets are $8 but if you attend the Irish Mass on Sunday you get in free.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224470086981408066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwy2v88VrXG70IdJo2uBDFrwDsUn03oHrh_5sIWAQ6Cw3CoWrMBSRhUUgXc88rGXnHYBDtGkvbf8GAnMkdCO52_DwhIGTzGWdYF1wkMJWLVSYLju7x-euLmp3IcWAsyLJ-1UV7bU-lpk/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" />I arrived at the Motel at 1 pm. it is a new member of the Knights Inn group but the original name is still up – Casey’s. The early arrival gives me a chance to catch up on things without burning the night oil. Plenty of sleep required now to ensure concentration over the last days.<br /><br />An enjoyable day’s cycle but with no brilliant scenery. I suppose you can’t expect that every day.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-71661789807505703712008-07-17T19:35:00.010-06:002008-07-17T20:06:10.376-06:00DAY 47 of 54: JULY 17: CANANDAIGUA (NY) TO LIVERPOOL (NY)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br /></span><span style="color:#009900;">Todays Distance: 79 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 30 mins<br />Average Speed: 14.4 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 2620 ft</span></strong></div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Average Heart rate: 108 bpm </span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><br />Distance so far: 3507 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Ascent so far: 111,777 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 10 </span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><br />Today’s Profile:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224164571583698930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb-YJwhJHzktJ6AMl0drPY4uTEktFPdSdVFlGVu90LWcs_obTk66jir72CRzrlgCm6X7nnTMLgCaYwa8uzlDSBU28hyWCdP_jMnIitQseICSlhToXVxfvDLhu34is4EuyHNlB7CmuZ9k/s400/July+17+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224164576214191362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfVrfStVZ69wsE9NY_o_TM01dpazpLLTJWdYYNaPOEfwWaBUe8aL7pzDPDw6KSRN1nAPYETiy8qV3mjqcl6pNBlGSdKletEoCo5nP0AqI4fFKmKDhZAZIjqYBM2flbtFOG6mohKmrRpM/s400/July+17+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN3mpHeA_zHPjDo6NvrRU42zsPqJ9hDBBfmelbeFdE9vkhTbJju9_M9JwXMMb3KMi009CgVwf-3Z792e9cWXQIuc2-wkXjnXrD6c0-XQORjukOLmKWJyP_9DLWC5UXcxUk33FOujxUj8/s1600-h/Jennifer,+Metenol,+Saibor.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224165077402723954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN3mpHeA_zHPjDo6NvrRU42zsPqJ9hDBBfmelbeFdE9vkhTbJju9_M9JwXMMb3KMi009CgVwf-3Z792e9cWXQIuc2-wkXjnXrD6c0-XQORjukOLmKWJyP_9DLWC5UXcxUk33FOujxUj8/s320/Jennifer,+Metenol,+Saibor.BMP" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNFmthcWKcNWDMiAh5lXSVoM7BrPlu6FnbLXE0zJTKMra21vktIEGuXIW6LE89yaR3wyNKq9ud5XVGoFZtoJTPm1Hq612-3mU4Aw5vcUkHrWUneu4mqZ8rDjF8zLmCKHqaK7pmrpylf4/s1600-h/Hepsing.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224165074652758034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNFmthcWKcNWDMiAh5lXSVoM7BrPlu6FnbLXE0zJTKMra21vktIEGuXIW6LE89yaR3wyNKq9ud5XVGoFZtoJTPm1Hq612-3mU4Aw5vcUkHrWUneu4mqZ8rDjF8zLmCKHqaK7pmrpylf4/s320/Hepsing.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today’s cycle is for pupils in Providence including Jennifer, Metenol, Saibor and Hepsing and those who have progressed on over the years.<br />(On Saturday I’ll cycle for Deirdre and Diarmuid.)<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Today was a recovery day after the many centuries of the last week. Eventful on the road and finished with some local flavour. </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYD1ieE-7yJ2hTSt8R_gmSPNVAhugSDlzb5K6gTrwoMiauChhrFP7TnaUfueb-eW6i3bikwImHlezR8RsE006p-BC_JBu4QuQPnKFXk-WR1n8CPFxX2XOhKn1YHxISp_4CgMzLXtzVVs/s1600-h/ASSEMBLY.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224166510879488146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="192" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYD1ieE-7yJ2hTSt8R_gmSPNVAhugSDlzb5K6gTrwoMiauChhrFP7TnaUfueb-eW6i3bikwImHlezR8RsE006p-BC_JBu4QuQPnKFXk-WR1n8CPFxX2XOhKn1YHxISp_4CgMzLXtzVVs/s320/ASSEMBLY.JPG" width="250" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong>PROVIDENCE [5]</strong> Providence is not conducted on denominational grounds. It has children of many Christian and non-Christian faiths. But it does operate a strong spiritual ethos. Each morning assembly starts with a communal prayer said with great intensity and devotion.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162353314617362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh8e9QTxTqVRMb4JB9I1mVbAau8g_8Ubtjc59rAXAE2xP_8yR9u2EPlNbCNbfXMSX5QzYHB5RO3dlT_X85maTSipbrcslG6NBaZw6PYyxsWfAesQ1EEfi6aUOzBARrKohapARN3DEyew/s400/FORD+T.jpg" border="0" />At loading this morning our attention was attracted to some old autos parked in front of the hotel. A 1924 Model T Ford in perfect working order was being oiled and greased by its owner in preparation for his onward journey towards the Lakes. He has been driving this one for the last 20 years.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162339264414370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoDgGramRbmK0OYmZMED365OEyP4-sQdW324qnxv8bITrOzO7D6On7m5QgOEpsy-MnuX2j21K_RTkvbvoBeaiW7UK8e5L9YsvMTnoZHbqdzb-VGC8_1xaXijO3UZ_IKMMa8WFkXKJxB4/s400/EARLY.jpg" border="0" />The early miles passed by in pleasant weather with no indication that it would change. Just some fluffy clouds as we kept cycling eastwards on Route 20. I gradually loosened out and warmed up to optimum performance around the 10 mile mark.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162887682443682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn-VE0Xt3konz44mt6dowqqUFObJq4uUbgYf5zdYloDKJ8Tx2HMS5e0W9mlWGab7BRQ9u17AW_LDdff8mGaUBaW_jqnkja5Wmc6vtgQZzdPJC3cuxPV8EzEgMQ6-VRf1lOay-YF5lQxo/s400/SENECA.jpg" border="0" />Another familiar name loomed ahead… Geneva. Geneva is at the northern end of Lake Seneca, one of the Finger Lakes. At this hour (8.30) there was little activity about except for a few ducks. At night a drum-like beating can be heard across the waters of Lake Seneca (the longest at 36 miles long). Science explains this as the escaping of natural gas deposits from beneath Seneca’s deep waters.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162355522904274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_oki37JMt5q7zh2k4Av9Bvj3Kl1OanPrua26NIVvE_jFC8hTLxoR0Z0RLDWYUh1v_SML97MgjBkZAnB_KiPjwC7_W9FUuOqeNipMrd4tC2lbZeUMzkwxElXS2RBOSiBHzYIkj7o_DtY/s400/GOLF.jpg" border="0" /> Since we have come into New York state I have noticed a large number of golf courses along the route. Scarcely any in the previous states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224168497895175266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPNlmjaE2iy0skBHr6Qfk4bkDgqQ4zw0bcMUBDzujuo-q6g5VuSz2aS4pmKWWv4c3KVQV2PpOq5f-ztQ-oMXIrYV8XYXnewdYsJxYEaihmX9XLsYVCCm38cag3QybJS8J_VOAaszIY9M/s400/RAIN.jpg" border="0" />After the SAG stop thunder was to be heard behind us but it didn’t develop into anything that threatened. Rain did start to fall around mile 42 as we came into the town of Camillus. It wasn’t heavy but when cycling along it felt heavier than it was in actual fact. To soften the blow also, the rain was of the warm variety, not the cold harsh wintry type. Raingear was on for about 13 miles till it eased off. Passed by a gravel truck that had just gone off the road )on the other side) possibly as a result of the greasy surface. Road was blocked off to traffic but they let us through rather than heading off on the detour.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162351973160738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEr_09r-Yuul4FKpNhzTcnznKAhYtzYXRMKNys803pYdygLl03Kv2qZ4nWfUFBcNWCrsAWNP1ul3puHwB6j45GojrllgxRuriFNqsAaX1PbN1FBG2jnd7rCbDgqXV4bfUJko5OSdPIjU/s400/FLAT.jpg" border="0" />Last night a new tube went into the front wheel but a piece of radial wire shortened its life and it went down in a shot as I cornered into Devoe Road at mile 56. It didn’t take long to replace (Practice makes perfect). That brings my flat total now into double figures. The front tyre still has some thread on it, unlike the rear one I discarded this morning.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162344439548994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDs_g4_jz0xjh9ye3ZwkWzQI6ZO-EmmOX_mTrRrxzmSFfgR4F4b5qy3a8JFS-fPFp59elNRGqhJfj9ModiN0aB9OwK6DXr74PmIB8_KT2lsKhFz3doigoWQqdF4qNKIOSrus5RZ3_PPA0/s400/ERIE+CANAL.jpg" border="0" />At one stage today we crossed over an original part of the Erie Canal. This original canal was commenced in 1815 and stretched 363 miles from Albany on the Hudson to Buffalo on Lake Erie. This meant there was a continuous navigable waterway from New Yory up the Hudson to the Great Lakes and beyond. It was 40 feet wide and 4 feet deep and contributed in making New York a major port and to the development of Buffalo on Lake Erie and the northern part of New York state. In 1918 it was replaced by the New York State Barge Canal and parts of the original were filled in to develop roads. Many Irish workers were involved in the construction of the original and settled in Syracuse, half way along the canal.<br /></div><br /><div>Our destination today was the village of Liverpool (pop 3,000) on the eastern edge of Syracuse. The area was originally settled by Irish canal workers and was referred to as ‘Little Ireland’. It was later (1830) named after the English city as it also had a salt industry and wished to capitalise.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224163762698526098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAmQxk_vSkjGP7qgYMX6biKnIK5YaQrKwpTd9Zl5UsrXz5jHIxdzptKj-A-XToj848e6u_rRdwScT3YnzZWTpiXxfvnSP6AVhDVilrLzQZLCDah0bFrmBwDzuHnPdK3CASU1dBoDSiFw/s400/TIPP+MEMORIAL.jpg" border="0" />Once in Syracuse, I followed my own directions to visit a spot of local interest … Tipperary Hill. Again the Irish populated this area particularly those from County Tipperary. Among the flags is the Blue and Gold but the area also has a unique piece of street furniture that is known far and wide…the Green on Top Traffic Signal.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224163762695070146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbM8Pp6B2GKZobD_y61YzpJoa9atoFkGa8MTHP6ZeTumL6CuAaChDgNfWlbqZVFYbSMCpaBQzUl58VIMDzEtkRwa8siIA9V98e0G4XXtUDlponCQy6nbBl8s4iUTYvucU5D5wLKe-ilw/s400/TIPP+LIGHT.jpg" border="0" />When the city first started to install traffic signal lights in the 1920s they put one at a major intersection on Tipperary Hill, on the corner of Tompkins Street and Milton Avenue. Some Irish youths, incensed that anyone would dare to put the "British" red above the "Irish" green, broke the light mainly by throwing stones. The city replaced it but the Irish broke the replacement. After a few rounds of this the city decided that if they wanted a light at that intersection, they had better put the signal up with the green on top and remains that way to this day.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224163765531818226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8rR3-VUPtUayquzEhFqHrVWqr1fSUq1oEnrxLjfZ4i26TJj6RzNWZt8pAzCUSoHPPAsJxMhcebo3W5DB7HpY0UtnrSLseqhqEEYfmQEOsMLyS6e-WD-hGoXaTrtq8TogSty9SKkixdQ/s400/TIPP+PLAQUE.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162890523821266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENcvIWBtAthHMa_N7_X7v6HP8Pn0KHYB3I1m-MLPB4wjPluM_2ZReIyYkJLvyFxtnrUqwGI-LcqNOnEARFwJ0oifAXO2CmVBAin8Um1UK1cxxYYddILH6uvZpv_avYMqNDWdJ07f83zA/s400/TIPP+BEHIND.jpg" border="0" />At the intersection stands a memorial park with a bronze sculpture of the Stonethrowers, a family group with the Dad pointing out the light to his children and explaining the significance. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162889309132514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CPmx0cc8bIQLQN4r4Wm4ugELscRIJmY_IPf7_FOS6n-cW8GH4KWe7T66MzoRQ63Pe9y1JfLsjcKzVYEnmP3I7t9G_N_DD0KZhb5uG51Y6ZHoTVBJTco2Uij0iJ53MlwCMrQUobwzpqk/s400/TIPP+BRICKS.jpg" border="0" />The various donors to the memorial have their names inscribed on the bricks of the pavement. Bertie Ahern paid a visit here two years ago with local Congressman Jim Walsh. Another piece of Tipperary along the route.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224167644314553954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LD07bQudsRMu0jo_9Ph0y58-xCM3iGmApxT5BDynByHmnJjTIE5xjJ-B-AqFN-iiz-Cf9_Xgluc8h4BFARjwkfGKrdgM01kRM_2Ym3B4xXjzT4jHnCmKw72YoLE1ucStXe3DFJiTwkw/s400/TIPP+PUB.jpg" border="0" />Just down the road from the lights is Coleman’s Irish pub with the owner (not there today) having roots in the Drombane area.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224163759567313666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2zmN3tlxPmjCCPIBilocaR9MK5FZvRb1w6YQ9BQQLcja1mA5MO2giCWqR5izbMCAOlAJ9xHs_uOJfj6dSZZcqpi_lkY4YrMO7itMKgKTUyUNWeVnTunlRt2ZtOpqzY2OZjCtjcJPJso/s400/TIPP+DOORS.jpg" border="0" />It was opened as a local workman’s pub in 1933 and has a special door for leprecauns so they can come and go as they like. They also keep a low table set for them in the upstairs parlor. Outside there are two phone boxes – a normal one and a tiny one for the fairy folk.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162895038923986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1tZkpLPu3AFnCNRAezURmsniY5I8Vdy0FMPU4fv1ONpwsME7O-1MF07iDpdLl74xctlLTFQlpE8oCMXaDzJEWFuX-sSLuqRryqjP5XoriULlm4_X_HZzjxREdWmOCxvPN2MJBWwtUrs/s400/TIPP+CASHEL+HOUSE.jpg" border="0" />Across the road is the Cashel House that specialises in imported Irish goods –Waterford Glass, Beleek China etc. it was all an unexpected touch of home at the end of a day’s cycle.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224162886511120594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF9rhvZcE8hwI1kUiqgL0ZvYwQq9rFOyWN70w9CARMeDXBWTUTsga7KwVi3jUUkXfX27rnYwYNpGc5qZagdM1eFa4EjoNOPbGjaCXv0RajS6KX250I54QdMKKyT_8O8Bn9_w2Eg-7JM0/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" /> I finally arrived at the Motel at 3 pm although I had passed the door to set out on my Tipperary quest two hours earlier.<br />A recovery day’s cycle with a pleasant ending. I really enjoyed it again. At Route Rap each evening now there are a few household items regarding the group’s final day in Portsmouth.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-59249406478847439392008-07-16T19:11:00.007-06:002008-07-16T19:42:17.560-06:00DAY 46 of 54: JULY 16: HAMBURG (NY) TO CANANDAIGUA (NY)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 101 miles<br />Cycling time: 6 hrs 42 mins<br />Average Speed: 15 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 4062 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 117 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 3428 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 109,157 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 13<br />Punctures so far: 9<br /></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Profile:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223788180706318722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ23KmS58Xu2IwUUkRaB8HTO2105QRM9FvcCk9sepVVbUKqIK8baryhnNuK-CJnMNYhEAeoXBfH230gDMAuZ0IDkZa0rMioHmC-ymiRFJK5-VL-XPYmgXikw7mqWZ-akcHid9TfabZFQ/s400/July+16+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223788187316711202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W0OY65Bij9WiaEp-MbKz_bJ5RjjASDlTOhy-70cZDIITORfld4RHUK6Z5mfVklpWmcTZ8TW_4mYC6W8mPQUliCIdU2ZLK_Mo-vBQ6VaJ_aKN6P6e5UrjgQMpOHxd0JtdcRwnLtO95Qg/s400/July+16+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcAoLE9dH1g92cZUhERUhJOdK7sJSmTwx6kKCrH_GKM6T9Q9srxj2XvUKJXaWSSuQDcQ4sK9hVvAiryz1txue8-XveSEZbGalLvUu3jy4Z6MkJHz6uj947R3oNzDhp73oPwkpbKX75I/s1600-h/James+S.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223790477167341554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcAoLE9dH1g92cZUhERUhJOdK7sJSmTwx6kKCrH_GKM6T9Q9srxj2XvUKJXaWSSuQDcQ4sK9hVvAiryz1txue8-XveSEZbGalLvUu3jy4Z6MkJHz6uj947R3oNzDhp73oPwkpbKX75I/s320/James+S.BMP" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoJbFnXVWRnZvOIN-zi472ZG19bV1FxyUJEvEGYGAaqCTB7VOu8vILJVvvSka-cHGo1ltByMc3t4jPUOOpImGO61bYQYmvKtMJLZPjfTh002y1ww0e18F5l18DjiMC2FmF08hxrz3syo/s1600-h/Kenny.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223790496055736610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoJbFnXVWRnZvOIN-zi472ZG19bV1FxyUJEvEGYGAaqCTB7VOu8vILJVvvSka-cHGo1ltByMc3t4jPUOOpImGO61bYQYmvKtMJLZPjfTh002y1ww0e18F5l18DjiMC2FmF08hxrz3syo/s320/Kenny.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today’s cycle was for the good-natured children in Providence who come in early, stay late and sometimes appear on Saturdays when they see that there is something to be done and for James S and Kenny.<br /><br /><br />A good day’s cycling with one century and despite two flats and two thunderstorms.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuALxhtbdUooru8UIzSyFJa3af-ldZGX56tKqEUgrlKrAiLFAvOpwGvto7WTeT-3XKAAnB66du8z0MRm3CCQ3kKLfF3v5R3ZmyzKL9rMfbC8mvUTwtLvW5_BncBfS6BF9MIM_XEr7ywV0/s1600-h/PROVIDENCE+POSTER.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223791470330137762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px" height="252" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuALxhtbdUooru8UIzSyFJa3af-ldZGX56tKqEUgrlKrAiLFAvOpwGvto7WTeT-3XKAAnB66du8z0MRm3CCQ3kKLfF3v5R3ZmyzKL9rMfbC8mvUTwtLvW5_BncBfS6BF9MIM_XEr7ywV0/s320/PROVIDENCE+POSTER.jpg" width="240" border="0" /></a>PROVIDENCE [4]</strong> In the early years the school had no special name. Then in 2006 the staff reflected on the rationale of the school to decide on a name that would be meaningful. The school then (and still) had no constant source of funds but they always trusted that something would turn up and it did. ‘If God means the school to run, it will run’. Trust in Providence. And so it came to be.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223786751837583282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5y0aMzgFnjV39Ui18ioZOLL3KaFocgWZgNlfFoNmn5i83RS8qINERBKsxtbqu9vK4P1ufOe3dYX94uTD6qJ07SwddoG8xP9VE6h3S9lkUEkdjl5oJWq5d7a89ti39_2GqOR80BeQQn4/s400/SETTING+OUT.jpg" border="0" />As the early stages of today’s route was involved and an amount of construction and since a lot of us were going to the museum we tended to stick together for the first 7 miles. The morning looked promising and it should be another pleasant day; only a slight risk of rain.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223786686051234370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dNJw1SpjKSJe1Rb_XKLU4KH3g0fF1JZr0ZNxpe3o9FJo_lvw9bqj2GZiTxSnng1-o3hZE_mpoPUC9E8nf8K1IsWP4IUl0-fUDJFKRBJ_irKyHss3as715qePaEKEbAugyJ9VXcAVhKE/s400/MUSEUM+TOUR.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223786698960611426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi420dnaTYoydw_kH-CWrFy1UJa5rAdSmOmPM_Hv3__x0x_P-cMNoNvCVZ2fKu7hh70fo8KR7-FYmo1YaOiUi6q5glJ4ZyOz51Rds8jy-ZPihXo8uKjSSXBO_wmL57Rj0j4BDvi2nWyn_c/s400/PENNY+FARTHING.jpg" border="0" />After 7 miles a good number of us paid a visit to Pedaling History, a museum devoted to the story of the bicycle in America. There we had a guided tour following the development from the velocipede to pedal power, the penny-farthing (the Odrinary here in the US), systems of drive and suspension that in time were used in the automobile. Hundreds of bicycles were on show . he pointed out the impact that the bicycle had on travel, the demand for better roads, on fashion, on womens emancipation and on the car all in the final years of the 19th century. In all I spent an hour there and noted a book of cycle tours around Ireland that I have never seen at home.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223785457256236850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SDaC-SSbfxUNKwtcG1XtZh9sBzxTUpI_aDUhP-J_NqWInC0_zMAeN193few3HrLS9GsN0op_BgBrpee23Qoo1uAJMNCx37iLL1izrB94j9i5gaAOH0wYPoTqdhNIzrWbrGd7PsLDeqw/s400/LIGHTNING.jpg" border="0" /> The first thunderstorm appeared ahead of us at the 20 mile mark. We had no rain but I pulled into a gas station to let it move further to the north-east. No point in riding straight into it. Succeeded in being fast enough to capture a bolt of lightning.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223785436866916626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi917poTMpaVwqkw34-SqpHsCFuPyzi3LwpE6ILo67EYRq8VBzjSdLopqNUwlOO1poaggWYSI-DGwq2sdQZ8L1X3BvMVRbtoCuLm3XBIMmgp9YpmEZXELVLUoKK6p9Gx-qr0Sv11gq6-po/s400/DEER.jpg" border="0" />After the first SAG, Cary from Trinidad (who joined us for the last section of the trip) cycled with me and we kept up a brisk pace to the second SAG. The only things that halted us was to view what has become a frequent type of roadkill in New York and some punctures.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223786733658223570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVEhIGC3Ao6TdtB6XEz3OpRNBfii0JQW3FzcV3HKC90CqnGZCJ8iD0OkeR1WKTP7PBvfQAdMmmTkyfz6rVG3xsRLhysIoDIzw-f8R91xdj5UYChTMHRGj9ffr0mOHwOOZ05D8Uir_zrg/s400/PUNCTURE.jpg" border="0" />Cary had one and I picked up one a little later. We’re getting fast at replacing tubes now. The hard shoulder on Route 20 today had a lot of tiny pieces of glass. A lot of flats reported with Larry (CO) picking up a total of five.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223788170874541026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLt0TdKgp0utyWVtVtFToA7Nvht6TiZpOQyWlIlRNCp5cavFPMC8P94cOUJYlXLdwYLGlPFhexvcsimkC4KbjQ2gvyOMSjcC5tsHjsO9UWqDQVOpDjrrOuH-TSZr8dy8vwfgw-1TOAuA/s400/GARDEN.jpg" border="0" /> All along the way the usual agricultural pursuits as on previous days was evident. I liked the houses with their own vegetable gardens. I'm sure my own at home is thriving. If it is...great. if it's not .... ah, well.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223785451365069122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbJ09CXLuyMC76Dy4Fh09Gx95EHdnEkoqzybepArChdSq9OppThGLpTSzUknuylgo7yCOumDdlJ3JroXx_iGx0TW5vhMGcE-proR12wunh_MiWLXfM8RDxpXk3Iu5iRf6SZYsrdY9-1U/s400/LAKE+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223785459752538930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSJ13KlBo2MtypDFAfKEorbgC6Csn7-5Flq1Qfhyphenhyphen5xE7c_8PCs8MCvJmLpgzcKJ78_Wjy8vQ39eZRcfKrtsih16w7rsOAmytCLFvS7PAeXCS-8hyphenhyphenYsUxLsoQQIneQoJ0kvjXF0odHZts/s400/LAKE+2.jpg" border="0" />Near the end of the route did the few extra miles to make it a century (the scheduled distance was 96 miles) and went down by Canandaigua Lake (pronounced CANON-DAY-GOO-A). There are about ten of these narrow lakes known as the Finger Lakes as they run south/north like the outstretched fingers of two hands. Canandaigua lake is 16 miles long and formed as the result of glacial activity and is very deep. On its shores are all the water-based activities. I passed by the end of the lake and just as I came to a large shopping mall the second thunderstorm broke. I was glad of the shelter in the porch of Lowe’s.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223786673606806242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABczPt4zPyNwtKgUhib2e3q8KvSIhfTVCAvQJMeJZmY3x-cZXWwA4dz07H1QRRpZ9O-BTVb6MMX8HP2C2yC8sDr4sjhPvr7o939OQSTlITH57_qNuJm-sKykSIevRwOsWU97h95SkWXI/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" />I finally arrived at the hotel at 4.30 still dry. Some of those who skipped the museum had got the brunt of the first storm and some of those coming in late got the second one. I was lucky.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223788177051452690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBjnrfMWSoj11ToNTWoriGd80QpMQSI3l7aqSNkbmGBn442VWHEyZ8wmlh_xbKebzKKUa7foaZLQlpwTBRHY7wul_I83zyhR76LBd_JBim6SeB4U-ontas33wfsi8iv-8DTxq2uwytUk/s400/TWO+TYRES.jpg" border="0" /> Inspecting the rear tyre when I got the puncture I thought it was about time to replace it. Three and a half thousand miles was good service. It felt just like tissue paper in the centre and only the kelvar strip was keeping the tube protected. I had brought a spare Armadillo and it took no time to change. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223785439156014530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeCd9T2m4x95vGRd_NCTKTcGl5pqYBYQUuskDx1pj4gucLGIl7ifdTc1DaRAaIupZw0pxGBx6k7CHz8L6JoqKt8YnzRhVUBDntDj_X7kBfaE8Yy1-JajQWjYl2xZjD3IDKTfQRzwuZZI/s400/FROM+WINDOW.jpg" border="0" />However, when I returned to the room after dinner the front wheel was flat. I did find a sharp stone embedded in the tyre and that has to be replaced before turning in tonight. Not much time to admire the view from my window.<br /><br />Enjoyed today’s cycle. The route wasn’t very scenic and there was plenty of climbing to keep one on his toes. Should see more of the Finger lakes tomorrow.<br /> Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-16449696737385086602008-07-15T20:00:00.012-06:002008-07-15T20:51:31.329-06:00DAY 45 of 54: JULY 15: ERIE (PA) TO HAMBURG (NY)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 82 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 19 mins<br />Average Speed: 15.3 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 1964 ft</span></strong></div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 120 bpm </span></strong></div><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><div>Distance so far: 3327 miles<br />Ascent so far: 105,095 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 12<br />Punctures so far: 7 </div><div><br />Today’s Profile:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223432951700283410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8PJ1u1Q6zRdwaVqaI85ydS3qiWpCX0h-jWVLvyNxQlxOYKHqgB2UKsxjn7eHQn3qJ_qS3MHyOEmSAKAeE_X8AMjP-mlExG4xkIsCbRCQF50PmLt5H4LzSHBkzOjhyphenhyphenvfND4d-tnmL_24/s400/July+15+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223432951956307810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGWnVuAgfUuowb3s5IEPWVDQfs9bUHdEfqKvhc-lJSVpsSoHaLh0jVlSMNOCSslpF39xRpRWt83xrHL_Ab2JyEQNrpcb6RsJA-wilwAPY8IYsxaoakepYU3sA_xYihv6hpbRNMYFXAX4/s400/July+15+route.BMP" border="0" /></span></strong><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVs70WHk4Nk5gvL7iOBfXUvN8yGA2pt64wjMfCKpIL1OhyevgS5WDZ836sxtRZHrPzCmAjCayXLj9rv1A2Sb73yrsRAyYwCfMJjAemdPMGFrVjB4hQ5vhDG3CKRSerGDy16z-g6guh54/s1600-h/Barisha,+Markor,Akas,Isaac.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223433584038611618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVs70WHk4Nk5gvL7iOBfXUvN8yGA2pt64wjMfCKpIL1OhyevgS5WDZ836sxtRZHrPzCmAjCayXLj9rv1A2Sb73yrsRAyYwCfMJjAemdPMGFrVjB4hQ5vhDG3CKRSerGDy16z-g6guh54/s320/Barisha,+Markor,Akas,Isaac.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today’s cycle is for all the children in Providence including Barisha, Markor,Akas and Isaac who honoured us (Abbey students and teachers) by inviting us to their homes last Oct/Nov. Thank you kindly.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>First day back in the saddle after our final Rest Day. Felt good. A short day after the run of centuries and a new state. </div><div><br /><strong>Providence[3]</strong> Most of the pupils walk long journeys to and from Providence each day in all kinds of weather (including monsoon) along roads and paths that are busy and far from pedestrian friendly. Often footwear is flimsy and when necessary towels and dry clothes are provided when they arrive.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223429295974624674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdALf1pLJBZzOZEsbnjA7uu5q-RP8DagJaTYp9V25unpQZXQ_OtPe4V1xD4GqIzaN9e01KEPiA4xSgjNFwG3PDGo3Y4UplWguA_Rb9_h1sK2cB5JRaVNa6nJPDV2QBcm5si7sIVylQ8I/s400/ERIE+MORNING.jpg" border="0" /><br />At 7.30 am as Erie was well awake and on the move we cycled eastward along the southern shore of Lake Erie. Erie (pop 200,000) is in the industrial rust-belt but is now turning to tourism. It is twinned with Dungarvan – Molly Brannigan’s may have had something to do with that! It was good to be back in harness again for the final section – the Eastern States. But also a need for greater concentration. Would be tragic if something happened at this stage. Most mountain accidents happen on the way down. The trip is not finished at the summit but when back home safely. Weather was pleasant all day with a very slight headwind but the heat never became overpowering.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223426817985470178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjQYGaLrkM0nJSsZUPgx2iQdCQi5hbrtaah5yusiqe7qSuA4Z-8neyOdbC3xD3X77qGwnHkN17D3Mr78CTu8GEoTSiTHNzykrsWu03DomAT6HbpEL478IZWE-jI8VVtKgTiwTf0Lsfak/s400/GARY+AND+VINES.jpg" border="0" />Still plenty of grapes growing on both sides of the road. Gary (CA) was throwing an expert eye on the crop and explaining the growing process. Tractors were out trimming the sides of the vines to allow the grapes to get the sunlight better. The vines were with us all day.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223428101765099362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEzCq5HiffpaiftYwXYNuGpXG62Nx6FQe0cTxLVzlDz8NDR1S5V9_eo5hI2nI7rYJ6nqosFwaVciVrkF82W027Y90M1Vm5NxFNjS1p2DJR1yyk9afXDX1PEh9DXP_jNO9-7wb2ig6cS8/s400/WITH+TRINIDAD+GROUP.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223429300886950034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttU87k_SRii_PiaSWQFPdUJXsjFV1ylDZv74gkpCk-RbnaJTMrKXBzhMPTZ7aH6-G3yN9CqaubjCypPgaUmSWoX8HjLTdsvXN3kVwUoYbIrBWWZ15mgqv9ZIoZGCJKRfSGnGA7bJhDSg/s400/WITH+6+SHADOWS.jpg" border="0" /> Again I started at my own pace but joined in with two different groups for periods of the day. Two more from Trinidad have joined us for this last section to Portsmouth. From the SAG till the end I pushed on at a good strong pace.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223426813183534210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dTHjUlSOUNNJVOP12UAilshbYnrtyU8o7xIwSZru5bzubymIASOQS3yiEKetg4CT7f8viwsM1StF7Ulfh98eP9oKSIISWhWNYNf4FiBGBGp_F3hu0F0BZHI2xltLCtgBhbFEv4tk0fI/s400/FIXING+FLAT.jpg" border="0" />Punctures were a feature of the day again but, thankfully, I escaped. Actually, my front wheel was almost flat at loading time but it got a full 100 lbs pressure and was operational for the day. Perhaps the valve was just taking a Rest Day like myself and released a little pressure. John (LA) who joined us in Indianapolis had three flats before the SAG. I’ve heard of two others also, one had a nail through the tyre, the tube and the steel rim. If there’s any good place to have to replace a tube, it must be beside a field of grapes.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223426800448023250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmOpgfcnIxaRodFWMTrTvTr9p2cnKseyni3ifbiLfmMn3jL6R61ykYLMp3VVLD8diEgjMECkJe9mXprYpHaPuG1rL1rx9P9QYaVlK_Eu8Bf5TI9xghJP7gLcEAY4c91gCcqOh2CI_jOY/s400/AT+LAKE+BARCELONA.jpg" border="0" />Although we cycled for the day along the southern edge of Lake Erie it wasn’t always in view. It was a field or two away or just appearing through the trees occasionally. To look at , it was like looking out from the east coast of Ireland. Nothing to be seen but the flat horizon. It is 50 miles wide just like Ireland to Wales. Today it was perfectly calm but in winter it freezes over when day temperatures scarcely exceed –15C. The fact that it is relatively shallow (average of 62 feet) contributes to this. In winter when the cold north winds blow over the warm waters it results in lake-effect snow in Buffalo and the south shore. In winter 2007/2008 this area had 3 metres of snow.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223426805074349090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydI1IlCDxcG0VwByKIMfvMQGpBkxAN5IjnpibNwY0VgTBzysbrIGKqRvNpL-jnR8wV3wi8FT9WzSMPpOXPRjxTD_jReKUd05L3z8vuMqBw4nREScA97NYLAxosPkF1isJ5Id4wJjZLrE/s400/AT+STATELINE.jpg" border="0" /> At twenty miles we came to the stateline with New York. Another state and very few left. All groups stopped for the compulsory photo and I was with a group of 6 at that stage. New York state is almost double the size of Ireland in size and is the largest producer of cabbage in the USA. These things are important to know. All except the greater New York City metropolitan area is referred to as Upstate and our route will be across the upper end of that roughly following the course of the Erie Canal.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223426807258166642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg7gZAbSKgUEXm02D0IgETjkolbxte7tyUiLZqhfiKG4J2lSKx2rHNZjKXmC8E-7A7aYYVFUvKv-qJPCRU4R3FohJWT9I2X106AWhdlH5lArat9n_XI36j08ylUOQ2dqvwqu07n-97oY/s400/BRIDGE+AND+TRUCK.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy3jppZphpQ8ZUeiTlS-lsWN_xjhPUpzxPKjwOzXMlHHMu32Zt9U1yh_j5oH4QheyYLv_uOk-fiPHOfu5iob2jv1_FgxnA8GNDhHIPOr6d8R5f2SNITndYw8gnwjy6HUoT6SjlKlAz-c/s1600-h/COUNTY+HOME.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223430412620765714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px" height="154" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy3jppZphpQ8ZUeiTlS-lsWN_xjhPUpzxPKjwOzXMlHHMu32Zt9U1yh_j5oH4QheyYLv_uOk-fiPHOfu5iob2jv1_FgxnA8GNDhHIPOr6d8R5f2SNITndYw8gnwjy6HUoT6SjlKlAz-c/s320/COUNTY+HOME.jpg" width="225" border="0" /></a> One could get geographically confused with the names of places on the route or near the route. What part of the world are we in? Names like Dunkirk, Barcelona, Angola, Boston, Versailles, Hamburg and tomorrow there is a list of more familiar placenames. At Barcelona Harbour we had the opportunity to go down to a pier on the lakeshore. It looked so pleasant and peaceful. There were other signposts that caught my eye. </div><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbPyesovfdfgU_VB5i08I-sNWbIQdr2CaXDYtGSpQ9jmwmE8rjYuvLLnyX6qmCKYvkrN7mLuzfIk_0i5LMMeADqiQTr6vYPupW4bGUtoXIA583LpxptBrwYdY3Kbvw8_duyIEz3y8Nlk/s1600-h/RTE+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223436982561808418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" height="252" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbPyesovfdfgU_VB5i08I-sNWbIQdr2CaXDYtGSpQ9jmwmE8rjYuvLLnyX6qmCKYvkrN7mLuzfIk_0i5LMMeADqiQTr6vYPupW4bGUtoXIA583LpxptBrwYdY3Kbvw8_duyIEz3y8Nlk/s320/RTE+5.jpg" width="176" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223428098135750386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KlpX7qEspg4ZikmlolD4Xa9Sbyif9vVMrTA3eaNz6J5j5_WwRK82ftOY4f0xn-d6eYvVoNrvEi8v0vFv2dfA4RMQ6R2CSyiHSttBKDE3jxklRbjwoAqsU5bOu6rgMWbt8_rOquzDrh0/s400/TOBACCO.jpg" border="0" />Along the road I saw so many premises offering duty-free cigarettes and gas. Gas at $3.99. I went into a gas station/truck stop to look for post-cards but the whole shop apart from the check-out was just cigarettes from floor to ceiling in cartons. And we were not exactly on the Canadian border. Afterwards I found out that this was an Indian reservation and duties are not charged there on the mentioned commodities. . That’s the place to stock up. For the last week I am finding it impossible to find postcards. In the early weeks every convenience store and gas station had a good selection. Tried in stores around the motel this evening with no luck (‘Maybe, you could try Niagara Falls’ it was suggested in one.) I asked at reception and no luck either. But just a while ago I found some pushed under my door from the motel reception. Nice.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVonPr83eCvGMNof84FLwiNZ4oz9-9rAx5AhFckNT6J6NOVxA07XWPddcLZW94AjgZCJIUzdO4KnexXVKnzwqJmE1-YFRNOzCXuf5MNRshuhey3uX1cO890C9pQpa5W8b_tYt-uV65i1c/s1600-h/MOTEL+COMFORT+HAMBURG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223434905699883954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVonPr83eCvGMNof84FLwiNZ4oz9-9rAx5AhFckNT6J6NOVxA07XWPddcLZW94AjgZCJIUzdO4KnexXVKnzwqJmE1-YFRNOzCXuf5MNRshuhey3uX1cO890C9pQpa5W8b_tYt-uV65i1c/s320/MOTEL+COMFORT+HAMBURG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I arrived at the motel at an early 2 pm in Hamburg. Hamburg is on the southern edge of Buffalo. Buffalo Wings i.e. chicken wings prepared with a vinegar based cayenne pepper sauce are so-called as they originated here in the Anchor Bar in 1964 as a quick mid-night snack. Buffalo thrived with the construction of the Erie Canal which linked the Hudson River with the Great lakes above the Niagara Falls.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223429288216800178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXixitmk4FcccjWZWX8rjJ_3j02vlC8bFn-4eTYrvjRnv3qUtwgu3m__bM581OjC_onsay1Fz8jMUe1YB3nlISYGAg08qdOqch-5bZOGxIzMikB_eWsH4z3J61QpbdiGbUpxoauXZvcHo/s400/REAR+HUB+PROBLEM.jpg" border="0" />After today’s cycle I noticed some play in the rear hub and was worried. At Mech Time (today from 5 till 6 when Gerard the mechanic is available for repairs etc) he whipped off the cassette and exposed the bearings in a flash. Sufficient grease all right but bearings are not seated perfectly. Also the evidence of quite an amount of moisture. More grease applied, reassembled and it’s sound as a rock just now. Wouldn’t want anything to go wrong with RW PACAT at this stage (or at any stage)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223428095363415746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWT8FyTIV_eAVWsqVk4hZecAdy_5NQn13eBVsHA2Jk6yx3O2TOKE6bPy6Q91ZGbNyIg6AXVRAcNU7-v2CJjMgF14nrmbeqxD_28YpP52rEukf5BJPFYmeaIx2RT0oqZrox-2MIo-Cbu0/s400/TEE+SHIRT.jpg" border="0" />At Route rap this evening just before details of tomorrow’s route we had the presentation of prizes for July 4th decorations. 1st to Richard Walsh for an exquisite ensemble and he wore it all day. And I received my Faded Glory Tee-shirt. And don’t I look good in it!<br /><br />A lovely day to be out cycling and both terrain and weather conditions were perfect. I enjoyed every minute of it.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><div><br /><strong>Heard Today:</strong> From another cyclist after the announcement of prizes “Well, there was always only going to be one winner there” </div></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-17496298268182391412008-07-15T04:26:00.001-06:002008-07-15T14:49:39.933-06:00DAY 44 0F 54: JULY 14 : REST DAY: ERIE PA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PgKbu27zR2j9YdCJUlXBWE4UHX5NjgovlYkPXPpvZgINRqhpV2775znHoiTum4rSkwUmyAe1MHh7HZ_l0_ozgPG6Vn3Fds3jKf_7xCyQvJi3VeN6-gef6ZS78AdQKGmzdPfPL3_BKA4/s1600-h/PROVIDENCE+CANDLES.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223345632479900642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PgKbu27zR2j9YdCJUlXBWE4UHX5NjgovlYkPXPpvZgINRqhpV2775znHoiTum4rSkwUmyAe1MHh7HZ_l0_ozgPG6Vn3Fds3jKf_7xCyQvJi3VeN6-gef6ZS78AdQKGmzdPfPL3_BKA4/s320/PROVIDENCE+CANDLES.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Providence [2]</strong> Each morning (8.30 till 11.00) the pupils in Providence follow a course in one of the vocational skills offered such as tailoring, rexine work, commercial cooking, confectionary, beauty care, paper making, screen printing, bead work, carpentry etc etc. These are presented not merely as hobbies but a possible avenue to apprenticeships or enterprises. In the afternoon (11.00 till 3.300 they follow regular classes in academic subjects such as English,Maths, Business, Science, Social Studies, Khasi etc and some of the sit for the State exams.<br /><br /><div><div>Today was a welcome rest day with no pressure but for me it was all cycle related at leisure. Some of the group actually went for a 30-mile cycle around the city’s attractions. At 6 am I was awake and ready to get started out of habit. The longer I stayed in bed after that the more tired I got, so I made breakfast by 9.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223344182507462658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1LQpAbqDhAuhr0E48CZ2OWUODTeuxw42lXtT7zBikLRdXtCAfs9Lr38uj9YsPHl5xLigkGqNY8QbHLdv4RiublSTtopJxcrz3_OL2r1aGcTXuoj4H18U14m5i2urSQIeMr-EruVCDFo/s400/LAUNDRY+14.jpg" border="0" />The hotel has no guest laundry so it was off down 5 blocks with the lot and all was sparkling again within the hour. I’m improving in these household chores…never too late to learn. The laundrette was beside Molly Brannigan’s irish pub and I went down there last night for the one drink I treat myself to on Rest Day. The owner is a Waterford man and the walls were decorated by the feats of recent years and of 1959, Ballygunner’s Munster title as well as Master McGrath and old local papers. Wasn’t I proud to see the victorious Wexford team of 1996 on the wall in full colour? A publican with good taste!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223344190817935474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvtBSlC9W6QebK1mFmQXCBIJYIYyFhQAJNkJeRtlc4qYS0QcT0NAL_5bUaOWsN_6mmbvngFxJhThmVM3hmUUKcElSY9AKWP-QsE4CkPq26kUDO8j2eB3wIjW1q3cdn4DHuv_1vj5jzjc/s400/CHAIN+14.jpg" border="0" />The bike, RW PACAT, badly needed a wash after the last few days and I replaced the chain. The old one was showing a bit of wear and would cause a more serious problem for the crankset and the cassette if left much longer. Am very pleased with this bike and hopefully there’ll be no problems between here and the end. End? I don’t like even contemplating the idea. I’ll miss the cycle and the group. There is an amazing positive dynamic among the 40 of us. One for all and all for one.<br />In the afternoon I spent a long time deciding on and drawing up a cue-sheet for the two days from Portsmouth to Providence. Got it finished a while ago with the aid of cycle maps of east Massachusetts and the Boston area.<br />And I have just been speaking with Ted in Providence who will be overseeing those last days. Really looking forward to meeting up and having a good chat about Providence.<br />Now for a good night’s sleep before the last stage –the Eastern States.</div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-71628509495885341252008-07-13T20:11:00.008-06:002008-07-14T06:30:19.115-06:00DAY 43 of 54: JULY 13: NILES (OH) TO ERIE (PA)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 101 miles<br />Cycling time: 6 hrs 26 mins<br />Average Speed: 15.6 mph</span></strong> <div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 2014 feet</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 116 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 3245 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 103,131 feet.<br />Centuries so far: 12<br />Punctures so far: 7 </span></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><br />Today’s Profile:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222691817110006850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibZkvqvappPQjzBfIZ2Amx9Xqvu5rWuMda-IoQ5wBNKvkuKcSKpJl4DkBsF4E4PssMv73sJsIEEFt9k5fm55pbXo4h-TD0ymAcq8lYxHAJHIZDdDC-Zed_viwmp2OdRGfe3v-H-mQTn0/s400/July+13+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route</span></strong>:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222691815606329058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxdKTotCfl_48Vzh1UZbq0jWcrm0rER345VkCWGfr6oY8Z_TwjKWO1EC_DB-_-ie_bc-hDJRVbGbdeH8LB79bYx267Q3Wj5_fEmL9RZLkaIYgSEmQFXN4RfjBBFyorqIHfkNEF7azgdk/s400/July+13+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YDNZ5H_GFiIZjI2Qg2nMXGGi6OsFwv6gO1pqv8T_57BZDZc44jSr-a8tDxK7zvh5B7-GPZHWWEXPrIV1GDvwjVfq-E_s8TISvjIwoSVI7VdovmNLD45Xyka_YqwrHHwLRSCjjkPFf_g/s1600-h/DONE+Alfred.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222700267094819570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YDNZ5H_GFiIZjI2Qg2nMXGGi6OsFwv6gO1pqv8T_57BZDZc44jSr-a8tDxK7zvh5B7-GPZHWWEXPrIV1GDvwjVfq-E_s8TISvjIwoSVI7VdovmNLD45Xyka_YqwrHHwLRSCjjkPFf_g/s320/DONE+Alfred.BMP" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC10z-fGynoKkFAUBQr7OKnOrJmNnqmLjWb04tUl1kF_i-HQcm4FULkGocHQZxei2PGSQ-EcrQtAFl5Mrb0TfmuDPfFtMxtwgWhE88BrAJKjYHdYVXRutQF6MwQX7euKjkKt4BSjR007s/s1600-h/DONE+Chrisdalin,+,++Lapynshai,.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222700265515791314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC10z-fGynoKkFAUBQr7OKnOrJmNnqmLjWb04tUl1kF_i-HQcm4FULkGocHQZxei2PGSQ-EcrQtAFl5Mrb0TfmuDPfFtMxtwgWhE88BrAJKjYHdYVXRutQF6MwQX7euKjkKt4BSjR007s/s320/DONE+Chrisdalin,+,++Lapynshai,.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today’s cycle is for the children of Providence including Alfred, Chrisdalin and Lapynshai,who even in the heavy rains arrive in to school with a cheerful ‘Good morning, teacher’<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Today’s cycle was different in that it was raining for 50 miles of it. I have got used to the sunshine so this was a reminder of what awaits me when I return home. Acclimatising. But, the sun broke through and began to shine at a particular memorable moment. And another state.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>PROVIDENCE [1]:</strong> When the Abbey first established contact with Shillong in 1999, Providence (then without a name) consisted of 20 children receiving instruction in basic A,B,C and 1,2,3 by students of Class 10 from St Edmund’s School for an hour each evening. Now in 2008 Providence has over 200 children and 7 qualified committed teachers and operates from 8.30 am till 3.30 pm. each day.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222689275336978754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExskybU0wlCDKCVM-_9n9spTD3_J9CH25qXme5iq1rASXej9-Dc_9GrCrRgoWuMqJejCY8PWyCfka6tpdOJD0FsgUDNr416insHGru1rH8Th9HIOVaJNsFR0Oko03B_ksmiIsKUYPhVU/s400/providence+numbers+(2).jpg" border="0" />When I first spoke to others regarding this cycle in Sept 2007 I had the dream that it could attract a six-figure sum for Providence. At times since then my expectations have wavered but the dream still remains. My big thanks to those who committed even before a pedal was turned in San Francisco. They believed that I was really serious about this challenge. Hopefully, more will come on board to ensure that Providence continues to give these children a chance in life.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222687207545652834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnc2B8KGGAHsaXZ0rGtqSb4npymKFAjURMzxL0Zb0rC5NvYLygHGE8J4xUrXTeEoZYlef-utPu3SiN2F-idO2fUm3JTUfbqp_Vc-f39VjoWkxqgIoSGLgY1g6pbVOctVdg0vRA5OMgDE/s400/AUDREY+SAG+1.jpg" border="0" />I reported last night that there was torrential rain in Niles and this morning the rain had stopped but the forecast was a gloomy one with 80% chance of thunderstorms. Everyone set off just in cycling shirts but with raingear at hand. Drops fell in the early stages but at mile 20 there was no option but to don the rain-cover.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222688017432282146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHP8lixIOav-iKIJkbCwUhWNV8SBSIvT6Vh9HVr7ZPuQkz-O-dfiKm4tltKaLCep8lN78YUh7MYREaD4ILJ9kgh7ojSlDxhlZ1VqgwAWBbT_6bguoKGVcR2Q6kNfMyc5JNXRlBW-Lz30/s400/COVERED+BRIDGE.jpg" border="0" />It poured down incessantly for the next 50 miles but without the lightning. Be merciful for small mercies. Pulling out of the first SAG while it still poured down knowing that there was another 64 miles to go wasn’t appealing. Consolation in that you can get soaked only once.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222688004374254162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5LCkp-bf4DM3w3_z141E7AsTKNbdYLZZro7D7yAQskm0_ayFO92uxlaFc6D1YT-cPgsUIt6i3WqOfq_hSkub9QsZlLdbavpVYZE57YNi-jWj0xDiu3X5YZRKsRMDavy5o4hr1hXGOb0/s400/SAG+2+1.jpg" border="0" />Pulling into the second SAG at 70 miles things had eased off and all removed the raingear. The stop at the already crowded Richardson’s Rootbeer Stand and did some extra business. It was here that I phoned home to get the result of the Munster Final to be told that it had just finished with success for Tipp. Just about then, the sun broke through and gave the necessary heat to dry out our shirts as we continued on for the rest of the day. So good results do contribute to beneficial global warming. I relaxed feeling very happy. Sorry to hear that the minors lost.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222688009763303170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f7IWmogA5uA9JZSGFh8ERUjRc0FDdiGNjvl-ZgXK1fct7u0B_unPfhn-Hpru3keLT1KPwSajZp0uwXAqh9FAT_bOMgvsYQkoTnTqPsZ-xZ4RbRmSJeEqNFusPBqCarssPkliG3i5Huc/s400/SAG+2+SOAKED.jpg" border="0" />As for the last few days I cycled alone to the first SAG but there was little opportunity to take photos with the rain. Suburban Niles was quiet at that hour of Sunday morning as I moved generally north-west assisted by a south south west wind. Between the SAGs I fell in with John, Amy and John Douglas and kept up a brisk pace for the forty miles. After the second SAG I cycled alone again as I wanted to capture something of the area on film.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222687209901762258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DCOfyj2XIOxkWg_vWZMOmgheQGsNCk8TYPaYBgNN-4KchxeNkf4_agybfC6zVN0-t1e3GdYTMdWvVYalGp_GS3VEU0lzY4T8iIqIaE6CGU2GbTTvP35ASSn5xgvsZIalZx23TOMiwzA/s400/ALDI.jpg" border="0" /> In the early part I did spot a familiar store that has cropped up a few times along the route. Wonder what specials they have this week?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222688002118160658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqM8-XrVlZcl66ENIJcBXtHE86P_n9V0KZ2XaiCri1J1LD72OBkqtBFDEFe8WID9s0J4mcgUfo_n8C_vXDkpTl7l_TZKRcUHvxSmSa0sVpcheuUR7VwHvJcwI0FecL8KgeLQPXSZl5Qg/s400/PENNSYLVANIA+SIGN.jpg" border="0" />Shortly after second SAG I arrived at the state line with Pennsylvania and a photo opportunity. Luckily Audrey was coming close behind and we accommodated each other. Another state finished along the journey; we’re now in state 10. Pennsylvania is 1.5 times the size of Ireland and has a population of 12 million. It's often referred to as the Keystone State or the Quaker State. Its capital is not Philadelphia or Pitsburg but Harrisburg. It is amongst the top states for mushrooms, Christmas trees, battery chickens, milk, grapes and horses.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222688011302004930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzl1FauzebtT3ptuzrDbph8bIq4ZwFISzT2zoOgWQSmtO11WLa9hSXFksX70BlMBu1xDbwlqqY1USiXi5IvQkvOuYP58M_IqrjfaBWvR70AOHSdb6BiIdqgmpO0hVLrKJlLcolnHCU7Pw/s400/SILOS.jpg" border="0" />Corn storage silos have been along our route for ages with some of steel and some of pre-cast concrete. The invention of the corn silo allows the preservation of corn in the green state for feeding to livestock.Today I spotted one of solid blocks. Didn’t see too many of those before. Still seemed to be in excellent condition.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222687221987110322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tVdqMS-_x6835u3TtzlH_g-Wej4LdrTHQt0XvoeQI-DRrEEY3VbrUySovDP858mZ300cdz_PpTJGIqOP2rj0WG6b9fx-E8CTPSTwpXhGPN96NthaL0VAsK2HPRS6-HqcWaWkn4iJNq0/s400/HOUSE+ERIE.jpg" border="0" />Some lovely houses along the road with most on open plan… no boundary fences or gates and very large heavy-maintenance lawns. Others (like the farmers place above) stood out with the picket fence about. One cyclist mentioned that they looked very Irish. I don’t know!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222687213925750082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuiHmaT9gIS9q6iLUy1vX0fushz-PviwZTTkmIM-nOkDtFPYWTtPRjZSLyNA_WMXUmOOcA6S0ZwLn3QSWbSj-R1m8FxFapC3BrDrePgrfRQz9StlCsZ2ELnk24CzbfPbdhzy05VDTeRU/s400/GRAPES.jpg" border="0" />Coming into Erie had some echoes of California. We had not seen as many cyclists on the roads since early June on the west coast. It seems to be a popular pastime for young and old here. And cycle paths and bike lanes also. Also quite an amount of vines (and sour cherries) were being cultivated along our approach to Erie although the grapes are still quite small.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222687216896645778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKzoboejpPUQONDjKSoOYdyhJOIL24sPUg5kHpk6TEH6q1er7QcY4w-kK3s-LyrQBK0U3i2GI2ddCp_qpJoZbuyOVs_w3vmSJ8yNiQuRhsX0aUdYlHH17Q3uBCDa8bs9lsmLjwlQwOCY/s400/HOTEL+FLAG.jpg" border="0" />By 3.15 I had arrived at the Avalon Hotel right in the heart of Erie and noticed the Irish flag flying. Reception told me that they have quite a few Irish visitors staying here from time to time. I thought that it was just for me! Again I had made a century of the scheduled 97 miles. That’s 4 centuries now back to back.<br />Tomorrow is our last Rest Day and I am looking forward to it. I will have to concentrate on finalising my route from Portsmouth NH down to Providence RI. Might get an opportunity to go down to the shore of Lake Erie.<br /><br />First day in the rain but can’t complain. Quite satisfied with the 4 centuries. Enjoyed cycling alone (as I do most Sundays) and all keyed up now for the last section starting on Tuesday morning.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-83417468347558188432008-07-12T19:04:00.006-06:002008-07-12T19:29:45.497-06:00DAY 42 of 54: JULY 12: WOOSTER (OH) TO NILES (OH)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 102 miles<br />Cycling time: 7 hrs 07 mins<br />Average Speed: 14.3 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 4170 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 114 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 3144 miles</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 101,117 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 11<br />Punctures so far: 7<br />Today’s Profile: </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222302673214089762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KD5TxoOFZkSKP9ijzSfzhmpXdlZMGXbOPF71nmX6EcK2TyQFyWRcywtbR0itdJ4wdQP58RjjbSr4qdeQ-0qO5WeVZY1Tji4I3jO5d5hpAb9F3tbBUzebeE8wEqabBvIHm5KyhU2QeB0/s400/July+12+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222302677740981202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1r-DPXWajcfqLA12L5j-iZr3S3XGCNsH0I2qgbG2Dh6LhCtXEjSvXwemIVA_GlxJqA2BLaCZJtgMdttJVxjSKJpcFqA3zEnNpcbJjz5ow6vWyss-ARFiHZeqzsoKdvn2_J-EtK_uS5o/s400/July+12+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxj-cuVXDSlkicpjLGonQrGNf5H1FgDfp1iTwXLKXj7vFfXcyLrJG0qKbm8mPLCIdUd-uRK4tdYiFZdtG0GJuaAOlEuXWD4iNpWQV8x2HxDlmzK4LnB7HpzbQlKCSWGET5XwcJBJ93JU/s1600-h/Ritimai,+Brisila,,Shalam.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222304003135931570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxj-cuVXDSlkicpjLGonQrGNf5H1FgDfp1iTwXLKXj7vFfXcyLrJG0qKbm8mPLCIdUd-uRK4tdYiFZdtG0GJuaAOlEuXWD4iNpWQV8x2HxDlmzK4LnB7HpzbQlKCSWGET5XwcJBJ93JU/s320/Ritimai,+Brisila,,Shalam.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> To day is for the children of Providence like Ritimai, Brisila, and Shalam who will benefit from the effort put into this cycle.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>Another century today on roads that seemed friendlier as far as hills were concerned but surface was deplorable in places. And we passed an important ‘milestone’ in terms of climbing.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222298766157034258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG2u7CVM2NJct3gMpTCMSZ0snfgPbC_p5BbhraPThExoNpKavBsdeyzJRd_5H6ta_nmPBRZBTRJH4pf7ZBO8ukwlj0cBJx-tN_b44lNqJXpft_Xi0IWbW9cPoPJUw4Rx6NsgcuZYnZJg/s400/EARLY.jpg" border="0" /> Today I used the same procedure as yesterday – cycle the first 10 miles at my own pace in order to warm up and then pick up the pace for the rest. Directly out of Wooster there were a few stiff hills and plenty passed me by. I didn’t mind nor did I try to stay in contact.<br />Just before I left Wooster I passed the Wayne County Veterans Memorial in the local cemetery.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222298772968660818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_URFw5n2jthezhOc7UWXB1ArsZ_VwRi2ZuFfeIjkXlujOFWfNYPZh0IzTHBPGjY7Y1f_aQaRGNkA26sO2MKAVTlLRhhAcLxvz4woYF0MeEp9TZ7ke9ijD51Cr0SFzuy2PvP3eBHvLj8/s400/horses.jpg" border="0" />At the 8 mile mark I met up with a few friendly horses in a field by a farmyard. They seemed to like being photographed and gave me a bit of advice.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222298772751170818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18nyjURj5C4BtMJY_zoq7lck8Kn1VyXMDu5TWQHCeY7eKYSfn3kMQFJwX36fJVwXaNHI9xQe-cIguNr12gW_fWhtBKtfXaGWhL9N9mRWC4AWUqqhF73wqOpGwBbYKVeErPJMuyn8NXIY/s400/HORSES+MOUTH.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="color:#000099;">Listen here you! Look at me between the two eyes and understand this. Keep up the pedalling and those children in Providence will be the better for it. They deserve the best there is, and that’s straight from the horse’s mouth.<br /></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222300573759690594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJK6JJgMgwXT9ZWEDLhGPxcCMqZ1upQEFhY2PpVN43iZCJyt4SGbWobaCKAyHtYO50AxCKOEr233_62BVAO5bVMDkMbStFCyqAKs8Z5bdxezmUivMAb4gWKLGgvGsVfHls3bcvCup5ZWc/s400/TIGER+LILIES.jpg" border="0" />While I was there a number of cyclists passed by, eager to put miles behind them. The sun was still only a little above the horizon and facing directly into our eyes as usual.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222298777725570146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzLPgoDNcU7h6CbLv8M9OAShbtOiaNvTPoeuQAcWUPxpx4vh6MPWJ8ZonvluLDP3hkKqWo2K4eDsHH7gLyIAtgXo7x91P10y2v0UscTnaECqPNgyzOZwma54f797yDx-jtostu5RTjBE/s400/HORSES+MOUTH+2.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="color:#000099;">You see those other cyclists tearing off down the road? Don’t worry. You’ll catch up to them in no time at all. Just hang in there, man.<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222299787179643650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnBLRYWKZ8mn_lRKR5H0tBBSoWrym8ygIWzHDAKWj_L7VFYluIQXxpfGoEI_Zwxgdx8Dv17_FhzoWPpjIbhyphenhyphenLxpkpD3Gg7AQlORo0Pj34NZxy1G89-r9GuHz8YGOV-uOswwm5gP3VXgg/s400/PEAT+MOSS.jpg" border="0" />Yesterday I stated that there was no hope of getting the smell of burning turf around Ohio. Maybe, I was being a bit too rash. This morning I spot this sign for Peat Moss. If there’s Peat Moss, there’s peat. I didn’t smell smoke but the odds shorten. Every day new experiences and surprises.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222300575029462786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yY4CsVupiuB_T96z8cWmmSrpajEN9ReikBeXNCEzri4W925-rT4GoypL0GddUjeTcp0krjI2kNXlPF2iDsnuSTeYWnajhCl6gKoRcm6BwuR1sP4v1f3DIQQG7UCfimQkQjT5_MLcQbk/s400/TRACKS.jpg" border="0" />Crossing railroads can be dangerous for a number of reasons. On these country roads they stick above the level of the road and the timber and can be the cause of a puncture or a damaged rim. Their location are all indicated on the daily cue-sheet. At times the railroads cross the road at an acute angle and there is always the danger of jamming the wheel down beside the track. It happened to three riders one day at the same crossing and one cracked his helmet. No other serious injuries. Only solution is to manoeuvre to cross them at right angles. Haven’t seen any of the 100 carriage long trains recently.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222299779216304482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdAX9fK2eypf5Ws18jk4YazQ9mTZHYu2VO7LqVWYgg5R_RkRj9gwzqC7Z4I1cCPclgLx9B04PiNrKzEdIuABmZ81UBVRx5K0Zxnf-6IzTLelmLBfGS3QklXyhy7WXmsZmrTrBJxu5KmE/s400/MARSHALSVILLE+STREET.jpg" border="0" />Passing through canal Fulton on one of the Ohio and Erie canals there were signs that there was a celebration or a festival in the offing. The main street was cordoned off, stalls set up for the day and the usual lorry for a bandstand. I was told that they were in the middle of a three day Olde Canal Days Festival, an annual affair. There would be music and vendors on the streets; fireworks at 10 pm and of course Miss Olde Canal Days Queen.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222299778587629762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_AjWn_CtN6e3fMhEx0A9k4jCmpnHJdcMHhxeZ-qaiTFgmTktWMZHdBBc0d1tn1IRaDedO2M-u2-hGmuuT111y0oB7-mG7QWKoLa7I9nyTPP1pvqnRkSA0IOryPcokRrXMp26NovW1EM/s400/MARSHALSVILLE+PLACES.jpg" border="0" /> Further up the town the locals had their seats and rugs out to book their spots for the Grande Parade that would commence at 11 am. It was still before 9 am and waiting was not an option.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222299787145772306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-mKB6HIB1FQS6gTwzKyKd68pcEO-ICJwOHdiJp2Lnd6jgJFW5MJzzB3iXmkuGXuOysUg9HLQk2a5eHAHYI0gi17vKk9Ct0CSXIX9oN47xoWWcu6PG4d6xqEXTuzOPfRL7h7NH3z6LAg/s400/STOLL+FARM.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222300571048333106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI8zbqK_Sfh4ByOerjEyUtdP9oXdcgoJrEHs_kPHa4owqGCQwXJheb2EuWPZOR7dL44cpvoRI2QxsrNU475k8M0qTjPiNyZXr4NlovnVTBAvIiNrRLetsgAppZY355CDb0auKmOKwUVE/s400/STOLL+WAITING.jpg" border="0" />Today I passed by Stoll Farms an enormous dairying operation. Here they milk 3000 cows and in all there are about 5000 animals between milkers, dry, heifers and calves. A lot of the workforce is Mexican and feed was being delivered by the truckload as I passed by on Coal Bank Road. Also further on I passed a large area devoted to market gardening alone – mighty fields of red lettuce on my right hand side.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222302670072656898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaiCXm6qTXYLuDDz4bDub2xXNRc51OZAs1ehkATLoC0cJWnTKEyzDKiKgt6aj5HbBtB5SE17a56E1031KQshaaG9c1SIjh4oKy2Hq9zgNYzU3pt4C_a0MCvIfN375T-GzL1ojHeuDNnk/s400/GRAVEL+PIT.jpg" border="0" /> Gary and I teamed up again at the first SAG stop after 40 miles and set off at a good pace now that I was warmed up. On the level we were usually hitting 20 mph and down to 13 mph on the inclines. Passed by gravel pits, airports and lakes. The route seemed flatter than yesterday although my Garmin recorded almost 100 feet more climbing today. None of yesterday’s rolling hills. Today it was all more gradual.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222298763411748658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb64spIRXkNZ4ObMvVI0Az_sHJ0QPxTCmTNcyDdbDO3MfPQN60ycQ6Oy1EXngVLtpi2SAoyiQbxdaFndXrw-4sINGW8RDkiawHGYl4kL_nILuR9J8nDQya3ivTQ3zUQnZIG6056Qvv-w/s400/BIKE+PATH.jpg" border="0" /> We are moving in a north-east direction these days and todays wind was helpful for the most part. Coming into Niles we moved onto a bike path for 4 miles. We had it to ourselves with no traffic of any type and only the cross-roads to contend with. These are so relaxing. We haven’t been on one since leaving Grand Junction in Colorado. Near the end of this path Gary and I parted as I was on a mission.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222299781450736146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQSWo_jj0CSZJkI2j5p3wpHAR_GT4H7rfTtMr_x4CUsi-gHCmX9TGGZ7XVvfutmaKAojbljtCBjYrfnhORfKixgw5jO9SgxPJGZ_q6vboTnEHskexfC0dV1f_fK5x81ca3wL3eZ93Rzk/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" /> Today’s scheduled ride was 93 miles; we had a detour near canton that brought the figure to 95 miles. Still feeling fresh I went for the century. Pity not to do it when it was so close. So I went to the end of the trail and a bit of a circle and by the time I reached the hotel I had 102 up on the clock. That is my 11th century on this trip.<br />Another fact that figured today was that we have pushed over the 100,000 feet climbed since we left San Francisco. It’s incredible!<br /><br />Another enjoyable day in the saddle. A very satisfying day and all joints are back to normal. Only one other place could compare - to be in the Gaelic Grounds tomorrow for the Munster Final. Ah well!<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><br /><strong>NB:</strong> I feel very much at home as I write this. It’s pouring rain outside and lashing against the window. Hope it’s all gone by morning. </div><br /><div>Thanks to all for your messages of encouragement. Keep them coming to keep me going for the final stage.<br />Eddie: Heart-rate is up but so also is speed. Took it easy for June but stretching the legs now without overdoing it.<br />Jaap: Never been to Haarlem. But thanks for the input. </div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-54535998622998590652008-07-11T19:03:00.011-06:002008-07-11T19:43:52.332-06:00DAY 41 of 54: JULY 11: MARYSVILLE (OH) TO WOOSTER (OH)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 103 miles<br />Cycling time: 6 hrs 52 mins<br />Average Speed: 15 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 4047 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 114 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 3042 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 96,947 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 10<br />Punctures so far: 7<br />Today’s Profile:</span></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221931111021194594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Uo-Mb2bQW5P9qmpUKPYElaxrBO1MdBCOzCXGTqDBmmTRjMOX-TBBNqzRx7uqfEr76oDzkm6rF87MguQTHwsKYqi_w9YcRCjuiU707FUspKPIqWNY-Gwhu2gOeGTldk3U39KHyCvfY7I/s400/July+11+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221931115813219378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSZQoOUDyVzlq_A9IR-_xkmI8xu2gTR3VEu-0pC5Q8ZWTmNOZQLStSmNsjzGBqfserLbyeixy8W_kQxVvMkGw_KAmFklEizmUEaGt0k9bkwncRk-eRSjHny71U02kht4RsmNw5kpPDBw/s400/July+11+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyepF6it2UB405ffaspbgOaSKhLHBZ3uyOt_qC22JvfFLx7xc4tOJhSR__bND6d5LmdbbuNnAYzEIViiAAEHAdHTTNQiJsZWpIbzzYIwYfh84PX-kEIJdvP_lf_I_0shbLfcg77b81oQ/s1600-h/Suklang,+Brij,+Sibron.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221932124200723378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyepF6it2UB405ffaspbgOaSKhLHBZ3uyOt_qC22JvfFLx7xc4tOJhSR__bND6d5LmdbbuNnAYzEIViiAAEHAdHTTNQiJsZWpIbzzYIwYfh84PX-kEIJdvP_lf_I_0shbLfcg77b81oQ/s320/Suklang,+Brij,+Sibron.BMP" border="0" /></a><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today’s cycle was for the new teachers in Providence that I have not met yet. I look forward to anyone so committed to the benefit of the children of that life-centre like Suklang, Brij and Sibron.<br /><br /><br /><br />A tough century today with hills thrown in for good measure. Crossing the 3000 mile mark and knee recovery.<br /><br />Yesterday’s century didn’t do the knee any harm. Afterwards plenty of ice applied and continued with the Brufen. At alarm time this morning the knee felt much looser than yesterday and not as uncomfortable. But still I decided to be cautious and to take the first 10 miles handy enough at my own pace till the system warmed up. No pressure on hills and let the others pass on. As the day went on the knee felt better and this evening I feel it’s 90% normal. First thing tomorrow morning is the time to decide that. I reckon that a 100 mile cycle is the cure for all ills –can’t sleep, inflamed knees, taken on too many calories at dinner etc, etc<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221933161441362706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy850GUZHKAxlij9hBGNqt99rRkzOR2XRHm_1nTJzOcPIABpkEdjLzpKwf-u9zpzJnMKywbiOnfBdmBdl394FasT-_WdYkP8gLxL-ThMAKkSskTmxbotEpOx3oovY0oCmT81Yj5IRYA8/s400/LOAD.jpg" border="0" />So after loading at 7 am, I moved out onto Route 36 and faced into the rising sun, our usual position. The first mile out of Marysville was very busy with not much of a hard shoulder. Needed to keep your wits about you. Soon enough I was alone and moving along at a leisurely 13 mph or so. I didn’t even watch the speed; it was my knee that dictated how I rode. Looking at maps of Marysville I noticed a Dublin 17 miles south of the town. Now, that was too much of a detour (17 miles there and back). I did check it out and it was named after the capital by one of its founders, John Shields of Dublin, Ireland. Its grater city area has a population of 55,000 and boasts of its Irish links in its literature with plenty of green and shamrocks. Eric Clapton has a house there and golf is a major activity as Dublin is a stop on golf’s PGA Tour.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221927366675120306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzY-O3RlhUWIrnwMGopcHSf97XDA4mNvP8bZ9KUtBrGXyd9rlriGQ4ZzCqGXlwsHw9v9nYxalhsmVxFntOzT3duMicpUT1Vu7zqvwQOKmsa5eF9IsPFJyUGdgxCL4Y8v_MV0w5IE0sv0o/s400/COUNTRY+ROAD.jpg" border="0" /> The early miles were flat enough with plenty of family farms again. Some of the roads could have been anywhere in Ireland (except for the sunshine). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221929394116437106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaf-hGA7-ezkZz9k6qFZlTa8rLfVVGCOO0Z_8MZJmm2gjY_zaT6ly9oNdjHSzSR0XDfYCzX6T_qAEyOqzc6LtKViPz5LyOGJVrDr6TpxKdnLSpp585k_oeThDaWpe-bgqKvCiI12_jjE/s400/HAY.jpg" border="0" />It was lovely to get the smell of freshly mown hay into the lungs while the air was still cool as I cycled along. The other smell I love to get on a cycle is the smell of the smoke from a turf fire. Not much chance of getting that here. But, never say never.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221927367856648002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E3SYpsUIPfLRGif0-x0AkmCXp-gZo6CIBfcLF_1E-0JW2K_iNtY1oXGG2KSBpIDuGbJ75SxPH02InD11uNjKfPA6M1anhs5y2z9sh2N1nM1L9tOjinWXFXKZnUfzGBrf0Cp5xaghNGQ/s400/COUNTRYSIDE.jpg" border="0" />Often as I cycle along I think of my own mother and father (gone to their reward 15 and 30 years ago) and wonder what they think of their son cycling across the USA. Possibly would say he is a bit crazy or probably smile and say ‘Well, fair play to you’. Was never an option for them in their day. It was on my mother's bike that I did my first ‘long-distance’ cycling – out to pick strawberries in Kelly’s of Brittas on Bree Hill<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221929947220316786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZqlVG8KU9quX5Txc7awIZzY6gAD-h2dxA2kdCVIooan3FUUaPMKpNIxRUd3ywNTQIQp3YX_1ul6TEGNTok-66dUP10h_iHkIXb0HMDijKO5gpN8wRIXlG4GhkZlD32B5IID4DnCOUZY/s400/ROAD+CLOSED+2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221929401602140914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIejit3h6DJN810-G_EwDtBaJ5MNaHmaw51BtKcXuvWXjfRTbI3vpcP3YbJWd-8dq9dVa3nGY8-bsaWrgdU8u_u4F297VRWuzJrThOPPUjtzyyTJOXIi15rv7NkNvIf5zweBBV2q0AWxI/s400/ROAD+CLOSED.jpg" border="0" />Navigation consisted of two pages today again. At one stage I was faced with a dilemma – ROAD CLOSED, BRIDGE OUT. Nothing had been mentioned regarding this at Route Rap last night. Should I go on and chance getting a bike across or go for a detour. I chose the former and was pleased to see that only portion of the bridge had collapsed into the river. No danger for a bike to go across. If I had taken a detour, I could be out there still. By this stage the knee was fully operational and I was moving along at a good speed. Had passed out some of those who passed me out earlier.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221929951637798514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXl4y3ebJ3Qdlpjf8r2UJeRoywGRNACAmtJXCvo_heJShu_7wHOehFnuc5FMxruLPBh1jCFY0ockbzFvtdasDpcAJ4omitwyhwiOAf85eFxt0muKGnW0x_vt1anyi2tSfQupL14uU8pc/s400/LEVEL+ROADS.jpg" border="0" /> First SAG was at a closed-up store at mile 33 and there Gary and I joined up for the rest of the trip as yesterday. Our expectations for the day are the same and our paces compliment each other. Gary is stronger on the sharp hills but I reclaim it on the level. We moved along sharing the front position taking the brunt of the air resistance. Any wind that was there today was in our favour.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221927357775234066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Il_pZlKFWWMAPBF2fDNzJo9shpRmumoInnTw5NA8APdrOb27bRo9El_Lgq9qysa3chVmOvczq6hJR-AwRk_ocwvW7TZwwjaTL0uS8aqoj9z6RnghbLuKhyQSEtylAkYl5O-thH4DOl0/s400/3000+MILES.jpg" border="0" />Just before the town of Butler I passed another landmark – 3000 miles covered since San Francisco and still going strong, thank God. Despite reminding myself many times this morning to borrow chalk from the SAG wagon I arrived at the spot after 61 miles today empty-handed. Nothing for it but improvise, so we used stones and sand from a driveway nearby to indicate the spot. 3000 done and 1000 more to do over the next 13 days. I have 10 centuries done so far which accounts for 1000+ miles. No more centuries scheduled but some in the high 90’s that might be converted.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221929948822990962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeJyDJOxFI8J9hk2-JKG5ZyI6490HizHKRtKCI1CnK34OPdyKYNOP0cuY4WRycylO52lClIOg9VPYHw2qjnHPUGQ_6QiNJUCcDUvqeDh9Ca6YOtparKtyirD-SFVu8K__SZJ59RnKzpk/s400/SKI+AREA.jpg" border="0" />Two activities I spotted today that were a little unexpected. Just at the far side of Butler I spotted a signpost for a ski-area. Didn’t expect that in Ohio. But Clear Fork is a ski and snowboarding resort with 9 slopes at a max altitude of 2400 feet just 4 miles off our route. After a lapse of many days pumping jacks appeared in the fields again with the attendant oil tanks. They weren’t as big or as active as those further west but again I didn’t expect them.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221929947091447746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgaa3iBdHNh4WAuZAsEDSFOM7oeVtLKPf-dk2iC_zPCB-aN7qDvLxQOdO_UtIbVsHqtOdrwp6XEZ_PzJ0jYfZ2RFvoKKZHTscet-hDsixtG2pvrzTfa402aaj5ICIB-zRfWl_Qdyy8bk/s400/ROLLING+HILLS.jpg" border="0" />Something else that I thought we had left well behind in Missouri and Western Illinois came back to haunt us with vengeance…rolling hills. We had a few baby ones around half way and the big baddies nearer the end. Some of them read as much as16 degrees gradient. Most of them were in double figures. Nothing for it but to grind away slowly and expect another one at the far side. To put rolling hills into context; it's like cycling up Kilfeacle Hill and down the far side and then do it again and again and again.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221927362112609746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHa5dcqKuf1vbHyQxVps8_SipmBsEq6MDGogVCY0yWYTwCwuK0qnV5mwn9a7-pWfXrzNca_uk9WTnRfyMP7Uz7uyGIofT3AcKU8c8SCnH7TfV7aOoaKrPq4e_vQ8U5XGxwboxqZsiaf0/s400/CATTLE.jpg" border="0" />Heat was no problem today as long as we were moving. But on the hills when movement was slower the heat just added to the task. Even the cattle were forced to take to the water to keep cool. Two water bottles just about kept us going between the SAG stops. In the motel lobby afterwards all agreed that this century was so different and more difficult than yesterday…over 4000 feet in climbing with 103 miles in distance.<br /></div><br /><div>Just south of Wooster is the largest Amish community in the world. We met them before in Jamesport, Missouri. I didn’t see much evidence today except for the odd buggy for sale in front of a farm-yard. The rationale behind their avoidance of modern technical ‘necessities’ is that they do so to avoid the things that they feel will tear the family apart –either physically or morally. Car transport and telephones in the home allow family members to be separated. Businesses here in Wooster cater for their requirements such as tools not dependent on electricity. Their clothes and their furniture are plain in the extreme but abundant planting and flowers surround many Amish homes.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221927354272398786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgSlTpF7K76EYWEWL-ruyJ3HMGMeqAcqu0bhGijcnY9Qijr-C9aI3a87NLjz8TOdavCYfRrldVXczGE7TEOlWH2s01XBQL6mGauYB0z7Zvu1Oot39zurmFUCOCPce9u-Z9T-bMPmge-s/s400/BEST+WESTERN+WOOSTER.jpg" border="0" />We arrived at our motel here in Wooster at 3 pm as the heat was at its highest. A tub of Ben and Jerry’s from the gas station across the road really hit the spot.<br />Wooster has a population of 30,000 and is a centre of education. Wooster College and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Centre has given Wooster the claim that it has more PhD’s per capita than anywhere else in the state.<br /><br />Another century with plenty of climbing and including the 3000 mile mark. The fact that the knee (not to be mentioned again, hopefully) coped well was a further source of satisfaction. A good day.<br />Thank God for the health and thank god for the energy.<br /><br /><strong>Heard Today:</strong> From one of our American cyclists passing by “ Bet all this greenery reminds you of home” I agreed but wished we could have a share of the sunshine also. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-32741503038644573682008-07-10T19:05:00.006-06:002008-07-10T19:28:46.947-06:00DAY 40 of 54: JULY 10: RICHMOND (IN) TO MARYSVILLE (OH)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#993399;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 106 miles<br />Cycling time: 6 hrs 59 mins<br />Average Speed: 15.1 mph</span></strong> <div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 2428 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 119 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 2939 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 92,900 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 9<br />Punctures so far: 7<br />Today’s Profile:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221559763673713346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA5jwo4VDgfMosgjLA6BsQ4Fx69oJ46P2WzvklxLu1Iq3POa6ciRA2CR02RerbQEFf4Lt-WjYuJvWSQ-iBkNP_7FLXfL7Doy9oCrGl1WRcJCHX5AUTOp0Y8pv1q3oYfgQAsLMtBZH5rw/s400/July+10+profile.BMP" border="0" /> Today’s Route:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221559768437631010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig83z59e8qN1Pkj-nSH6cRIXz4Gw39xn6wmw2KHrHulEtiQP43kLmt-DL4ql5BnSkrAq9AWe5tKcEYd0ah2BE-eR36kYckYDaa7oIlwafqZCz_Inodr63A5nxY81mZeIfPaj7ALtjwdEQ/s400/July+10+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2b0O6oRxBYa_LhloZvPYP87vebBULQWS9GEvyc6YaG-8ufI4LjPVhxJtpMVSQrKNgEQFO2mPQDk1_NxolZ7o2ipz3bLXeC7okAlcC4e2whTnp2X3dSNFkUs_97bgkLWNXAB0QtFwLRks/s1600-h/Felicia,+Bantei,+Shimbor,.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221560945836995826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2b0O6oRxBYa_LhloZvPYP87vebBULQWS9GEvyc6YaG-8ufI4LjPVhxJtpMVSQrKNgEQFO2mPQDk1_NxolZ7o2ipz3bLXeC7okAlcC4e2whTnp2X3dSNFkUs_97bgkLWNXAB0QtFwLRks/s320/Felicia,+Bantei,+Shimbor,.BMP" border="0" /></a>Dedication</strong>: Today’s century is for Felicia, Bantei and Shimbor and all the children in Providence who are so eager to learn and pleasant to deal with.<br /><br />A special day today – another century and another state. Beautiful weather without the humidity of yesterday but worrying at the start.<br /><br />After yesterday’s cycle into Richmond I sensed that my left knee wasn’t just right. Perhaps I had knocked it of strained it too much when the I felt the paceline slipping away. I applied ice and took some Brufen to reduce the inflammation but the night was uncomfortable. This morning when the alarm sounded it seemed too stiff and if I were at home I wouldn’t have gone out cycling. But in this situation it is different. For me, opting out is not an option. I spent a while massaging it and stretching it before breakfast and even up and down the stairs loosened it out. By loading time I felt more upbeat about the day. I told the other three I have been cycling with lately that I would go off on my own at first and spend the first six or seven miles warming up and loosening out the knee. We might team up later but I intended taking it easy on any hills and not to strain. As it turned out the knee was grand for the day and I intend using the same approach tomorrow again. Remember there is another fortnight to go still.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221556994649822546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDF3eccTyaYlXHDWDl6NKpMlJl4Oot3PQ3YxZiJVYYsSQeYb-ZZB-8VdKdXaaWORiyXmenhZL214eQoUyyoETx37bfbvo7mICE03jLnjbz9djocE9G8zQlXipp4l3J7o861mjIrCQFJo/s400/OHIO+LINE.jpg" border="0" />Within three miles of leaving the motel the Ohio stateline appeared ahead. The road was narrow but everyone as they approached had to have a photo. This is our ninth state of this trans-continental adventure. It is the 7th most populous state and often referred to as the Buckeye State after the buckeye tree. Stangely enough the state motto is ‘With God all things are possible’. It was that same excerpt from St Matthew’s Gospel that I came across in a Christian Bookshop in Shillong in 1999 that confirmed to me to actually bring Abbey students there. Is ait an mac an saol.(Life is strange) it will take us three days to cross this state.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221557871834158018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiRu_zYPBhovBOcgxtXceEMxQsrH3ze8aF1h2M8PD9JYOVf9OEE2QycFZvwHFE0Wuz5WVPWOoeZEBLUSaPD2VTstFBgh0x8tjXIU3mDOAdAc9eclw78zzneC5_GxdeynW3IW27RefhlI/s400/QUIET+ROADS.jpg" border="0" /> Todays route for the most part is a designated bicycle route - Cardinal Trail Bicycle Route. It was so pleasant and quiet till we actually came within 2 miles of Marysville. Plenty of trees offering some shadow. Smaller farmyards than before showing some early morning activity with the associated smells. Felt homely.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221557886087050834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRCJPLYssalsCPdXj9SQaLkrL_zS8DMcVLUoXek_iLaFbE4db4HGgzMl4_cxqWX8kT6pjWw3QU9Zdm5Hh6OTsURetnoRk_dMR3OkVsKVLwBbEmzeR0RGKbvYm6ZP8PTWychYpSC2tGAk/s400/SMALL+PLACE+2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221557882492167874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtpXlKsr32w7oLipuNafBDgl47t27EcZG53SbprVRwnwUcorjpJGuonu5L4QxAnYamqIybfr-JXZzHTq_7j3pdkYVui5Zxv5nds3MKw1oBBzLMWy9OqHp1vQztMlTV4yKsrOf-201ftY/s400/SILO+AND+BARN.jpg" border="0" /> The timber frame dwelling houses surrounded by the barns and corn silo and all so tidy and well presented.<br /><br />Yesterday I thought that I had nearly seen the end of corn. Not so, but it is in smaller fields. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221556978887122434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFoXEf8uqdTGvKRSma-w83CEk6RElnXEm_gi_CEVu9_yls3RXUbL8SHDWZRdtl2_7BKKqB0RQvNpAZmr8ILdCzNzkqaOWMAzNd2XNXmIjK3pKZCZ4cuA9l-ELotamQig_RKIoBIQ1elI/s400/ACROSS+CORN.jpg" border="0" />Today’s route was quite fragmented with many turns and often it meant cycling zig-zag through corn fields. The corn is quite developed here in comparison to further west but still showing no sign of a cob. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221556982104294866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4jGSzxj4Uf8lKGmwiFl-hJ9RQzUN7-vMyH3u5d1tFvri9XwnPpjhsDRsBUk-DnqjN-p-Vj22CCdENInhUZ2AdSQNm4Oe_6ANyIpRwIN79btBmGd9LBt_HuCsJzhR7nze47Y21ldWEuc/s400/CORN+AND+TANDEM.jpg" border="0" />Plenty of moisture in the ground and in places the remains of recent deluges were visible. Today I came across a number of good sized rivers that were crystal clear and so inviting in the heat – that’s a change from the silt-laden ones we’ve been seeing since Missouri. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221557885328312274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3T_AcoMhPIUGsX355PTnD2fuBslvqcUVzSvo1y-zgR7SI5178wIwc_iUP6NYYeFGbI4i60NyqsaKSQOuSyhanjAGaVOwFf1lT_azg9wh7hfzbYwZNXywfqn8cPvpvXZCgA_p0I2c8L8/s400/SOYA+CLOSE+UP.jpg" border="0" />Still plenty of soya but at an early stage. Possible to confuse it with strawberry plants at this stage. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221558712598446466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzJ_YKpBM0kxIkhtB2Bi4AVNUHBaYnt0x_96hHnEqDAzmgwjIuMiGjBCOWkt3nWyBwd0AKN8wQGS9MPa2q_A47m3oWyiC1TkIqOsHOa7-wa1KooKEjDXb8AgIB_PKph4PSLinbZHSyX0/s400/SPRAYING.jpg" border="0" />With the south west breeze we got the full benefit of this spraying operation as we passed by.<br /><br /><br />CUESHEET<br />Today’s cue-sheet contained two pages of turns and directions. It helps better than any map especially when all the roads are named at each junction. Cycling on my own, it didn’t present any problem. On your own you tend to concentrate more than when in a group. Three lines from a cue-sheet looks like this:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221561900662284834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwwJLoXQq-H6A1hyphenhyphen3yPOKhW2oQmSHp8b4VI4a8mWMgpLd2MpK4udcYAebGh0p_ogaYA_F-49c8YC7qMDsTCFVQvapAFM_CKLN5-vAD_xAtp-2xBUZ3XvTdDFHx6NlVpCT5KsD1oj4ySU/s400/CUE_SHEET.BMP" border="0" />Read as: 6.1 miles after the previous point, when the computer reads 103.1 miles, turn left into Maple Street at the STOP sign. Continue for 0.4 of a mile till the computer reads 103.5 miles and then turn right onto Fifth Street at the T-junction. After 1.5 miles on this street and when the computer reads 105 miles go straight through onto Hanna Road at the traffic lights.<br />An accurate cyclocomputer is a must to follow the sheet. These sheets and some extra route-relevant information are given out given each evening at Route Rap generally at 5 pm just before we go for dinner.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221558713240210306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6GlTrS1rRiKOMVNCGjyDLBSCt4U_n16iBUELB-MMunTLxJPP0tq7n7CMdUU3iaMLV4S36UMrm1FUD1RwD21YTWMXUNkvG8YTRCRIGq0fdakG6sCEhRDVHOmsSxzAbblosj7baYbGKz0/s400/WALKING+DOG.jpg" border="0" />At the first SAG stop (41.2 miles) Gary decided to come with me for the rest of the trip and we moved along at a fine steady pace for the next 64 miles. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221557876337727250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh66sXnmD1Ytb_eNIbbxWO6TSfDT4z_IloXL3nWkCtTlWQeDSNqGrWWVqS18DWw3-2omDjECSdoGSeJAvkaJNLE849I4LdUZRal0YACWiTSA6RFvsQzIxGZvNmP2pXpeNqIsWPv0FwRz0/s400/SAG+CEMETERY.jpg" border="0" />The second SAG was at a cemetery again. I noticed 5 graves of Russell’s just inside the railing. The day was really heating up at this stage and the only way to combat it was to keep moving i.e create your own air-conditioning. I had consumed two bottles of water between the SAGs.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221556986668463906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hpG_JsuI_z7ZKbUscISA6P4FhJpekQUo6RLzy_FkkDMdigICjXGe2qtelih4dz40ArxWKm1YO81qC4r2MK69zh37PWJqkzXdGfe4BzFSPcfDPZ4Q-3ZP5N-un_sM7czxKzaHBsq8YwM/s400/MARYSVILLE.jpg" border="0" /><br />Traffic was heavy as we rode into Marysville and our motel was on the far end of town. Marysville has a population of 16,000 and is the headquarters of Miracle-Grow that is used for lawns and gardens. On the way in we passed by a major Nestle research centre located here and the smell of roasting coffee was uplifting.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221558710100345842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUYvaYTuKS09cVCIX7iZWU2codUy6MsBicTn2H76iMhoIDuKvi6SQszGEy0Fr37VAF6KKpPwUWfjiE-tMmQjyv72pY8Qk1KTYSYLTtePnef1QjwQ7PSZ48Z6jfuEcEPv_PrISV5vR0PE/s400/WITH+GARY.jpg" border="0" />Gary and I arrived at the motel at 3 pm and really appreciated the fruit salads the staff had waiting for us. We had completed the 106 miles in just under 7 hours cycling. Not a bad day’s work.<br />A day that turned out better than I had imagined at the start. Under no pressure out there and looking forward to another century tomorrow. Hope this knee subsides overnight.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy. </div><br /><br /><div><br /><strong>Heard Today:</strong> ‘Mathematics teachers …. the ones that really count’. </div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-29213590948174463382008-07-09T18:31:00.008-06:002008-07-09T19:08:33.248-06:00DAY 39 of 54: JULY 9: INDIANAPOLIS (IN) TO RICHMOND (IN)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 74 miles<br />Cycling time: 4 hrs 11 mins<br />Average Speed: 17.6 mph</span></strong> <div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 1543 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 122 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 2833 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 90,472 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 8<br />Punctures so far: 7<br />Today’s Profile:</span></strong> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221182389476032786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wn8r1QWXMCGeR5mrHucbxIM7RsQPuAOTr9yOT_qHHisabAw0gflzjgm1GiT2a0nKPZY-voIuOIzxyfGM8bw_Ye6VukXU8T4wpQ78K6ZAp-J4njQJSakjKPUhXfgP8PTzUmIbV7TfEFw/s400/July+9+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Route:</span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221182394596273842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZvxV0_-t7stGqXxlW0lxAfv5pQLv6ssr1Ad6UY_zIUYcjcj6fzP3pD3PP96tm82SP8YsjXLrS-ec2N1siuaa2ZNn1Eq37WHp0Yrf-9rQ7KGehdxU9M0yy4NMeOOVxV69xUc1eQ4A89E/s400/July+9+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today’s cycle is dedicated to two people I have never met but who have been of great assistance in doing this cycle for Providence…. Andrew Perry and Ted Wetherill.(cf below) Thank you. Here’s 74 miles just for you.<br /><br /><br />A tailwind and generally level terrain made for a fast satisfying ride today and prepares us for two big ones to come. Another bit of investigation to be done on a familiar named place.<br /><br />Last night about 9 pm we had a very heavy lightning and thunderstorm in Indianapolis and some were caught out in it as they returned from dinner. I was glad to be in and only had to put up with the awful rattling of rain on the window. It had been well forecast. Surely it wouldn’t last all night and destroy today’s cycle!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221184357154866898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNI3BMxOiiPsNXYw80RHBxscahrHIpLpVilX-CsmiMiFYy9NyjFb-yMuhzEC9M1TIURLFz5JLRUcj5ji6HJ7dY8ReA7tT5BthXFGWRdJ92lkgEfK2l3OOfeVxCMA06zoDTy_IHUwh-sQ/s400/a8+JULY+007+(16).jpg" border="0" />Loading was conducted in the carpark at the rear of the hotel under dry but a very overcast sky. Wind was blowing and raingear was packed just in case. The atmosphere was very heavy ( or ‘high humidity’ here) and we knew perspiration would flow today although the sunshine never did become very strong.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221177072402577234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTbZUTInYjGYkKVCElU5EGg1iTJIfEtnhZRg9cu0KV5tGEi6gRzvu753vCWEw5to6mSz-76ii2Q4zUJcg4EX2rokIvNGFCj6VkPOZ3UODRFhbOiFkbfhZC5xPQEkFqFxCoLoa9kg6J_Q/s400/DOWNTOWM+INDI.jpg" border="0" />Since our motel was in a central position, our early miles was straight through the centre of Indianapolis. Traffic was beginning to build up as we cycled from Maryland onto Washington and headed East. Washington turned into Route 40 and that led us directly to our motel in Richmond. Navigation was direct on that long stretch. Motorists in the city and all along the route are as friendly as you could ask for once we abide by the rules and are predictable and visible.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178036717233042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxzrKvfrd-q-AaFYJmiNPWWyxSy10rk3nkxaMFVA05eOKhgQFSpb6VH1Dy8jiZlWfUuIO328ZbGJ8aYWWSYb5hCugH9MaLzyoPsNYkQ_Z_QGr-uyJAHhjrF5_BxcLrUw0ozeAjCBbKkY/s400/FLAT+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178922650099650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGB89bg8W4BswUaRQwRU4pJa3mzi6Q-2qsru9BESn27ETOEmzFosMLEdzxYDe6RWUPx3Gbq3fW7KnA3Gcclv_cTrA9A_lVFnLx0-0kcuwPQevfawo0j04iqDATJoJjamgUFX8LFoLG2k/s400/NAILS.jpg" border="0" />After 10 miles while we were on a slight detour around road construction Gary picked up his first flat of the day. Found the hole in the tube but could locate no offending object in the tyre despite close inspection. If it was a nail, the telephone pole beside us had a trophy cabinet of them. Apparently a popular spot for notices.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178032871929890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VxC_C6ADWgtzWXP3KUcV2zq8Tvlwu3mC2lBcus1GvCKNTzrIoySG_o8RZYSbO1CmjZZZH3lmvhv14_X2s5T86o5g3W-CcjlmS85-sHAQME9m_iWU2d_hQww09qDkslYDg6S3pS-1kKg/s400/FLAT+TERRAIN.jpg" border="0" /> Any ascent or descent today was gradual and it was possible to maintain speed even on the uphill. We maintained a single paceline of four with Deb leading us out and tipped along at 20 to 24 mph. At one stage another group of 6 fell in behind and an impressive peleton swiftly ghosted across Indiana. All was progressing nicely till Gary had a relapse at the 20 mile mark. Another flat with the hole in the tube at the same spot. More microscopic inspection. The tiniest piece of stone ever was found embedded in the tyre. Apparently it was only when the tube was at 100 psi did the culprit do its damage. Another tube and it lasted for the day. From there on the four of us resumed and regained our previous speed.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178927685966962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU0xWx1li-NvEfOsC6183oMjHxeolcxgmpo8zHTryfzS4DckeyIJs8XhGsE_OFjbfOkZy6cwitX9NXQ67WQA10OAw-Zhv2NP_-9Zx6cBcYSmlhMx8PZEoODH8bIdovUauYAk_aclq0eQ/s400/Sag.jpg" border="0" /> SAG at the town of Dunreith at mile 40 meant we were well over the half-way point. A chance to refuel and swap the incidents of the morning so far. It was still only 9.30 am. This SAG was at a Post Office – a change from cemeteries. Another 34 miles and the day’s work would be done.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221180565638130386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2tinR3oC57fE3H9cGoYSjkL7EcGqh7MrZPkrfZd2ZigiJieJ8qHgaXBKYNQW2IfBye-ukKMs4NwgjWeeRG9O9g1OuXFGHF93HL34xLnQIz9rxwg2dnONZ05y0h4WXak5s8psc5WC1tE/s400/ROUTE+40+MAP.BMP" border="0" /><br />We cycled along Route 40 for the day. U.S. Route 40 is an east-west United States Highway. As with most routes whose numbers end in a zero, US 40 once traversed the entire United States. It is one of the original 1920s U.S. Highways, and it originally ran for 3022 miles from Atlantic City, New Jerseyto San Francisco, California. The route as marked on the map is not unlike our route as far as Pennsylvania as it displayed on my Providence shirt. Route 40 is still a designated highway (Route 66 lost its official designation in 1985) but now terminates as Route 40 at Park City, Utah.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178920367762242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircee97RJK1XKQaVT_VyroyzYG9do1nvsDdZL6K4-DOl2W6IGQ8MhwxP1Ft2bEAvUR8Xf0A4P6MQM09e2rTvS9_0sykF_XWYxEE7sRW3xuL4dAfDeVeXgvy3yTI5KZ_O3mZP-KP90hS2s/s400/KNIGHTSTOWN.jpg" border="0" />There were small towns every 10 miles or so (like Knightstown above) with services and some very old motels are still on the route. I spotted one – The Shamrock Motel. Didn’t look tremendously appealing at this stage.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221177074213108946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlm7FOuC__DNne9OV_Gmgc3ACae_fXE0CGpE7v6VAIoVcC-uNrWyaq1Vp33yikV9lHOna0PttzebRZPKGUK6BzD_ISpu2_qc_Lk5OwhQJLurSNRhgCZQ-EPUUSLvd8wk2sbIZFuPH8HE/s400/CROPS.jpg" border="0" />Crops are becoming a little more varied. Corn is still there but not with blanket coverage. Plenty of trees on both sides and these small towns present a great display of flowers. I’ll check out tomorrow if this trend continues as we move on eastwards or is it just a local phenomenon.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178045546953586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsrzpJGrtOm7fjaClOIq4DHrgTj0vyTKsmIkR0Zhl3HzlXAEIx6jjIYFbsvMqEXZ1rz4jLmptjrGeFJbbdnIztxUn2iFx5AoCzwApSTe7kIeVZcaabvwfnK_cmOaYnE5JrI33-hUxHvk/s400/JERRYS.jpg" border="0" />Newspapers here are covering the effects of the economic downturn and the rise in gas prices. Petrol is now at $4.20 a gallon and TV ads are concentrating on offering cars that give 35 mpg as opposed to the 4X4 gas guzzlers. According to this morning’s front page headlines, gym memberships and the demand for plastic surgery have taken a dip. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178027228094034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qyoAyzS2PjP6ltrqycLdhbmk34C3xapHKulUWnEjrAVpLMv3DwO9y8sIt_Nv4NYLHpS0n_ByZqxhYdMGmdIWUv6AXLI6Bd50Bq6TB0_o7W63fduwFqEPzdpkJyqNpQtKSB5EdnOle_M/s400/DUBLIN+SIGN.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221177081280459986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF1DIS3AJNyB2VHckwJRGS9km2pgRFI3vW8FJ5kCS2_dEXhXKRzeUPsTw_XDYe7D1NtJMRkwo2JgtzsTn7f3KtWZ_V0r85ntRwCSpS2jwVQ0Ly9eWEYhNecdrSyFpQ42WBnUNSJjw-pU/s400/DUBLIN+NICE+HOUSE.jpg" border="0" />After 52 miles I took time out to do a spot of investigation as we all arrived into the city of Dublin (population 700). I just had to spend some time here and see if there was a connection. No need for a detour as in the case of Tipperary, Missouri.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221177076598927874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cwV3CDkDw4O7pHc5NaRK3GWt0GMHPGIenFUHAbCfbIDergq1cv8DNgdc7sPeAJbY9FF_MyOemSdqCtQuBGn_e_Tx1LnvcKVmbAjAPzTqDZl0ieDQxsU07XQna-BJGnJjDlPSIZYBrJg/s400/DUBLIN+McCARTHY.jpg" border="0" />The first shop I encountered was McCarthy’s Mart with big green shamrocks in the window. I reckoned that I had hit mother lode. Unfortunately the people of the house were away in Oregon and the lady minding shop wasn’t local and knew nothing. There was no Information Office or Chamber of Commerce. There weren’t too many premises in business in which to enquire. I hadn’t too much time to spend here. The Post Office seemed a good bet. It usually is. The postmistress wasn’t local either but had always heard that the town had no connection with Dublin, Ireland. She had it that in the days before roads had all-weather surfaces, that this area was a perennial mud-hole on the road. The pioneers had to use two teams of horses to pull the covered-wagons through this particular part i.e. doubling-up and hence the name. Was a bit disappointed.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221177084752129922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd-1IqKn0rIf2mL8uh7MP8fq4GTRVUO-nzrhbDwetrEEqb3-32MqjhfavLGBZTB9UfiQo-3iY0M1rxf4YfMxbH5AqAsQpeNavWL2RJGybxTbDK-4Wz7jp1IynxuYYDr5pIHoAeemW86A/s400/DUBLIN+SHOP.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178028900322130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5dB1PFAYGbcK3PjkNqZkS1h7cKm9QHxhbNd-FRBUyPfk3rR1RsTRBYYTOf6iT1AsISBFPr4nSkqoeypNB_rh5zKzcIIWX9g4X0Y_J2VdsQg285YGO4BzgTIuDK98QrO_VgfdQTlRPpQ/s400/DUBLIN+STREET.jpg" border="0" />But it was a nice tidy town with the roadsides having been beautified and footpaths re-paved. A number of nurseries about and potted plants on sale. It was quiet and its many antique shops were still closed. So I continued for the last 20 miles on my own still keeping up a good pace.<br /><br />In the dedication for today I mentioned two people who have been of great assistance. Andrew Perry (UK) did this cycle last year and I contacted him by e-mail as to what I could expect and any suggestion he would make based on his experience. My 6 line e-mail received two A4 pages of a response the very next morning. I knew he was passionate about this cycle. He encouraged me but was realistic. There would be down days. Keep a rein on expectations…it’s a long haul for body and bike. He stressed the need to take Multi-vitamins and Vitamin C considering that the body is burning in excess of 5,000 calories per day. Can’t drain the well completely in those early days. Thank you Andrew.<br />Ted Wetherill is from Providence, Rhode Island and has spent some time assisting in Providence, Shillong. He has been in constant touch by e-mail and of great assistance in suggesting a route from Portsmouth to Providence and he is co-ordinating those final days. I will finally meet him for the first time then. Thank you, Ted.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221184350551544418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiekP885-LN0Timk-CE-7fiRJ-1f9PPGGpaVzbjGWgBzEyCt084gwS1hpmD85_DyhqLIepAmrW2aroz5qB3cpWaYhPKA4CSn6nb8AIKNiMO4ADuOBb437jTpl2ozbF2CawwkjWiyNR8uQ/s400/MOTEL+RICHMOND.jpg" border="0" />As our motel is on the east side of Richmond, the last few miles went through the centre of town. Its population is 40,000 and has had a strong music tradition especially jazz. Louis Armstrong recorded his first solo here in the Starr-Gennett Studios as did Hoagy Carmichael, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Glen Millar and others. Richmond has a Glen Millar Park (194 acres) but is not connected with the band leader. Colonel John Millar was the original owner of the land and ‘Glen’ came from the topography of the area.Wilbur Wright, co-inventor of the airplane with his brother, Orville, attended school in Richmond, Indiana.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178921383005346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCNX0qHR-mhORIGlEj-B0PdikgqYC_9c38s5YChESkaw9CmeSfrxvuCgDEgsWEktATbaUJcMlLDdEVApf2Pfczlcgcf1Duj3ixHYC8rxLXhOX7rMvsR8oDn4eGsrpLfZOr7oNdgtJYkY/s400/MOTEL+WELCOME.jpg" border="0" />I finally arrived at the motel at 1.15 pm after another satisfying day.<br />I enjoyed the cycling in the group of four and also on my own. Being on my own affords the opportunity to investigate and to stop for interesting photos. It’s nice to do it now and again. There’s another century on the menu tomorrow and also on Friday. Need plenty of sleep and hydration tonight.</div><br /><div>Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.</div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-63276791657560432152008-07-08T19:47:00.011-06:002008-07-08T20:23:30.891-06:00DAY 38 of 54: JULY 8: CRAWSFORDSVILLE (IN) TO INDIANAPOLIS (IN)<strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span></strong><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Todays Distance: 62 miles<br />Cycling time: 3 hrs 56 mins<br />Average Speed: 16 mph</strong></span><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 1111 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 121 bpm<br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Distance so far: 2759 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 88,929 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 8<br />Punctures so far: 7<br />Today’s Profile: </div></span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220827413959907298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eD93Ike9POfqK_JotXwvRQT9gnkloPoR6O-xx94sHFgat8P82fBR7ql2Zn_3jJLVYUAI01SpaIG4N_sKn5l0jCA-UhpjijGwixYWgt73YOfRVMdzyE9IGpEREKIwsGzTQco066MA0lc/s400/July+8+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220827419783753378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r2M4q4VSrgaa1Dg81_ZVmxdmSXnRX4MjG0CFzqR_JisfbPzM_kx7Z80HDl9ydqJn9sUVUPGjicpTF6VjQ_Jj7zVCSi6lgJ1MohPpPip_zrSwOCttsI71wJspYnAoiL7zFsH4li84dI0/s400/July+8+route.BMP" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG3Y9QQ1Q6NIRQxVZk1cKuhxN-nhmAMnF6R5KN9CqL4A_IRvMcUTp9FhBb3Flh3bXl1ozTD1rHi8FmgKuIG2D1pNndcIGUHotcHpso0M-V_Eb4Z4_gy-SYpiBoL2doZchrJl6NXdeRqE/s1600-h/DONE+Ritina,+Shanky,+Banri+,Mutok,+Wanindus.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220833308858244674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG3Y9QQ1Q6NIRQxVZk1cKuhxN-nhmAMnF6R5KN9CqL4A_IRvMcUTp9FhBb3Flh3bXl1ozTD1rHi8FmgKuIG2D1pNndcIGUHotcHpso0M-V_Eb4Z4_gy-SYpiBoL2doZchrJl6NXdeRqE/s320/DONE+Ritina,+Shanky,+Banri+,Mutok,+Wanindus.BMP" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today’s cycle is for the complete team at Providence – teachers, children including Ritina, Shanky, Banri ,Mutok and Wanindus and students and teachers from Ireland.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The train is back on the tracks. Yesterday afternoon as it turned out a good number of the cyclists waited and waited an succeeded in completing the 62 miles from Crawfordsville to Indianapolis. As evening went on I felt more and more disappointed in myself in that I had not held out. But I had made the decision in good faith and in the interests of safety.<br />After dinner a cyclist approached me and enquired if I would be interested in doing the cycle today and that there was a chance of a van lift back to Crawfordsville and that the forecast was favourable. I jumped at the opportunity and kept my fingers crossed that the lift would materialise. The staff here at the Staybridge Suites could not have been more helpful. Finally arrangements were in place for the transfer back to Crawfordsville for 4 of us in order to recapture the lost day. There could not have been a happier man going to bed last night. The train was definitely back on the tracks. I would have hated to miss out on a day. The children of Providence deserve better. Above all, I don’t want to let them down. So George (CO), Larry (CO), Rick (VA) and self were set for breakfast at 6 am and loading at 7 am.<br />PS The ‘puncture’ that I thought I had when the bike arrived yesterday turned out to be a valve that was’nt tightened properly. So, it doesn’t technically count as a puncture. So, still at 7.<br />,<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220826433755546914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUf8ys-SnQMCuTmlSV5XANPIQkMg5PRc2a8M3KMETT5m_T1xk3Qv-2Dt6F4eDjad0yEGHAEPzzBJw0cnWZ3N8PEwAuRipN-kHOF78y93_B5hs95JYpega4EAlNCKkjeMmRcSu04dQp9s/s400/LOADING.jpg" border="0" />At 7 am we loaded the bikes onto the van (not the usual loading) and clambered into the back for the hour’s transfer back to Crawfordsville. Seating for three of us was on the floor but the prospect of recapturing the lost day made nothing of the discomfort.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220829949649935378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi91Es-Mb3x-o7DXu_wknuOLhNphbYVGiqYCEkqPidfjPX40L9rKyzWa7E4ye0l5WjUO12BXR8JLC1QOy3sFL_13dZDCruAZRzyA7D4GGja31PofoAVX9vEtqILB5pNHwzi5wI3NMHN4E/s400/IN+VAN.jpg" border="0" /> We moved westwards while the morning was still dry though dark. Radar pictures on the TV were favourable and a West or South West wind was predicted. Within an hour we were back at the hotel in Crawfordsville to pick up where we left off. $20 each was all the transfer cost us<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220826436213021890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf0oMl6JSP2YODc8HPereWq5ZiLzvZi3VjdVngvCFwNQ9v9Hy5MuBtAYSVCtRToQMWR8RftSUJeQqxARrHmsH5lQq3AM8GkYRBsaEeQ-EBAFcg6aIt8hhPZ7leThog8l_VCFTs9m5uGQ/s400/MORN+SKY.jpg" border="0" />The weather was favourable with a light ind coming in over our shoulder. At least we were not heading into a gale. We set out from Holiday Inn on N Lafayette Road at 8 am and settled into a steady pace. The other three were stronger riders than I but stated that they would keep the pace easy. I normally take about 10 miles to warm up but they were quicker off the mark. Within 2 miles as we moved up an incline into downtown Crawfordsville I reckoned that I’d only be able for about half of the route at this pace. But they nursed me through; I wasn’t ambling along at a snails pace. On the level we moved at 17 or 18 mph. Not a bad rate of progress. Gradually I settled in.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220826440630994354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNr0G9qmbdjB-icg6fzqPxCrgN2RfUPagprICXrEGQclDpArAjRnUf64_9gpzEPOpjRjuGkDeLG3zSnL-IYQjk-OD3eneZ8bVofLALzmGxOm-rRJAPK6O3ZcrI7Cnx8KTF2mPmg9Vr0Y/s400/NEW+ROSS.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220826444262581170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-wYa6n-QYQugOhrRPAQrEHfSr5_a2eKlvt-CtiaJ9lob1WFN0hL0LMTgz8HGcM-MMNfv0bp2TgYjgl0-4dlf2lyH6Xk-s1TKTagIi4kuk5TeKWQ72GggmUek7UqYAIzN9BLVJ5-IPQM/s400/NEW+ROSS+2.jpg" border="0" /> After 14 miles the Welcome sign caught my eye…New Ross. It was a small place with a population of 329 and a large grain facility. It was still early with very few about and I didn’t stop to make further enquiries. It was established in 1836 (before a lot of the Irish came) so it may have no connection with Wexford. Officially 6% of the popu;ation claim Irish ancestry.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220827407213607538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOSkIwfOk5jfPR5Btd5yTKhf0ub5gEBdsl0OAbkzBBzjvOoIuygkttTRd2bUytapAF68ZXiD7WPkP7vzLpHbh6yPzn_msfn7vcmqD-6OPdl_VJRtYerxU0RYesmQcDAgRQDHhzFylr8Q/s400/ROAD+CLOSED.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220830897166430594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqH2o8vnHp8n_EpvA9tl71QRhqzsCMvnMAmSCpA4Z2Ap7YLUhUVo_2HgwtGULWfJxhiR4X7A48ARUpXQOmJR2V_Is6ta_0sAyapQM-LPz05VUxg5MvaEKTWBKbhAglt2R3X-iAzpkgNI/s400/PASSING.jpg" border="0" />Most of today’s route was on Rt 136 but occasionally it moved onto quieter roads. Corn was still the predominant crop on either side. We were conscious of the possibility of thunderstorms coming at us from the rear so constant progress was important. Roadworks were present but with a bike there as no need to make long detours. A pleasant request and we could circumvrnt the obstruction on foot. We were keeping within our target.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220825621827800034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFrbayNDOz_PVtMd7ZaZ3GV9B0F5yLv13LlFqF6sLIs2j0Bt4ek3iNlt2xjyqGU80nTz1zH3K-2jqpk_kREfm93ZC7SKPjq_j2cDVawjljZc5AFc2BdK2K3GKLECr3-9va4Ek8xlSsSs/s400/EAGLE+CREEK.jpg" border="0" /> After 42 miles our route took us straight into Eagle Creek Park. Uncharacteristically we were ripped off here with an entrance fee of $5 to cycle through 2.75 miles of the park. The roads were nice and quiet but you’d need to be spending the day here to justify that fee<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220825609522642162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKSprNUPAO4Zy30Xu5IBqBEQKt5hju5C8hYJGuN3aNZr2uumnlfGOdWosvje32cRPUv9onssTydohSiBBBxDAfdrEMykPmaxnmvhsh4xmScRbsUVkwCRw_NgfjMVaCsspiNkBLyQS0Yc/s400/AT+SPEEDWAY.jpg" border="0" />Before we came into Indianapolis we turned down Georgetown Road to the Speedway (or the Brickyard as it is also referred to as). The Indianapolis Speedway covers an enormous area. We cycled almost a mile behind the stands to come to the visitors entrance. It has a capacity for 250,000 seated around the outside of the track on permanent seating and the total (outfield and infield) is 400,000. The track is what might be described as a ‘rectangular oval’ 2.5 miles in length with banking of 9 degrees at the corners. As is pointed out in the museum, the infield area could accommodate Vatican City, the Coliseum, Wimbledon, Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl and Churchill Downs Racetrack all at once. It is the home of the Indy 500, the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, the largest single-day sporting event in the world. There was a queue at the entrance so we reckoned that it would be better to move on. The outside itself told a story and indicated the dimensions.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220825614925379442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3CkypRXsLaEO4xpquvPQmGSJxa4Ycx8esFJ5dn6Fzra4eq7RvKC9TcIFtkY4A2AW5-UUYxi4_rya1Qe5KKjUUFRyl8GahOHpD8npEqwbsOJwLtBvloX6X83jMeWFe-IT4iigda98xJY/s400/AT+VELODROME.jpg" border="0" />Our next port of call along the route was the Major Taylor Velodrome. A banked cycling track opened in 1982 and named in honour of ‘Major’ Taylor, the first black World Champion at any sport in 1899. A native of Indiana, tracks banned him, other cyclists refused to compete against him and he was forced to perform abroad. Teams ere practicing as we arrived there and after our warm-up of 56 miles, we didn’t want to embarrass them!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220829380669882482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil29rIY_LWWuym7YuvYGqHvRViyzs5Lz5rXVTWcV9h7oqpbGKRqTC3D0eZ9_54I06yg7dUHq6x8pP0zpExT0kElCqJ4BBIkuxqfJPDhuleqeqnvZCcLQEOfQ_EdoR-DjXroxmzUWN4Qeo/s400/APPROACHING+INDIANAPOLIS.jpg" border="0" />At this stage we were in the greater Indianapolis area. It is the capital of Indiana with a population of almost 2 million. It hosts a lot of sporting events and from this motel room three major sporting arenas are to be seen – Lucs Oil Stadium, RCA dome and the Victory Field. We came into the central part along the White River Parkway and then the White River Trail which passes by the Zoo and the Indiana State Museum.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220825622746062594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheG2Kbk58XMutjQ2nVrFp5T7lcz0bSPFLSwOdStWFbYPYEEftl2xi-iL68UwK7qMxURx3D-kDZSnxPCSV_uwv95075llS54MUnEenHDLQ7TFcRnjOu2xLDyb7iKS1sYZ9hcolKFynd_0/s400/FOUR+OF+US.jpg" border="0" />Before 12 noon we (L to R Larry, George, self and Rick) pulled up in front of the Motel and felt doubly satisfied. We had rescued yesterday and had completed the 62 miles in under 4 hours. For me that was good. The others could have done it faster. To gratify myself. I looked on the situation that I was the team-leader and that they were obliged to cosset me against all attacks. That’s my story anyhow!<br />SATISFACTION<br />You have no idea how happy I was with the fact that yesterday had been recovered. I want to do the full trip for Providence. I didn’t actually lose out on a Rest Day. Yesterday was my rest day. And being back at noon meant that I could get things done. A load of washing yesterday and another today.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220827409135262290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMgQLX69c7QlPtK6zbs8BG_wXVfMxtiF_p2k2BgCql1o3OefQgaHU97i3tt5Nrf36Ls8pe3r0Q2haMJagv7DjYD7L8CoIXqMneAAmtQFgXG-js1GrpG0Ch1H243n4YxBGs5mvY2JWPMo/s400/SPAGHETI+FACT.jpg" border="0" />On Rest Days we arrange our own meals and I had dinner in The Old Spaghetti Factory, a family owned restaurant since 1969 in what looks like what used to be a warehouse. Beautiful décor. For those who may be interested, I started with a crisp green salad with croutons and blue cheese sauce. For main course I had strips of marinated chicken breast with marinara and Alfredo sauces over penne pasta topped with shredded Romano cheese complete with a half carafe of Chianti wine. And the lot sweetened with spumoni ice-cream for desert.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220828667498444226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO7I6DMe7OAdvP1otRsJhMotpb9XdEjvZaJ-2HdYqUcWSoNCEIcecUuATtGxWOghsYfigivQGqOVYwaXka6H-6czFpDS0XxHEjrt02pUEm1akzNSmEhmzTsZxiv5-Mn6_uVqGc47msN0/s400/finished.jpg" border="0" />I liked it and I finished the lot. And all for just $20 ( Euro 14). My waiter was JJ. I had to ask him if he was James Joseph or John Joseph. No. He was Juan Jesus.<br />Cladagh<br />On the way back to the motel I spotted I had to drop in to the Claddagh Irish Pub to savour the atmosphere. It was genuine and owned by Pat McDonagh of Galway who owns Supermacs. Had one enjoyable Guinness there and a most interesting conversation.<br /><br />It was a great day. What seemed like disaster yesterday was saved with a crisp cycle in good company and I got a feel for downtown Indianapolis. The train is back on the tracks again.<br /><br /><div><br /><div>Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.</div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-47321605835659851232008-07-07T19:07:00.005-06:002008-07-07T19:14:15.793-06:00DAY 37 OF 54: CRAWFORDSVILLE(IN) TO INDIANAPOLIS (IN)<strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)<br /></span></strong><br /><strong>Punctures so far:</strong> 7<br /><br />Everyday on this trip is full of surprises (and disappointments)<br />Alarm off at 5.45 am to the background of a violent thunderstorm outside. That in itself didn’t cause too much worry. We’ve been there before. But this one persisted. The arrangement last night was to pick up breakfast at Joey’s on the way. Torrential rain and continuous lightning and thunder put paid to that. Shuttle service provided to the café and no rush with the French toast and scrambled eggs. Staff worked on alternatives.<br />The radar showed a more violent storm moving in from the west that would persist for the day. Greg, our cyclist/meteorologist confirmed this reading for the day ahead. Outside the storm continued.<br />Back at the motel decisions had to be made. Safety was numero uno. Cycling in the rain was no problem. Dealing with lightning and thunder was something else. Cycling on busy highways with poor visibility for drivers and possible potholes hidden beneath water on the shoulder for me bordered on the irresponsible. Some decided to wait till the late afternoon to see if the storm eased but no one could set out unless America by Bicycle staff gave the all-clear. Their main concern is our safety.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220444014906398194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDPFjofas1G-73byD6Zh74Z1nXW03yB96mN9RD_zioOu61uQjLlCrUi3CvHYimW5UIpBF3lVYTwHg1BAKRmeJnkAZCUVUov3EdKxkbbFKPpvOZ-ysky7_L0_ggpD0nCebGS7NesnRBsU/s400/VISIBILITY.jpg" border="0" />Cyclists and bikes were to be shuttled to the motel in Indianapolis over the course of the day. Visibility on the road was as above. No place for a cyclist.<br />I was very disappointed to forego what was to be a most promising day…. a chance to visit the Roark cycle factory, an opportunity to cycle around the Major Taylor Velodrome and to go to the Indianapolis Speedway. Everyone was keyed up last night with the prospect.<br />Also for me I had planned a bit of investigation of my own. One small town on the route was New Ross and I reckoned there had to be a connection. A few queries about town should reveal something interesting.<br />Luggage was loaded well beneath the awning at the motel door as usual and I went to collect my bike (RW PACAT) from my room to be greeted by a flat front wheel…….a hotel flat or a lightening flat! At least now I had a bit of time to replace the tube.<br /><br />However I considered safety and responsibility to myself to be of the utmost importance and also that there are 17 more days to go. I didn’t want to jeopardise those. A collision or a tumble would put paid to the rest of this wonderful adventure and challenge. The kids in Providence deserve the full journey and what it will raise for their school. I had looked forward to this ride today as I do every morning. Ah well! Hope there will be no more of these days.<br />When the bikes finally arrived at the Indianapolis Motel the front wheel was flat again. Was it just that the valve wasn’t sealed or does it count as another puncture. That would be two punctures in one day without throwing my leg over the top tube. That would be a record. We’ll see. Some riders stayed on and on in Crawfordsville and left around mid-day and luckily had'nt much rain and arrived just before Route Rap at 5.30.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy …… things could be an awful lot worse.<br /></p>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-14781729288445785162008-07-06T18:10:00.008-06:002008-07-06T18:41:36.770-06:00DAY 36 of 54: CHAMPAIGN (IL) TO CRAWSFORDSVILLE (IN)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)</span><br />Todays Distance: 83 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 05 mins<br />Average Speed: 16.3 mph<br /></span></strong><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 1533 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 115 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 2697 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 87,818 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 8<br />Punctures so far: 6<br />Today’s Profile:</span></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220060199797398578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjKRyBKb0Y38y4mW7LnbQyvcq4IopB9kWc6C_tKzkH6osJL0YY8AcTWkt-zjBLZShB09mtmxXvuuSqQInu27imH121vkTXCCqqAtTHK6VvscNWd-WtXuA8eepc1RNGKEzN7iZ5q3_2UQ/s400/July+6+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Route:</span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220061342401198818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2vFr5fGD45to-a6CcYHnuY4WSExHBhWCXi1_AXHUAU03S0biQGIEeKyKP_O_OJ9wp1VMWI2Ocqnn8ZSJfoKkOeg_crzOhm4ooILaKO9A44pLSRtPkQYRAVSkk04T1mYYz2Mcd5C_gc/s400/July+6+ROUTE2.BMP" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF_Re27AK_NDCHGIecS1e0UfzLqx0z4XLk5kL4zANlkYutcPXGhsAEhbMv6umB8hIE97KGp5yRmG3xXsj-a1ZsJgOdCRiDY57IPsguB9fB6_WVVTCWR_002A_U12bz5DolrDZwUm2WK4/s1600-h/Onestar,+Freddy,+Pynshailang.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220061567935160482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF_Re27AK_NDCHGIecS1e0UfzLqx0z4XLk5kL4zANlkYutcPXGhsAEhbMv6umB8hIE97KGp5yRmG3xXsj-a1ZsJgOdCRiDY57IPsguB9fB6_WVVTCWR_002A_U12bz5DolrDZwUm2WK4/s200/Onestar,+Freddy,+Pynshailang.BMP" border="0" /></a><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today I cycled for all the boys and girls at Providence in Shillong including Ridalang,Mebalare and Pynshngainlang so that thy will get an opportunity of receiving a sound complete education. </div><div> </div><div><br /><div>A day to look forward to with a new state and the fourth and final time-zone. And the prospect of light early morning traffic for the third day running.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058852685179410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkWi-bmiLg9vCt1RzyP5GrT_038GxT7QfJ03vFPkdkXk3QdlJKC55rs1TvfS57BvcivusDTuGmFp8dKM0piApZyZpy-VISO7F0JoD-9UReFHeCV8v1tW_1x5skIoucFIYnHd4nYO-WBM/s400/READY+FOR+OFF.jpg" border="0" />Shortly after 7 am all were ready to move out of Champaign on very quiet roads this Sunday morning. It takes a few miles for the muscles to warm up and for the various groups to form up. To-day was to be relatively short and with no hills worth mentioning.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220060202547542722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP1Qf3on5MKTm-y3zNTTmrJA-WJLhk5ocwSYgIU4w56K-5wXQh0Xa7ZTsHHjJinmzb5B-8UdrvKPoiBMEx20b_ed1AkOcR73ivwmvslHAosSfZAWao6bo4onCqIaitNRGoh7nN9ljScg/s400/IN+CHAMPAIGN.jpg" border="0" />As we moved along Bradley Avenue the cyclists were confronted with a long train stopped right across a level-crossing. It had been there for some time and some early departees had been waiting for a time. In our group, Deb and Gary knew of a slight detour to an underpass of 1.5 miles which we took and as we came back onto Bradley the train was still stuck on the crossing. Kudos to Deb, she owed me that since the Donner Pass day when I drew her back from navigational errors.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058281063274994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbp1MTxYnf5YI0nZZnNGhgRMe_9ugFBFCKDMkfyYqrS9g_KBAHsiUmc2zATV_xT6E1J6-UUkXsN3Lw3DoZrNI4ANLzCWAMWb8bDacoLjEnNLNGRI-qn2fsDxhK_Rp_xzRnJ2AmDXoZ7Mk/s400/EARLY+OPEN+RD.jpg" border="0" />Once we got onto 1800 East we were in open country with the road to ourselves. It was a perfect morning for cycling – sunshine with cool air, deserted roads and good company. It was Sunday morning and at home we would all be doing this anyhow.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058854800962626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GKQWLPQxZ7Gxi3vMQjEecgYhqqsC7tHyGGteaJgvf0_9oqD4tsBqaQQ6TyJmQSvaNdKnbMA5IrKZn9X1XJoQALd02lrxkwWOef8hZ5gCjuTSAX1YY99HHxNYJwzB2SY_DHJc_9WPslc/s400/STILL+CORN.jpg" border="0" /> Still in very fertile country with corn dominating the crop scene as it has been for days. For the next 18 miles we turned left and right repeatedly as we threaded our way along the better surfaced roads of the horizontal/vertical grid pattern. By this stage the four of us moved along at a steady 17 mph and were making good progress.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220060197874044034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyaXvI8NB_vMHDqXP9u9_to58fLivZecJXBafjxnjHLY5wIb0nx6qgoMFHZlhRbH1-4QXAXZAAER_RbkuVX8xmRcj9gRPox4fROo1L0Mvn9y6WqoEwXyAwaGDq9q5VjWD9J9prpv3P6I/s400/sag+1.jpg" border="0" /> Our first SAG at 30 miles appeared quickly and for the second time in two days it was located in front of a cemetery. Were we being told something? Was it that we were dead slow or were we to rest peacefully? Either way it was welcome especially with the sliced oranges. There was a run on sunscreen as the sunshine was getting stronger by the minute.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058854376981842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_8KKNzbcLN1gOkPEcI6Vv6J9CXvO1Mj9hh_irT1w4tX8WU7T03EuuvFdJw_M3uRkT7UElHqNintAIgfkE3e7NOy8CVUJ1h1s8YQZsoMBeSyPiQAYmbcm7vIItzU8O8EH4QIq6dTVRWw/s400/INTO+INDIANA.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#333333;">At the 45 mile mark the Indiana Stateline came into view just after Danville Correctional Centre (prison). This is the eight state on this trip, the smallest state west of the Appalachians with a population of 6.5 million and there had to be photos. It is sometimes referred to as the Hoosier sate and the term Hoosier used for a native of Indiana. Hoosier is the title of an award-winning 1986 film starring Gene Hackman based on the story of the Milan High School basketball team. The states are tumbling away fast at this stage.. 8 big ones gone and 7 more to go. The stateline also marked our passage into Eastern Time (GMT-5) so the watches put on 1 hour. . Crossroads of America refers to Indiana being the hub for several major Interstate Highways and the base of many transport and trucking companies.<br /><br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058273271808642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0tyyZriEiYwe4f8MFXFdxcjeXX4-QORb6MruiaUuRLBmAHHGLgN2sMEulrKxBFsByK5CaU-qgpsPWgSENkWoqTbZmUD8BYYiwk1FNboNFJmQVZjUeHRST5JeRR_X0WvHUdLvXnJYuRg/s400/CAFE+IN+VEEDERSBURG.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058848693561650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NRiNdCn98Rj7wwGcEVjEaTdLthe12kDnZhcuik0QDZkXKmcA0q-X8mfDcOv2I1ng2SzDQ9qzd2sxo5OZQfwBAArWfAjDnvYpISEriKajXRwyURpEb9G80UjeYA6Q7OkOm9cB3o6ix6w/s400/IN+CAFE.jpg" border="0" />Second SAG was in Veedersburg a small town on Route 136 but with a café that was exquisite in pies and in speed of service. It was located on a corner across the street from our stop and did well as a result. I had a beautiful Almond Joy and two glasses of cool lemonade for only 2 dollars. We filled half and locals filled the rest of the seating. The place was a tonic just for the atmosphere. Pity that the photo didn’t come out clearer…flash was turned off.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058278314365378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMbIdaYrGmo9xxizRtPeYXWKanmKX-wxGBOS_hnNPMrObQwpC5jrx5jrg682ZjTdaySgKgP2jJ_zeLdso4StGv3kuLCtfau-VaPn8h5ZqyUlEGML9AjzUCp9KUaaMV5G-k3c-pGuFG2Y/s400/COUNTRYSIDE.jpg" border="0" /> The soil at this stage seems to be more sandy and less organic but the corn is still thriving. Roads weave and twist with an amount of tree cover affording some shade to weary travellers. At this stage we had only twenty odd miles to go and still cranking it out at 18 mph on the level.<br />Shortly after 2 pm (Eastern Time) we approached Crawfordsville which is surrounded by an amount of deciduous forest. It is our destination for the day and the location of Wabash College, one of the four all-male colleges in the States with a roll of 900. Our motel is located on the western edge so we saw very little of the town of 15,000 so far. ( For dinner we had a shuttle to Joey’s Café on Main Street. We’ll cycle through downtown tomorrow morning.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220058288573106546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-slc1Dy7TSIHenHWiyWVdBInkPU1uO294wWtmZ9XavWubl7cWnE2PZ7N107sZv2mg1Q9Bc9Va7rcnhpseAtDO_4l_MwONoMWfFX4NWu8tRqMIRJ1yL_B6jlOOMp_cvyTaD_fjluP9is/s400/GROUP.jpg" border="0" />Our group of four pulled into the Holiday Inn Motel at 2.15 very happy with our day’s cycle and there were high fives all round for Forest, self, Deb and Gary. I headed off to the room to ring home for the Leinster final result. If it had been different it would have capped off a wonderful Sunday. Ah well, the dream of the double isn’t over yet.<br /><br />Another most enjoyable cycle and all looking forward to tomorrows trip into Indianapolis. It’s great to go to bed at night looking forward to the next day.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><br /><strong>Heard Today:</strong> “You bike?” Concise American for ‘An dtéann tú amach ag rothaíocht ar do rothar go minic mar chaitheamh aimsire?’</div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-23212628870821254552008-07-05T20:36:00.013-06:002008-07-06T18:42:52.333-06:00DAY 35 of 54: SPRINGFIELD (IL) TO CHAMPAIGN (IL)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#000099;">Time Zone : Central (GMT -6)</span><br />Todays Distance: 101 miles<br />Cycling time: 6 hrs 34 mins<br />Average Speed: 15.3 mph</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 1757 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 119 bpm </span></strong></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"></div></span></strong><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Distance so far: 2614 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 86,285 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 8<br />Punctures so far: 6<br />Today’s Profile:</span></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219727175832303682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDvF3xtFUq1gJ1G_r058QypwjVeUr-kUj73BQ38hz6v2aHiNhCUg3bvYXBPdEvJAxtw9TyrHoJ8DaUUj4AHenM375Y74xytNxkSbtU5lNj2m4i4NwCOR-UTCXhSgqopTVdn84ZOK5-Hc/s400/July+5+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219727176605493330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToEJRnoxFY4dLhV9A8zwSLB32lYNGeNEdKusWk0TBJsXmF6YaR6_8adpusXyDR3yr6vH-c5CEe-tAz-OSP3CYCz1qJ0iLEqYOa_kFDk5oRlypwAjlllok1vTOKujvm7HVGWcdLhTY75E/s400/July+5+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zs-hYPYcEJsyyJemCOBM9vuKQwNddPMO-TxOSLVbQJ0bSa2eNBu9i0fshkodcc8AKA3UIdYHxHp33hOsduJPXps6KzX380GZsGhHAz-qDqg6ird71Ps0LtgeSxQxttkKbe0ACdHBV2w/s1600-h/Marius,+Ayzul,+Sagreeta,+Tony..BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219727588690625186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zs-hYPYcEJsyyJemCOBM9vuKQwNddPMO-TxOSLVbQJ0bSa2eNBu9i0fshkodcc8AKA3UIdYHxHp33hOsduJPXps6KzX380GZsGhHAz-qDqg6ird71Ps0LtgeSxQxttkKbe0ACdHBV2w/s200/Marius,+Ayzul,+Sagreeta,+Tony..BMP" border="0" /></a><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today I cycled for Marius, Ayzul, Sagreeta and Tony and all the children especially those who have not met Abbey students yet.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lovely weather again today and not a rolling hill in sight. Although we gained altitude it was so so gradual. Another century and finished with an extravagant celebration.<br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219725515781207410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKcLQZD-4M5t9cxiIuO13gHhah7qGEpMzKuDnmu5_yyGEfmMsPcXJjfe0jxLTuruQ7lJ3xy1zPnkN6tfpFwHzp8-yREQzENASqUFHonr18IOwxspc_alNf_vLUK7viq2GX86-U7Yu1AU/s400/SUNRISE.jpg" border="0" /> As the sun rose on Springfield the morning after the Independence Day celebrations, we trooped to Bob Evans for a hot breakfast before today’s cycle. It was either oatmeal or a fry…pity it couldn’t have been both for the perfect start.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219725511485419474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju28xX7NiHnO7-bjbKttdEEtFh7BgwodSGWAa91tDxzOl4crTfbuMNIHeL-7oPx8kmPaNM4e98nsmdOxcGyvbwGC9G5LIp9qp5IZeVi7ot4TUCQsslXfBRCPNtEPRjUhgbnAhwY9C4P6k/s400/route+66.png" border="0" />The iconic Route 66 passed through Springfield as it threaded its way across 8 states from Chicago to Santa Monica in California. It was a symbol of freedom and the American Dream. Established in 1926 it was decommissioned from the highway system in 1985. Parts of the original concrete paving remains in places and tourists still follow the route as much as is practicable.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219728787982587154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdcuyUEcPRDMluu9aiuPdMUDhOE9nzlwsD_yil_zEgpRKs9lVJuxQj6hfwgvj20Kdhk9Gdtb6WxT28ojGPrm2cyKd2vvHaEvhK6uJMQuwIGu4_6ELHdXkWZ_vBVowZfphliEwwhq68pE/s400/route+66.jpg" border="0" />Small towns and stations trade on its popularity. During my visit to Tipperary, Missouri, Rick Stanford showed me the 1960 Corvette he is restoring with a view to driving from Chicago to the pier in Santa Monica. We wish him the best and safe driving.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219724884206194450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGplc3COi0BxyODBJD1Pwf0pPdn9PA5VEhIGgp90467mdFtVydEdZ7ZqP45ixD93iqyPwVueFSeAS-VH88EUeedoZssjkxBbeCt6sUdRJnFl0V_xMe6S2SoyykVH5q-E61rQWFQ_14o_Q/s400/FISHING.jpg" border="0" />We left directly after loading and headed out by Lake Springfield, a man-made lake and owned by one of the public utility companies. Already a number of anglers were out for a Saturday morning spot of fishing and gave us a wave.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219724882044004034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWGSA5HT-aqmb0muoNfPKiy8lXKNXtV1jqUnBPZAEWrJ6G-2TCY9xcO4VG_hEbBLfYy5L_23oeOtC_3JBCtxXlwE7CO__quMmXiNIu_FaRjl41x3OBwdWxb7uKgbfv3rgjq0PPnZ9tSM/s400/CLOSED+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219724886298462978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWQzT3O1pzOcDOSrohyphenhyphenlDstz2nPVi019SK3EmIcPF-kuXIGJXaznAmOi2ODoDtHNNZ5O5FlSTJxFxlr2ogTEtHz_S78FNETVk1Jb94Mumvt6abis-OmQtgVZ56lRbx14DEzzWv07_ExQ/s400/CLOSED+2.jpg" border="0" /> Within a few miles we faced into a very recently removed bridge. A detour was suggested by passers-by but a more direct approach seemed more attractive. It did mean hauling the bikes through the soft mud but it was a novelty on a day that we knew would present very little in scenic terms.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219724893662898834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy7MGzo8PrNOqeti9vafqG_KqPSvpYWbDTUcoM0FRgj2B7oSD7KKVcGKY34GGGglXghopKTqTCKvWqySNa153iSs3_v9h6BDs57hv-9Ij6PiRMXCEdLb-QMR-C6uuWXzr4VihlYy_288/s400/GARY.jpg" border="0" />After crossing Gary and I set off together as arranged and we kept up a strong pace passing through never-ending fields of corn with some soya beans thrown in. This is very fertile countryside for both crops. We alternated taking the front though there was very little wind. In still air it is reckoned that the one behind uses 1% less energy for each mph. In no time at all we arrived at the first SAG in the Lincoln Trail Mmorial Park on the banks of the Sangamon River at the 31 mile mark. Nearly a third of the way.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219725510375489666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_NCYVbjS-QfZmXJUCEGHWlk2Ub_17JrPA-7qX9fPAeqWjIBMxkUDO5IAkOFn8LCYOJccCGzr_ErkqMXsyTs_eIvGxYLPquRU0vZ1wIxgngNc-AMSuIRZR9DGVo0Vy5aA8yJ9wIDe-dM/s400/PACELINE+1.jpg" border="0" />Shortly after the SAG a group of about 8 riders caught up and we were asked to join in to benefit from the paceline set-up. It did make a mighty difference. Previously Gary and I had been making very good progress at 15.5 mph and alternating at the front. When we joined into the larger group and drafted, with actually less energy being expended we moved along at 17.5 mph. I hadn’t ridden in a paceline since the year I rode with the Carrick Touring Club and had forgotten the benefit. Today I cycled 40 miles with that group keeping up the pace and savoured it. The miles were clocking up on the odometer with great speed.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219728786782019250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn91IuenADwHxQE6rRSDOj_QnyPgaUMUd1N_AgIvFf6XqwZ99B2laF68jc8wFVqK1N95eJxUFSyIrNtwbu2_nZthsahABU3OgEbeAPq-Ou_nUylcDe3f1JinYx2QwFld_DWVwFiltccwM/s400/SAG+1.jpg" border="0" /> The group kept well together also after the second SAG and with the 80 mile mark approaching all seemed well.<br /><br />At that stage one rider moved to the front and upped the pace for some unknown reason. The others in the front didn’t want to let him go and followed. Sounds like a race! This was up a grade for me. A gap gradually opened and two of us began to drift. I kept turning them hard for the next seven miles trying to bridge that gap. At times I seemed to be making headway but eventually I decided to let them go and to follow a more relaxed pace for the last 10 miles and look for a few photo moments. I really enjoyed life in the paceline. I found those miles between 40 and 80 passed so quickly and enjoyably without fierce pressure. Pace was about 17 to 18 mph and just normal concentration was required. Unrelated to the paceline, one rider fell today and broke his collarbone and must return home for surgery. None of us like to see that happen. We all want each one of us to finish the challenge and no injuries.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219724894497892434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInYOsGTikcxiV3-JO12MSmiqZCOLoF_epZhmAQHjLIOvMDYOzvYEHLm4ZpMFTQisDfEkOjI_fcBE_eui4KPmOwQ7b3icKUcoyMu0sWxl6CE8ujdS22TiyNr1-rlSfNCI3qW9VYPD2lro/s400/INTO+CHAMPAIGN.jpg" border="0" /> The 1700N ran directly for 8 miles into Champaign (pronounced like bubbly) with the usual soya and corn planted right out to the road. I took my time though still moving at 13 or 14 mph but on the lookout for a good shot.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219725515926903906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ywf5B5mHw5OafBGa5C0cr9ruVRVoXwjHDv-dOw3g5k6rRujIlHrv0-_5WLQ_m9puqn7AEj1v3XmRoFHVuku4u4F1ywwkWu6H9BXOgpxAxopeFad5BB4jyMhKT6c1QkEhh8q4TSAfVfg/s400/SOYA+PIPES.jpg" border="0" />A large water treatment plant was being developed in the area and stacks of their pipes lined the road. I had a good long look at the field of soya as if down the barrel of a gun. Another good from dropping/being dropped off the paceline.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219725506079208738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRztMYAGA4zRk2Z3b6EaobcEDblbkt3hlo6sjBT3zwkLbj4CvKfDKqegSJOasQiIMXHU-r1TZjH_Z1BmH-Cvf1kFDu2wTYUk7bc1yNWyL9OukgEtUs5CG3M62KhPWMklFoyN2FXK2FZY/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" />Champaign and Urbana are side by side and between them have a population of 100,000. In summer temperatures often go over 90 degrees and over the winter they receive 30 inches of snow. Today’s scheduled ride was 97 miles, but as anyone knowing me realises, I’m a sucker for going that extra mile. Another century was on the cards especially as I felt so fresh. I did a bit of a tour of the city around the motel and eventually clocked in at 101 miles<br />I arrived at the Comfort Inn motel at 3pm after stopping off at Subway for a sandwich and a cool drink. To refresh my slightly aching limbs then I went extravagant and treated myself to a bath in Champaign … not every day I do that. </div><div>Tonight we were supposed to eat at Ryan's Buffet Grill but had to eat elsewhere. First time there was a change in dinner venue. Perhaps someone could explain.</div><div></div><div>An enjoyable day's cycling with a different approach for a period. And a century<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><br />PS: the link for the interview on KQTV last Monday is <a href="http://stjoechannel.com/content/fulltext_news?cid=20781">http://stjoechannel.com/content/fulltext_news?cid=20781</a></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-88586640073799066092008-07-04T21:07:00.010-06:002008-07-05T20:59:30.812-06:00DAY 34 of 52: JULY 4: QUINCY (IL) TO SPRINGFIELD (IL)<span style="color:#006600;"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Time Zone : Central (GMT -6)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 106 miles<br />Cycling time: 7 hrs 34 mins<br />Average Speed: 14 mph</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Today’s cumulative ascent: 2691 ft</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Average Heart rate: 116 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 2513 miles</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Ascent so far: 84,428 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 7<br />Punctures so far: 6 </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><strong><br />Today’s Profile:</strong></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219373874968097266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqL1UqvRwNUzD0Sks5VgVl9Wg2H3hubkAQ7iKKuV8gXt5evB0LVYP3BOH834r3DDtzMtxFlRQH9MzuaJ9ilVPjYbfSFNPxE1E7HHiVG9xvS7L-ESIhw3I2MVRVd0I6DQZQ1TFH_zYS7I/s400/July+4+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219373878375076386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiyjvVIby624e7sqdzr02JgKSkoCfHTR15m5VI2E751kXR9uhMEt-VLq6Ic0ei286hhbSNcmqd2k2eQ842RJtCyDIUEqkOB9xnh_rYhNgp0fW0LQ_4X7UPpM8TrdmhDsyiFbYy-u2szk/s400/July+4+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcIOBP9WAwN9cYKJlWSCDjI4aDE3EO-ss_bgCHhHlUEPQ9vX86N7lacH1EMhnx4HDswt7x_Sf5hXGpWYsF-qWFVJWOU2ls4u7VPyZc5-R82LJ33szKwmhh73Z-DEgJkrbHXSwhaLkkJI/s1600-h/SAOIRSE.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219372167162533346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcIOBP9WAwN9cYKJlWSCDjI4aDE3EO-ss_bgCHhHlUEPQ9vX86N7lacH1EMhnx4HDswt7x_Sf5hXGpWYsF-qWFVJWOU2ls4u7VPyZc5-R82LJ33szKwmhh73Z-DEgJkrbHXSwhaLkkJI/s200/SAOIRSE.jpg" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today is July 4, Independence Day and I dedicate today’s cycle to Saoirse , our granddaughter in California. She is the only American citizen in our family and we’re so proud of her.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A day of cycling a century on relatively quiet roads with no rain, plenty of comments and two punctures. What else do you need?<br /><br />No rain or threat of rain as we gathered to set off at 7 am. A century (106 miles) lay ahead with the last of the rolling hills ( ‘Apples, oranges or chocolate. Anyone for the last of the Rolling Hills’ ) in the early stages and the prospect of 50 miles of level terrain for the last 50 miles<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219367389927804946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9g90ekp4ilBy-oDkFiiTjLKvLjWdPaENf7hB7LT4E_nEIr4Ily2M-K-6PPX3oJjrEdmh3gdljJ8io-xdt0lv49eOStoY2X0xs9a8fQTwLaAevP9TyuRWtA88XQ-slmDP-aBodmVKWLs/s400/GEAR+IN+FLIGHT.jpg" border="0" /> Being the Fourth of July it was a national holiday and a day of celebration. Almost all cyclists wore the America by Bicycle shirt with its stars and stripes. Also it was suggested that we decorate ourselves or our bikes to create a bit of atmosphere. No one knew what would appear till breakfast was over. I was disappointed with the amount who decorated. It was all a bit of craic. I had decided to put a bit of effort into it and had paid a visit to Joanne’s Fabrics during our rest day in St Joseph - after all my media responsibilities had been attended to! When we emerged for loading all was out in the open. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219374838145687314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-YbHzkE0zGIE3OJ83f8GbMPyUOJk7ip18FtQ_UqXHhgAHjrNUtlPR_YCHb0V7Nky7OIxPaNgiQDfgr8uEDdhkHZfqhKE1DrNxX8tuyvjKNCjTEle_cPFWAt5-DANYIGmUQT-hZuXhaY/s400/gear+group.jpg" border="0" />Most of the other decorated ones were of the international contingent. My ensemble caught the eye with ohs and ahs and wows. (detailed description later). Many photos were taken before the off. The decorations were to be worn as far as the first SAG at least. I wore mine all day as it would have been difficult to remove it. After breakfast I was busy with needle and thread attaching the cape to my shirt and bib to make it secure. At the end of the day it took a while to snip the threads (especially with the left hand) without damaging the shirt. The flying cape caught the eye of motorists and pedestrians during the day … always complimentary. Actually I didn’t find the billowing cape any hindrance or drawback over the 106 miles.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219374834367876818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9loqu2Du7zZYsnBeVba2JNRvw7MEMtRQRD1CAx0zxgFv5Get7mhyphenhyphenBzvq2Ebtw73G7tRANsz4Q2kcXDjtgCvrlScaf-Qx88Lp8NddZup9ulVOIHX-Wnz_tWQlyN0LJtr9mWvG00He0K_U/s400/gear.jpg" border="0" />Description for fashion and design gurus: a tightly fitted bodice featuring striking stars and stripes all covered by a waist-length flowing cape of printed cotton featuring interlocking stars and stripes motifs. All this underneath a tuile of discrete red and blue coloring emblazoned with bold stars of silver. A festively decorated neckpiece unified the total effect. Headwear consisted of a stiff Giro Atmos protective shell (non-optional) in appropriate colouring with a large red, white and blue Daisy Duck bow at the rear. So there you are now…. I did make a bit of an effort.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219371823557638930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI0ige0yKzZsNrhyS4oTb-AGb3JijdTFA2QmNNJrU0QxzadSpySOq99i0ulsRdCXyswEVfekZgJJwA0RkViRNtra67k29p2BMC27ywDOh1WwW2MWEE6gqAqiW2J_evIZ9FIEGVPyWR0g/s400/TEAM.jpg" border="0" />Today I cycled with Gary (IL) and obviously he had a lot of local information. We kept up a steady pace and only stopped for the two SAG stops and when I got the punctures. Two punctures today and both in the front. The first was just a slow leak at first and happened a mile short of the first SAG. A pumping up got me in and we repaired it there…a pinch flat. A new tube in, pumped to 100 lbs pressure and off again. The second happened just as we turned in to a gas station a few miles short of the motel. This time it was a tiny piece of radial wire and it took some time to find the culprit and remove it with a tweezers. Another new tube in etc. One good outcome of all this is that I now can whip off the tyre and replace it with my bare hands; levers are only for wimps! These hands are lethal at this stage.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219361834613948290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOxCD8tmkDwN6WVuZh0U6MmaZnGgAzX_y699Zs2EhE7cMNuik4SprbpPqAN31tP47oyKHdR1X1BVfBWd4yhzQiluYi-PINjRjG0-VNDEKU-RodOzhXseOUPci0xywO_zrD9eThjWinOI/s400/FOURTH+MEREDOSIA.jpg" border="0" /><br />There are firework displays and picnics this afternoon and evening in the large centres. I saw very little evidence of preparations as we passed through towns except for Meredosia on the banks of the Illinois River where they were in the final preparations and in the centre of Springfield itself. Nothing was actually under way at that stage. The one thing I saw plenty of was men out cutting their lawns and broad roadside edges.<br />At the moment, there are plenty of fireworks and crackers going off. It reminds me of Diwali being celebrated up in Shilong.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219367391466545794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD6Jw1jjXe3rDrAEctg8yn1c_rA0GKKNw8piuTLgeehpqB6pCH_KB52m0ig-_9U5D6VyEdWFHuMMEsgjF4YwHfU1yGit5piGFAK6s8-n3LmuKlAAzfFaJ74c_PJOL4J1gJks0kMq8woc/s400/ILLONIS+BRIDGE.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219367394517630802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5ky-jEb2UrEsL1K3_teLorxM0s4-_UO_1I2pSvWk_4T7FdqnI5ITZO_FirGhjw7qeVJZ-xULRcjHwTlB05WPWI75Tupc_R6K0Fkam2lah2e6xJjzoIEsPbxyN-QMtmE81nIDmoY_ZBA/s400/ILLINOIS+RIVER.jpg" border="0" />After 46 miles we crossed the broad Illinois River. Evidently, it didn’t have the same flooding problems as the Mississippi. Mighty barges were moored there ready to transport wheat downstream hen needed.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219361830408619554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEK2SG_grKL7BBTuI94YjP3mTeYHKJJmD6xkhwMlpmYykfqulPf9rSk4k39CGF3cYO5YbCbIjSdwxUeceLKlbfX_2FxHlb1KFrszLroipbLpMN9JQZx5CA3x3itNRd3zOpYP-1UTS8gc/s400/CORN.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219371824422683586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pOTO63zODaq-4hHbHhvqNpkJvhXMIKiE4oxfKvPRJRek_1Us4RYpZ1AY7E-jhGza2FFrMrI120eZBT-uUm_LeaXkSMH0a5Hko4Fnm-XKhf7eh5FcEjqzLsojpBTa5Mev6yHbTQtPKS4/s400/SOYA.jpg" border="0" /> Illinois is all corn and soya. I believe the University of Illinois is one of the best for cereal research … has plenty to work on anyhow. We did pass some research stations of the University along the way. Corn is at an advanced stage now even though there was a big worry about sowing earlier because of the rains. For many straight miles it was corn, corn, corn on both sides and into the distance.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219367398296721458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYlLzujetIph_MRlhINlYvK1ZCo_FJ4qXn6t9cHzV1H6zpmdXyOqw6zVBGoXuLgaK9abSj67ALoGt6fEAMUbKk09JjKUm-EESh-EG9LeKIusV34Gp_vVUChPBqwFssSZYU8Xw1Ehua1E/s400/LIBERTY.jpg" border="0" />14 miles out on the road we arrived at the town of Liberty (Pop 600) and paused for a photo. The Irish word for liberty or freedom is saoirse and I just had to pause as I was cycling for Saoirse today. Maybe some day she will pass through here. On a trans-continental cycle perhaps? Already at 9 months she has been out on a bike a number of times and recognises bumpy terrain (baby rolling hills) and headwind.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219361830622344834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYhvLy0tys1UgpKY_1EtKDZ_E3Dc6Q9In3jnj_y35-UmnMxqdG7qKUCTzanESMZ_WeiMuhTkLUJ_QhkapexzPRDJzoMMowecj-bD3fWwG7MrLYEOtVToDM9jmFRj_0SfZD22iBgWE_8g/s400/COUNTRY+ROAD.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219361826889985490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW1ifUxXVjKVBU3HU8WXIKLRUvKUAAFDDuDqGVzELWOkZq28j5IwiLDcuUV5CTLjtxycvo6lnZSnxQarD4vtk3WVtl1nDPyX5utr62wo0vWG-kBcY97AltQEBo6X4tEHURp1cZTUxSco/s400/CHURCH.jpg" border="0" />On this side of the Mississippi there is almost a European feel about some parts of towns and landscape. Small churches like the Lutheran one in Liberty is a case in point. Roads tend to be less straight and more interesting as a result. At the start of today’s ride trees offered shade from the warming sun.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219361824634308114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwADtSHtxKqzluquM4LrmoNTD_OTfQUSs4CQSQJ5rh3dVrlEQkOkN1NxHMkz8lZCUg40Ox2oLuuIz2agiYBuJsBotoxn_nnrAXehX5hOD7j_c0mb-un5cqddQaGtLUwgRJ3-x7WL6DwFY/s400/CAPITOL+SPRINGFIELD.jpg" border="0" /> Springfield is the capital of Illinois (12 million people) and the capitol is an impressive building as is the Court House along Monroe Street. Quite a few older examples of architecture were visible. Because of the punctures time was moving on and didn’t have time to move around the centre of town for a period. Abraham Lincoln lived here for 24 years before becoming President in 1860. He was assassinated in 1866 and is buried 2 miles north of town with his wife and three of his children. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219367395031209490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKCblJ22IzwwNvyri5SHM-ReV6C8UbqL0T4YAKS6GDMhM1EibNuWHpKg6qUVYyag6Lb3X6uIL5N0qVltcIPJdXAGbpQMtpvd9kMkEXhWr__G12Ur_Cz2UmHVInTfEthKT2VRn1_tVGcw/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" />WE finally arrived at the Motel at 4 pm, took photos with high fives and off to the rooms<br />Another century and a day of level cycling for a change.Kept thinking it was Sunday all day today. A colourful day but its back to the ‘black-and-white’ tomorrow.. Still, I’m looking forward to it.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><div><strong>Heard Today:</strong> As we passed through Springfield, we were spotted by two kids playing near the roadside. The saw us approach with the cape flying</div><div>Kid 1: Hey, look, that guy looks like Superman.</div><div>Kid 2: It <strong>is</strong> Superman.</div><br /><br /><div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-37079601206343627782008-07-03T20:29:00.007-06:002008-07-03T20:50:48.769-06:00DAY 33: JULY 3: KIRKSVILLE (MO) TO QUINCY (IL)<div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Time Zone : Central (GMT -6)<br /></span>Todays Distance: 86 miles<br />Cycling time: 7 hrs 41 mins<br />Average Speed: 11.2 mph<br />Today’s cumulative ascent: 3713 ft</span></strong></div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 98 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 2407 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 81,737 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 6<br />Punctures so far: 4</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><br />Today’s Profile:</span></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218983158100019202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU-WJ5fg0R-lgkZAtKiHzTfCKg75q8-Kt_sZ_8W6iWIdvYB00SxZPpvGa4ZBerl8KQDjPoHzb2lMaXw1NpvGctya8sJpcWjWyR9AdInXiV_oa2dFZ_507Tt0DVdbN4gNQhbdaSSxr0S0/s400/July+3+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218983156505820738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJpC77bd9F9PVzRKnhOnSF4NY4f_Ydmns6KqmVdUBdcw8IxeH4reJrgwDMsIGTMCGZH_8i8-9gZQ8Zeny9ApOFAfvxVzAV3JQo05P-KdSLGwq-BxwJ1A9RZiZHw_xzKpgUmpCCVAP4Cw/s400/July+3+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYdZD4T_2OgWk7S4Fe3zq65NfyN3UG_iUK7FKkAMbtZF7J_lVVLdTjcwHFnr4H0t7D6jj-bv5ZFVPbH2nM7RF2daaKbmFExx9xXh3IqvAfLdPHUWdMhzsKF9G6INyXHR6c4NalaQojAE/s1600-h/Aristar,+Barishan,+Sumarlang,+Banrilang.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218984207052499378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYdZD4T_2OgWk7S4Fe3zq65NfyN3UG_iUK7FKkAMbtZF7J_lVVLdTjcwHFnr4H0t7D6jj-bv5ZFVPbH2nM7RF2daaKbmFExx9xXh3IqvAfLdPHUWdMhzsKF9G6INyXHR6c4NalaQojAE/s200/Aristar,+Barishan,+Sumarlang,+Banrilang.BMP" border="0" /></a><strong>Dedication:</strong> Today is for Aristar, Barishan, Sumarlang, Banrilang and all the children in Providence who have had an influence on me since 1999. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br />Our last day in Missouri and crossing the mighty Mississippi and the first of cycling in the rain.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218983141545092866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU7AeGLIL39H09lTjqDkfTtwUuEurSVga7KWgglbUjKR19qwT6jhyphenhyphenbd69-2zN72EDTfwEGEMsmMYWBgKBye7STT2j9dZQKRkGHhre-0yUWUCaEwZK4s4RZ4yMj6mk4jDehIA4GMFWfao/s400/RAIN.jpg" border="0" />Eventually it had to happen. We have had so many escapes and near misses no one really blamed the elements. Even as we loaded after breakfast the rain was falling heavily and showing no sign of letting up. But the show must go on and everyone dressed accordingly for what might be a long uncomfortable day. I wore bootees over the cycling shoes and they helped a lot. At least the rain wasn’t running down my socks into the shoe. Normally at home I wouldn’t go out in such conditions even though I ofted would be caught out in heavy rain. No room for choices this morning.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218981382884054562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09cwwse52Y-j1M15DrI63FyRyKK06Hz00TqTDmlgolqk4mopXQD0C-MN_0aDtnbZmuoI1FDjgpTIwzcgmbZvuqHX7CY4P8NAF4YjU8m8XtjV_B7a_5S4ubH_44pYxVj14ChawcKsRS3E/s400/in+rain.jpg" border="0" />However as we moved through Kirksville even though I was getting wet there was heat in the air (almost 70 degrees) and that eased the discomfort. Not near as bad as cold winter rain. No point in worrying about whether I was keeping dry or not. (See Heard Today). The sky was heavy all around and earlier the TV Weather Channel had been giving reports of heavy rains overnight.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218982076216749986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHOjGpaS7iXjQ58NZHlqyZxAGr7CaTFhMv124i5-_daWKmAYxfBBjukmF8NLC3Zf-9wqskXUwr3hqBE-Nhh5jhbFLOfNyZHptutupmcm7aq4-6lw7qJiKTdoRSyIarnSyEhTxSiBTq0A/s400/MORN+TEMP.jpg" border="0" /> Twenty minutes after departing the rain eased off and it got a bit cooler. Roads were still wet and brakes wouldn’t be as dependable as usual. No point in putting them to the test unnecessarily.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218983146701308034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4w32pHRNISRpTFqkzmhXNa4k5jme4cwBXaMT12jvytIR3XgI59e7ZPXxz_7qboJMVjBz5xZ6gRs0CZnFfMA1lmu6S3fY-JA-s_weMQMjEV4dVz0ZKkLnbXS_pAxopS6Pc5zXCER_Aeg/s400/TWO+LADS.jpg" border="0" />I decided to cycle with the more sedate element (3 of us) with no place for heroics in these conditions. I knew it would take longer but no point in arriving at the motel dead on time. So gradually the rain gear came off although the day never reached high temperatures…. stayed more or less in the 70’s all day.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218980801489111298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SUUrtL4HW_gPzEVP7dHXkTI3Cf_P3egv3wHfuRRrYmnp9F2vdB26Y7yIvyRVmM-l7eq7KacJFXQfvqJ1Q-0ckRKilPqY1Dr50nGtbXnGLItqm8_4Ljn38F7Ji5V7pLLJ_OhJDiYWsow/s400/ATTLE+BLACK.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218980805914300258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2DTRB_dL28Z7xaNO4njuTczd6QeZjfR7EYg7pjlydannIeWWLOVGTUDZ2Xe2nHL5itboPg_A3tqny-3ThNYqdSTBOR_hrroYeA9PRPJhScFfoHBWC_IINDkwOrYUlzFRR_H4pmdCWSI/s400/CATTLE+WHITE.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218980807007620098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlP7Wtey_RD4_8KWrw_Dopy8SiyHxQktGO5UWcel6iDMBXn1p7hOx-V5CohUx1ebM9kKKiDzUObLQjaQThunuSMmmIW6rPrzr_Q_nsDTIDZromTS3Fwn94_rj37WOAhmHu5_5SL5ie38/s400/CATTTLE+IN+PEN.jpg" border="0" />The route today wasn’t extraordinary. Not as much grain but plenty of soya and corn. Meadowland was extensive and a fair amount of stock in fields and in yards. In some cases, I was glad there was a strong fence between them and the camera (and cameraman). Again the first half of the day was over rolling hills..up then down then up again etc. Just keep the head down, pedal on and don’t assume this is the last one.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218981381903819378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HjsZZmgVZS2xfc0DViCYqfCDsijQeu8pMu1bZgCBQgaF5RCnRh1UZcplBZSTiAFfiUQjWNXV9vYYopg51Ms6Im73m8aorlCWh-_HYoptEHkqKg6oVUkvPWRxPhyphenhyphenwTOfeKu_NLiP_cP0/s400/HAY.jpg" border="0" />Hay in round bales mostly was common with many wrapped and lined up in the farm yards. Apparently the rain came suddenly yesterday evening with tractor and all abandoned in the field like the Marie Celeste. No hay making today and none tomorrow either…. Independence Day<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N5NMED11W8E8AMp1vKEpLWsETh5oGpYnno5yA-UYMz_20ibW9jIPzXVyLN5e_yOSWYjiCpIfP3nCLWSmse_VsTHoSrfMlJH9QrKd6R7SQnu7j-8bUjUEolRCLGEzsbU7QkUdyTmuz78/s1600-h/city.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218985264253060418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N5NMED11W8E8AMp1vKEpLWsETh5oGpYnno5yA-UYMz_20ibW9jIPzXVyLN5e_yOSWYjiCpIfP3nCLWSmse_VsTHoSrfMlJH9QrKd6R7SQnu7j-8bUjUEolRCLGEzsbU7QkUdyTmuz78/s200/city.jpg" border="0" /></a>We kept off busy Highway 6 and passed through some very small towns or cities according to the limit sign complete with the population. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218983150167302434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH93Gzx8cMNjOJ81Sn29haw4TjBCGcZDxm0uyRrmO5gC7_mEMUdBeHybbsp0pZS7SBR6ijqBl7Xao_JPrmt4G7g5mPw9RzH7kuyaabtjS63KVFnqByOAMfoKhdKBfXRv_VaykpYOjYtAo/s400/WILLIAMSTOWN.jpg" border="0" />Williamstown could have been busier where we made a brief stop. All shops seemed empty except the Post Office and that wasn’t open. Gas station didn’t have customers for years and only a lonely drinks machine on the forecourt.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218980795474114034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMnggntkujkXbqxsXyxMkxrOjjGfzkO8EPPbG2F-NtAeibbAa1tfjAlsp_WqaP13wPLw44VlDcJaRfHP1IVM133VhWDqjKSwmwhawJI3cLY_cMJcOjKzPr2iJm_ZJlscdWOHF1WdIHdc/s400/ADAIR.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218980798231584082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOhZnemlNX2bRQ8PlBtk5nyE5UMiRfBZbwrU_Pfa_PskTtiqWxIT3wYyv0rZiiNJXZaTPm1OpT1UOd-uKhilLyse_ztdj0TOzO7pnU1AquES9_HeJ9sgzG9hwV1J7wQZ1tVdNPhua084/s400/ADAIR+CHURCH.jpg" border="0" /> Adair was a pretty little place with a scenic church …. sounds familiar. We had our first SAG in Baring and the local bank building, Baring’s Bank was in ruins …. sounds familiar also. All human life is here.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218982069884181074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl074kCvSgL0MT59Xy12M5uQQDA6k5Q4D6EB7gyq4c06IbjdETXKZvMKujOEwUVuDwitTyaRdarPnCv8_KVvF-MtYvMr1ns3m4DxW1XtSbQ24vyV8q7LMuWCNUafwu6g0HrKnekU2LLI/s400/MISS+SAND+BAGS.jpg" border="0" />After 82 miles we dropped down to the Mississippi and came face to face with the millions of sand bags built up as a levee. Levels are dropping back by now but all the signs are still there … silt on the road.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218981394317222194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrZAYFSMiLMj0gVHKZFmcf_WYd7YsTkQU3TOTpPcFIQ7Ly8xC6vhiju0SBqZcPoYkBe3qTadimNFs9YFlUBtX3fKSg5siKQF7Wc-QFgw9PQT8cIeEMGOcoZKoU_rXd7awr-ZjPTv0eu4/s400/MISS+CORN.jpg" border="0" />The corn down here on the low ground is thriving on the moisture in the ground and it is more advanced than anything else we’ve seen. Earlier in the day we came on fields that were under water near the Fabius River which we criss-crossed many times.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218982074723951378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5vizrzUF79gNB40wI_YHNtDPTGORkN6kxMpuaSu0PZq9NZm10Qj1_dCrmNJioZ7ZklU08YV1bLKnJgyizJghwZ-AxifZUYJ0nwHR2-YvZIq2fKPbroHb60w4cGmjzKjNFT6jwkDcrGY/s400/MISS+WAIT.jpg" border="0" />Usually this cycle crosses the Mississippi on a ferry. The river can be a mile wide in places. But the ferries are not running and will not be for another three months. The bridges … two in Quincy have no shoulder and are very busy with all the trucks. Cycling across would be reckless so the SAG wagons shuttled us across in groups from Taylor. It did mean a wait for the wagon to return but it afforded the opportunity to relax … it was now 4 pm.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218981388117965682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyaBpHo9ShKLn6OPXxfWT9thZ1AYC8vqJhi9UTtJdm9S2owGXtDEk6B_Ce72sGr2oO6_OpzbFb2QAycjDD0IxLadwMkYNue_xKUSK7wZ3m0wJXexDwOY7QOSYkO0wY1mMhsYtxcypkRI/s400/MISS+BIKES+UP.jpg" border="0" />Front wheels were whipped off the bikes, loaded up on top and then the short run over the Centennial Bridge (south) into Quincy. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218981396216361922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ3DqIYFJ3fGOf8keUxxMqewoC5WbbLNb5D5PSXiblo_ULM0nHT9bX5OPyIJY10upQpFT_tB-J3qpj4VlOhYm-xlrgqUQ35v9Ng_n6FKl5HmykMIi-jqilTXjmbmA5JeQBOn0rmbipdA/s400/MISS+BRIDGE.jpg" border="0" />It is a massive river and running fast. You could just imagine the devastation when the levees gave way. The down-side of the shuttle across was that we passed the ‘Welcome to Illinois’ sign. Pity to have missed that photo opportunity. Wheels back on to the bikes in a flash and just about 5 more miles to go.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218982081723421858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcglv8L71OeqNkfryUGX8Fxzlkiyc9isbJFvjFnq6gOoYTPRuzRfjFjJdcJhmT2xApeXt8vFt-5oiNqmr_BFcq1DY5ic6Sq-ttJ9e-tuzm0lkJlRx_6h4Ypp-ASfzLBba6pAQehWAywkw/s400/QUIN+TRAFFIC.jpg" border="0" />Now we were definitely on the eastern side of the US.Would it be different? How would it be different? Within 10 minutes I noticed that traffic was more cut-throat and less cautious than before. At lights cars cut across in front if there was the slightest gap; one pick-up truck driver pulled out sharply in front of me causing me to swerve sharply (and shout) to avoid a collision; another car as it passed was heard to shout ‘get off the road’ at us. It really put us on guard rather quickly. We’ll definitely start cautiously tomorrow.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218982080728569778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHB49uR2D0ZH1OxY4X2UQlCBtlMRXa96_46DJCsK7_B4HEFvEkTGvIqmpzzGsKCLCoTVpmAO4zlTQCJGh3Ohxb2yj_s_C6fDTHGZhD7F8luA-OWufdlTfKcJGcJQqIEE5au5RYAGbHVc/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" /> Our group, now swollen to four, arrived at the motel at 4.20 pm and it was nice to have a hot shower before Route Rap. Dinner was at a Chinese Buffet and it was lovely. I’m not into Chinese food but I ate what I liked and I liked what I ate. I couldn’t name what I had but it was delicious. Wouldn’t mind if we go Chinese again.<br /><br />Enjoyed the day. The countryside didn’t present anything exotic but still plenty to be noted. Would have loved to actually cycle over the Mississippi but that is secondary to safety. And all keyed up for tomorrow. Still as eager for the bike each morning as at the early stages. I had expected a drudge-factor to enter the scene at some point but no sign of it yet. Hope I don’t have to eat my words.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><div><br /><strong>Heard Today:</strong> As consolation when setting out in the rain ‘ Remember, you can only get soaked once’ </div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-43367429745790723622008-07-02T20:46:00.009-06:002008-07-02T21:09:48.384-06:00DAY 32: JULY 2: CHILLICOTHE (MO) TO KIRKSVILLE (MO)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Time Zone : Central (GMT -6)</span><br />Todays Distance: 95 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 39 mins<br />Average Speed: 16.8 mph<br /></span></strong><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 4565 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 118 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 2321 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 78,024 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 6<br />Punctures so far: 4 </span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><br />Today’s Profile:</span></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218618942364350994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBNZaQjx9eYQuDHsAp6j9MX9m7Yz9he4UoSJArcIF6r769IULrSAfK6dUVpoWN3t8Q5TjIbhTtUqySw4LcwKXRdFiw5g02B_JuuTzLwGzydwL0gzGd_jk22dzTA_YZkvefBVkhTSHMBY/s400/July+2+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218618942397740194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPDIWXgfXG2oCoHSiPH5KziNhm234rTQowhnOrIGPITf4TcCbXGMOKxmLkAblVg6n7oxui7IOklA5W61-GkPxaABYMyRoy5WhdkdUgxCg-sGJ2tmUN2q6kIu1gIoVvF_uc6RAFzZwtA8/s400/July+2+route.BMP" border="0" /><br /> <strong>Dedication:</strong> Today is for Michael Ryan and J J O’Dwyer who have travelled to Shillong with Abbey India Project and have done so much to encourage and to empower local communities there.<br /><br />Starting this morning I was excited about the prospects for the day. I was planning to make a short side journey to visit Tipperary, Missouri. It was also Day 32 so something surely was in store. There was …….. a reminder of home.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218614060494482450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmK1N9AaZu-R12-4e7RhXeqak1simms5DyUaIovgr1t0G5FE4BOqKDv18xRfX49Obd9LJQjXfBiiVPtBPaNp1WRtURSqX-1Wpj2fvF1nXEdzhDPCAGS-IM4EFpj1-B-HD_Yc2tHMqryU/s400/LEAVING.jpg" border="0" />We left Chillicothe before 7 am and took CR ‘V’. the morning was quite dark and we knew that storms were brewing somewhere. Skies were overcast and quite a few riders had their rear red blinkers on. Heavy drops were falling but not enough to warrant rain-gear. One would have got as wet by sweating up in the gear as we were in the raindrops. A sure reminder of home, from what I hear.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218614086960258114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKsnZ6Xbh96bDiENDPmy-pVn8YjuzGztFruIXn7xj01_nOsJcJUQ1n3shUC688ECcgAZRONWna8bbHVOlRBWWhQnDYQHuYhlAMXttJRwu0ymQ2z1EuxzEFFG5oU9py-WSHIwtRmhtSYU/s400/SKYLINE.jpg" border="0" />Not much work would be done in the meadows of Misssouri today and the machinery stood idle. A short period in the early afternoon turned sunny and began to throw a few shadows. This inclement weather assured me that indeed I was close to Tipperary. It seemed that the day couldn’t make up its mind what to do and that suited us fine. We could hear thunder far off to our right. This type of storm activity had been forecast since the weekend.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218614064829964754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlJ2FC0wyTfaX9mbCchppHzzHKuiQew4z7cjSBzDkEbLvdl05M2__JAoz_OOwfFh3QYRq_w202-gNPGHKk3PGZzu7D8Yz2QTPgFFHeNJpvtCwfoSnIUeh2YAyk62PwUY8cm2GDazT8Ys/s400/ROUGH+ROADS.jpg" border="0" />Another puncture today. The fourth in 32 days….can’t complain. The roads again were uneven especially where there was evidence of flooding recently. Cracks ran across the road and I reckon that I got a pinch-flat as I hit one of them hard. No sign of any thorn or steel in the tyre. Didn’t take long to replace the tube and luckily the SAG wagon came along so I could use the foot-pump. In fact it was Gerard, the resident mechanic, who gave it all the finishing touches. Roads were rough but not as bad as the road from the Rosy Cross down to Donaskeigh.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218618635671117682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzhvRun9ggirFWBticBD65s_BnONKgIK-kCcQytY4V3vADWpUBblBdS8K4lSZo6n3jqWXVDmC8vydjcxBmyQvjrWlYgO98Vrz7gCyJDTv3m2OrhDKyEM1sLAxOCTiiWgSKm3ypVQg4tA/s400/group.jpg" border="0" />This morning I set off with Gary and Deb and Forest as I wanted to make up some time to visit Tipperary. We kept up a smart pace exceeding 16 mph even though we were on rolling hills again. The touch of rain didn’t slow down the pace and by noon I was at the 74 mile mark and ready to depart from the scheduled route. No one else was on for this bit of a detour…. I didn’t expect there would be.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218614091125702722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvMNnwu5gUpm2HWAQzlV22L_xAkRmOHPZTd8l2z8lxkfZ0zFJf01A4VlYvG8ypc_okVqVg6h6qP68SRzOU6Gmguj-jBEVNtj589T66GGzVz3Y9mrcWnK7YsNHcA72HuJT1xNXnfA_F0E/s400/TIPP+APPROACH.jpg" border="0" />Tipperary involved a 5.5 mile side trip on K road. I had checked it out on maps.google last night and knew what to expect. The K road went through lovely wooded countryside….oak, hickory and sycamore, and more grassland than soya beans or corn.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218615388140025954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3TTWoYw747MoW7ofudFzfVdgMmfQzh7xSaM-3DZIjqZsvHNiXLk-ZZtYsk2tPUUXEY4q9mhEc4BXG_12lQ3K3GtmmnMj58sySxfwFBnV3hV2Cd-OzbumvXbPevldLfLCPAoDLt8k2oQ/s400/TIPP+JUNCT.jpg" border="0" />All that remains of Tipperary now is a junction with two houses, the Fischers and the Ledfords. It is also called Midland and Ida. Midland because the Midland Mining Company owned a lot of the coal mines in the locality and they put up the houses for the miners. Midland is the name on the signpost but the older residents still refer to it as Tipperary. Originally (till 1930’s) there were 31 houses here and all of the same design.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218615391696126274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeARRLgW-n0W4j8m7jlViLRc-JPnJ1R4zpDtLV1ShFsZfxDA-wMYNqU3IoRpcPVUONPbArxRZJby60XMlGb2a3SaZlWct2e_m4oksHDNYszv-heWOuWLMMnoGgvhy10sLNSHEQ4eclpNk/s400/TIPP+MINERS+HOUSE.jpg" border="0" />Square, four rooms and a pyramid roof. The two remaining are original with a back section added on and renovated. The other houses were moved to other mining locations. I saw the map of the plots as they were before the place almost disappeared.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218616452912139730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMK5CkeiqHLLrOFqkdgmAqK-X9tpcQP8B0Q8UYeqEz48eMrwRfuf7jNPEI0QuZ6yYTNB40cbw14oYik1lp6GGFR4KzbrGrLzBtaLRclCT7Gb8iIO9j-6fzDURLiQoqrPeZPmwBCCzjnx8/s400/TIPP+SCHOOL.jpg" border="0" />Coal mining was big in this locality and miners were brought in from various parts of Europe and added colour to the culture of the area. Each miner had a disc with his number on it and nailed it to his wagon of coal as he sent it up. On that basis he was paid. I got one of those and another is being sent on. I saw one other of the miner’s houses in some disrepair and the old school in nearby Salisbury.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218615381967150050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7ff4DZr9cHAk77M1uJ3tLG9-CIRQwhmg_pCzilOq2asK0EwNYHr4pzKQZ1V3-GXUJPm3_Y1RNg754fWX2JxddpFyWV_BVNl9OC2Fwe8HasblX3Cf5fmWWYXU9aDs6-_ZM9coabM3KZM/s400/TIPP+FISCHERS.jpg" border="0" />I called enquiring to Fischers but they have just moved in. Across to Ledford’s but not a lot of information there but she directed me to a house 1.5 miles back the road.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218616458685411778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqlJ96D8JaReUh55-5KXLEX0t0g9CNTSfJHz-AM5GO-806CJFQauCxUmBVPUOxgXaF4EawUCeiuGMOqh6YxSH-AHTA2NWcXmIgvoXFTJVSFp7b7_MYd9leJTXmahyj5irWR57FgDxwv4/s400/TIPP+VIEW.jpg" border="0" />As I neared this house an oncoming car flagged me down as a cyclist and offered his back porch as a place to rest and enjoy the view (magnificent) while he was off to town on an errand. Very kind of him. I thanked him but said that I was looking for the people with all the knowledge of Tipperary. ‘That’s my Ma and Pa. You’re from Tipperary, Ireland!’ He swung the car around and brought me in. Unfortunately his parents weren’t in just then. Probably be back soon.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218615394224615410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJvoLkp2jWId5r1p7TiCZeey1FlCKdrgYLGqZSra7lgQAJil2oyJzvEEYbs1idwsnBUQgQGUv6NJDorwuHDLSHVh8IKLNfk3UTQ-6tg_8s9m0CRlrg7AHzeOEGQVoy9YyhmW0HXV_bWE/s400/TIPP+RICK+AND+SELF.jpg" border="0" />He was Rick Stanford and his parents Margie and Ellis. Ellis has just had bypass surgery at 85 and wasn’t up to chatting but he had maps and document dealing with the mining days of Tipperary. Rick (married for 41 years) gave me a quick synopsis and then had to get to the bank, but I was to relax on the back porch for about 30 mins.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218614094771129858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nvltXzEKyemSuuQcMfOQMVethjnHB_ABVotSY88suLAoCGpnrCCsyNOhCSn9uA1Rgwuq-KijoafavYucjCTyu5UTsTSJsn4uhx5XJ0H7mcaN4twldx36PmmKo4HxZo0fuiKb51SxUuc/s400/TIPP+BACK+PORCH.jpg" border="0" />He was back pronto and the chat continued…. I trying to get info on Tipp Missouri and he seeking the same on Tipp Ireland. He is a member of the local History Society and lived in a miners house in Tipperary for 14 years. Only sold it lately to the Fischer’s. The story behind the name is that as two miners (presumably Irish) were making their long way from the mine back up to the houses on a wet dreary winter evening, one said to the other ‘Well, tonight its’ going to be a long way to Tipperary’<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218615391759968530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM_KJGJQIF2aSs4JUGEfx4B_REyG3GdKCL5BwVedBqh5zo6O06IWyNzv4q539rxpfyQGQhxddSqED4nwEL-Xur2N5goRLU-MvUmN_MFPrTQ4bC82lnqW54Qi1fTAw2JhFsSu57qhYTMo/s400/TIPP+MARGIE.jpg" border="0" />Rick’s parents returned and I met Margie. Ellis was suffering distressing pain and just wasn’t up to talking. She (82) had yarns about the old days there and was thrilled to meet someone from the real Tipperary. Tipperary was popular in the bootlegging days as Cripple John always had a store of liquor for those willing to travel for it. I explained that the meaning of Tipperary (Tiobraid Arann) was the Wells of the Ara people and the proliferation of wells in the environs of the town. He told me there was a well outside the back door of Fischer’s where Cripple John lived and that he kept the liquor hidden in that from the Revenuers and also to keep it cool. Maybe there is a connection.<br />We exchanged addresses and information will flow each way. He gave me one of the miner’s tags and I was scalded that I had no Tipperary item to give him. This was the last thing I expected. Have to set up a twinning with Tipperary Missouri. It is shown as Tipperary on maps.google……just type in Tipperary Missouri and there she is at the junction of K and DD roads.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218617884281809778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ9XGL8eAOfZbnsPdF5aPrhcyXGfc9CbLawAGMM302vBQ86b3N423OOtaf-6SvLiZ79NPDGyiSkLU7iohYadC3deqwwv7VMgshEs25yBD0y-x_UrtT9c1YPutQjx0y3upBCbXOVOv7Yw/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" />I finally arrived at the motel in Kirksville on my own at 4.15. Kirksville is where osteopathic medicine was pioneered and is still a leading centre. The other cyclist were so keen to know how I got on. I told them that I had spoken personally to every resident of Tipperary, Missouri but would answer no further numerical questions.<br /><br />A most interesting day. Being Number 32, I just knew it would be. It may well be the start of a new link. To day I found that I was not a long way from Tipperary. Really shows the potential that is in even the title of that song. Today, for once the cycling took the back seat.<br />Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Heard Today:</strong> 'Well, how did you get on in Tipperary?' so many times since I checked in this evening.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6206032486949482691.post-31092583657837730272008-07-01T19:44:00.010-06:002008-07-01T20:26:20.427-06:00DAY 31: JULY 1: ST JOSEPH (MO) TO CHILLICOTHE (MO)<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#000099;">Time Zone : Central (GMT -6)</span><br />Todays Distance: 90 miles<br />Cycling time: 5 hrs 45 mins<br />Average Speed: 15.6 mph</span></strong> <div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Today’s cumulative ascent: 3566 ft</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Average Heart rate: 127 bpm<br /><br />Distance so far: 2226 miles</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Ascent so far: 73,459 ft.<br />Centuries so far: 6<br />Punctures so far: 3<br />Today’s Profile: </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218233960014611538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMeDVRekQpz-In1fBwdBvhUUzjny7EIQs0TteSM_lXF8ZCbXGYdp4A3j6py1Sga1FZcddhuOC85EpMs9xUMQDvtS8S2hDjojzpGwU_MhHSm64L26fK0OK5i3z9SIDgMVD_8XFiA9UYag/s400/July+1+profile.BMP" border="0" /><br />Today’s Route:</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218233969241213234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeih-ZF-kceiOL9ccHEAxva24uJk7V_qcmKIP_9ybj2guE56Lh03TCQKAehAHIDdqLriSYaP-jMFm24xXqCbLBTrSelCtLGpPx9nfP3CXkdAr1JqoVgLjR35nHZv5NKmN_vbbZZtM3lEw/s400/July+1+Riute.BMP" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cvwkZPbAbk0wq68jt1HP2v_YQkWcJNP7zZsEBe-0vqaeSAtJkkeizZRFLO-MI9DKeZhbA2CXho4OkrOcXsSCZnOrc9cx0Vt9K2HDrEIVx0MKjPSmpMfkQ3N16y2c4iWHnPhEd7OgFpQ/s1600-h/Peter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218235588442592370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cvwkZPbAbk0wq68jt1HP2v_YQkWcJNP7zZsEBe-0vqaeSAtJkkeizZRFLO-MI9DKeZhbA2CXho4OkrOcXsSCZnOrc9cx0Vt9K2HDrEIVx0MKjPSmpMfkQ3N16y2c4iWHnPhEd7OgFpQ/s200/Peter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJReJvYQzv5L12LKvrVUMlt8ZzE0GaA72qwqy1Z547dDCOV3Nn2nt_DloMBRtQbPFz0JZhDIpAqz04GE66T8X91kMeLAdouf7fvO0fMWqTa5A_NHGagpHkrKZDNLTP3k6Uy2mLHfxJHPo/s1600-h/steve.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218235583646485570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJReJvYQzv5L12LKvrVUMlt8ZzE0GaA72qwqy1Z547dDCOV3Nn2nt_DloMBRtQbPFz0JZhDIpAqz04GE66T8X91kMeLAdouf7fvO0fMWqTa5A_NHGagpHkrKZDNLTP3k6Uy2mLHfxJHPo/s200/steve.jpg" border="0" /></a>Dedication:</strong> Today is for Br Steve and Br Peter in St Edmunds and all the other Brothers on St Edmund’s campus who have contributed to our experiences. And for Br Dinny (RIP) who made us feel so much at home there always. God reward you all. Thank you<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Back on the road again after a relaxing Rest Day and all very keen to get going. We have four new riders – Leslie and Virginia (GA) on a tandem who did the first half last year and Joe and Danny, a grandfather/grandson pair (Joe on a recumbent). Shortly after 7 am we set out from St Joseph (referred to as St Joe locally) on Route 6 East.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218229648271117458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f2LAPz5Qz29KSWdWJHzHJVCnQ-aXKkSBmrUYEnXuddGI31ve3HkaBYBDiyS2GsI53a59d6P4hAf5xeg9Wp2stXG-tkhKjzurmxkIbEVftLerafvMztVbAjP2OwggbqGqHKTuTQgrlEM/s400/LEAVING.jpg" border="0" />As usual the low morning sun was in our eyes for the first few miles. I needed a quick job done on the rear hub before setting out. A quick tightening and the play in the back wheel was rectified. Assuming that I was the last to leave I pedalled off attempting to catch up with the usual group. Only later in the morning did I find out that they were behind the luggage trailer fixing a flat for another cyclist. (I didn’t remember what I’d heard about assume.) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218230891512189906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYwPpnMH-Ow4WtJadQyFXDku2PmEyLHLCxdbPvcAh6SRo9sWZGbLE_dQyNq-QWHv4i02HDOOJVpcMrbvuR989olANrftSIp7PkdiL96aSNH82RrzME7n6waD_CixF6FnCwHHjPjq263Y/s400/ROLLING.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218229642777498866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RzBF116af8Wl0oFqcQwt9v2_CqsfKFpBPW5h_GvyiHHRQkPB0hLTf6U231h8fOkpqrnJT-nnfCqopMYMhqk7STWhlHJnaXQaM4Pi-jJDDiEuv9if0i88-HdQ-RAOV3qhoWrScPmPYY8/s400/FLOODS+2.jpg" border="0" />Soon the group gradually broke into the usual sub-groups and we were back on the rolling flint hills. In Nevada I got a new understanding of the words vast and infinity. Here in Missouri I’m getting a deeper insight into everlasting. These rollers are everlasting – they come at you like the waves on the seashore. One after another after another etc. we had 50 miles of them. It was an advantage to ride alone in that I could descend at my own pace and use the momentum to climb the next one. None of them were too long, but everlasting.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218228663599702770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd5PR_NXdhlAoUiVuWbbwUvsHs0WoVDJeFfPGaWE0lFBmRNVUvyBpPR8SSsnffdlDEoZ7Ej4Hu2CpypvM8WZuy8yg2G75HQU3cfjQaMTU6caYR67nO8aYLeVNTw7QbdiMC-xLlCooBjc/s400/dog.jpg" border="0" />As the last section of the cycle finished off, so did this section begin. Dogs. I couldn’t but think of the Baha Men song ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’. At about the 16 mile mark two brutes came out from the right and proceeded to have an early lunch. Again, I decided not to go for the camera but burst into a sprint and left them in my wake. My sprinting is improving as a result. 3 miles further on two more appeared and repeated the process. Eventually these gave up the chase possibly because of the sprint or that they understood Irish or didn’t like the shaking of fists or just because of my persuasive personality. Saved again. Dogs appeared again at the 40 mile mark but only gave token chase. I think word had spread on www doggie.com to leave the lad with the Providence shirt alone; you haven’t a chance.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5lHxMMYYH8d6HgeFXb-3yr4IBfUT8aIL7f79c7CQljFSNZs0eA_EAhxeF00-8XzoZBy-JNTsacc-jJgevME4LTOUH4bKeUysn2vXAnOJa9w-iilQ3BEbACd5170O5we0Kg5EOIhUTic/s1600-h/AUBRETIA,+COUNTRYSIDE.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218232417795821570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="240" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5lHxMMYYH8d6HgeFXb-3yr4IBfUT8aIL7f79c7CQljFSNZs0eA_EAhxeF00-8XzoZBy-JNTsacc-jJgevME4LTOUH4bKeUysn2vXAnOJa9w-iilQ3BEbACd5170O5we0Kg5EOIhUTic/s320/AUBRETIA,+COUNTRYSIDE.jpg" width="370" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKOZUdB3qFtJ81h45J8bNJyW858qJcF6PB0_B_6Y_Q8uQ28hQmrju15uncXeZb2r0en7jUSB_DhTXlbCxuhcwkB3TVlacrF-Znb9kUF5_Pwx8qRX3RW8ejbxtXKdphlBBzUSs6GvgPwc/s1600-h/FLOWERS+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218232983197571554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="320" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKOZUdB3qFtJ81h45J8bNJyW858qJcF6PB0_B_6Y_Q8uQ28hQmrju15uncXeZb2r0en7jUSB_DhTXlbCxuhcwkB3TVlacrF-Znb9kUF5_Pwx8qRX3RW8ejbxtXKdphlBBzUSs6GvgPwc/s320/FLOWERS+1.jpg" width="264" border="0" /></a><br />More than any other day I noticed flowers along the way. Granted there was a lot of meadows on both sides (as well as soya at the early stages). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_VkHYW0rCfmlP2AHmZr-wQoA_crZjdiAtaC7h97eqLYHeJeARfyfEmnNIVugJRtrlWCyEaH6_tUDQakyPzWppSfeypR38GhoJa_-KHeQJHU00fC28nBzySYYqkSjh1VLvDf4XRpb00A/s1600-h/FLOWERS+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218232429659411826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="240" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_VkHYW0rCfmlP2AHmZr-wQoA_crZjdiAtaC7h97eqLYHeJeARfyfEmnNIVugJRtrlWCyEaH6_tUDQakyPzWppSfeypR38GhoJa_-KHeQJHU00fC28nBzySYYqkSjh1VLvDf4XRpb00A/s320/FLOWERS+2.jpg" width="294" border="0" /></a>The milkweed (<em>left</em>)was plentiful and still in flower. When a stem is broken a milky substance quickly appears. Later in the season after flowering, pods form and burst open in August scattering seeds like the dandelion. It is a great favourite with the Monarch butterfly, the best known of the North American butterflies.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-NQoivmISqCWgsmdygb6mE1ryhkOaIXj_EprnHoBsZGPzYopcweKWy0mA_vB1vF2QS8vMihS8wRuFosPNGcdNZ6-nghD3QYDnjnosWeUgh5NssbbBES1Br1qdwUQvrh-ebIe9obKK00/s1600-h/FLOWERS+1.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218229638929298530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrqpUKjKBEePasiamKEztTVj5n6obKzzGA7n31L5e8-eFwoacf0iWzAFWOJIfPJ0RupjlV_I1eRW1Bomo3OG849q5E43xlkBXGSN9Ma3AUqzZZb8TKwUUkII14AiHU5VjnmgPeGk3oYA/s400/FLOODS+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218229638831505042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANN9jF-bTGJBsCeR6ktf9bOz_zRX4DsmUP_Ao3E-QisihBH9lcD3A0gqD8tsBEVh8CPBA34OnyEGI-mOl_YuvRuxmpHcKTsuVCCulEiwVOWzyTljutlKkavkBtVtHqpYmiRelxrGlfRo/s400/FLOODS+3.jpg" border="0" />We are coming near to the Mississipi and today we saw the first of the flooding just before we came to Chillicothe near to the Thompson River. Floods were on both sides of the road and fields were still under a considerable amount of water. I thought that the surfaces of the roads near the end of the cycle were rough possibly also as a spin-off of the flooding. The ferries that usually take trucks etc over the river are out of commission for the next 3 months. Our bikes will be transported across as the bridges are unsafe for cycling due to the increased vehicular traffic.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218228644517528066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXZC5h3Uk5o2DMyeSrSe8GeEb-m6Cgg67aM6KQssGoUFYQxgEv8Vs-4mBMlthtkVXzYXh2SemC9UXf3vV8v65Gl9Z0dnMtFBjpVmHRhUQBVPlvJI9rLJc_sQCQVDsolAh5HOA3y1GGkQ/s400/AMISH+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218228645516172626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iipq9w6Hup_LjGGiehh2NYCuLDIbnCWS89raoKvlDdw8xG5KczrneJZt5rrYui6nE9RKrO_m9lcy7KJK6kCNYyHytKpHtEsxWUGEu1wuyzuBuAQ3lPd0YMyVVKcB0P23gAb0sGn22XE/s400/AMISH+2.jpg" border="0" /> Our second SAG was in Jamesport where there is a large Amish community an Anabaptist denomination found mostly in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. They use horses for farming and transportation, dress in a traditional manner and forbid electricity or telephones in the home even zippers are shunned. The aesthetic value is one of plainness with absolutely no ostentation. A large number of carts were up and down the street while we were at the SAG.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218230898597889042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1_CpexQGyJ4B_pW3cAiu4wgOs7NMtlpq4HTfLEcMQk85LSwjXFHJYK4S9t3arVEm4Q01ipUxsfHa-7Bbc6KQFMmgfsbGnzY7DbRfuWMc23oj_wPYfthdN-FE8jdcu5SXRv-OvXnAPqM/s400/TIPP.jpg" border="0" />Just as I came out of a confectionary shop in Jamesport after treating myself I met two men an as is usual they enquired where were off to, where we started and where we all came from. I told him ‘from Tipperary, you probably heard of the song’. He ( the one in the yellow top) told me there was a Tipperary up near his place about 74 miles away. Nice to hear but pity it was so far, especially for a bike. He said it was just a few houses now, used to be a mining town. I found out later that it is just 5 miles off our route tomorrow, so I intend doing the bit extra to pay a visit and conduct a twinning ceremony with Tipperary, Missouri. More about this tomorrow, hopefully.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218228659771912530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBSXXJGtSLfVaS2FPA7YoFtP3Fx3gGv20p67VOStrFyFPL-dXgc_n9uGLPy_g9tBx3yiFXgDgVh9Yctk0o6Vr3E195LE3phQFkW19nv8mTpEPTGwj9Vc3wHh8AS6YGKC00mUGtdPZ9sc/s400/CHILLI+2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218228655852100258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCuQZGXzCMb3eXdHFl7txTSpqcQ4JJS-y83R3LXi4wzyTbfd9CRIq2YcPlQLUhMaafMssgyszXzebleoXwniLwEgFs2rvsnizagpu2ZQ_QgJgSu6HS3qpxU-ddINcjQOHsDgeTYaVmKo/s400/CHILLI+1.jpg" border="0" />Destination after 90 miles appeared in the town of Chillicothe (pop 9000). Chillicothe prides itself as the Home of Sliced Bread and a large mural on the Main St proclaims that pride. Sliced bread was first offered for sale here in 1928. The town capitalises on its claim by offering themed t-shirts, aprons, posters and even candles that give off the fragrance of freshly baked bread.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218229649753593922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4DCYA6xIN_RHgErveoMWOYDaZpph62uHVL-bil8VP4Q3y0BJFiWHMRWtVDN7ziwFOxJ97GtL9TUa7GnM8pehZB8YzBgWxhG5ifN8OLUugKEBs7ouVvokLRCEQGt8ghBDBY1YvuaRD5E/s400/MOTEL.jpg" border="0" />For the last two segments of todays cycle I joined up with Gary (Il) and Forest (MD) and we kept up a respectable pace for the period. We arrived at the Best Western Motel at 2.30 when the temperature was reading 88 degrees.<br /><br />Felt good to be back on the bike again after the lay-off. An up and down day literally but enjoyable. The wind left us alone but not the dogs. I look forward to tomorrow and visiting Tipperary.<br /> Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.<br /><br /><strong>Seen Today:</strong> Possibly as a result of the downturn in property, one ranch had its name in large letters over its entrance ‘El Rancho Bankruptus’Richard Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12764949083804021502noreply@blogger.com9