Day 45 supposedly the most difficult day of the BIG RIDE

A colorful sunrise...God of wonders! (Pictures do not do it justice by any means!)

Bridgett has told us repeatedly how today's ride from Bedford to Gettysburg is the "final exam" as it is the most technically difficult day of riding on the BIG RIDE. However, after riding for the past 6 weeks, I feel as I am in much better shape for riding and thus today's 102 mile ride did not seem like the most difficult day. Vantage to Odessa or the day into Missoula was the hardest for me personally.

I really enjoyed today's ride especially the first 50 miles full of climbing. Early into the ride 9 of us ended up taking a wrong turn.


We were able to connect up with the route without backtracking thanks to GPS! Nothing like a few extra bonus miles when you are already biking a century plus!

The afternoon was incredibly hot and humid, so it made for more difficult riding conditions.



But nothing a little elbow grease couldn't fix.

Perhaps a future goal?




Welcome to Gettysburg!

Day 44: Confluence to Bedford, PA

Today's ride felt good! (bonus: No knee pain!) 31 miles of trail riding with Sam. Then rolling hills and long climbs. Loved the 6 mile descent with 9% grade. And also loved the fact that we all ended up safely at the bottom. Big dump trucks on the roads today and they do not tend to slow down. As cyclists, we must be careful as these vehicles can create a gust of wind that can easily blow us around or off the road if we are not careful.


Amy and the View from Mt Ararat


At mile 55, we visited the United 93 Memorial. Although it is currently under construction, it is a moving memorial. I felt as if visiting this memorial made 9/11 take on a more personal meaning. I realized the gravity of these attacks on America and the courage of the crew and passengers onboard United 93.

"A common field one day, a field of honor forever."

Day 43: Washington to Confluence, PA (8/2/2010)

Today's ride seemed to have 2 distinct components...and one ridiculous attraction.

The first 30 miles had many hills. Two huge ones that I can recall. I experience quite the burn in my lungs and legs climbing (see photo below...)


Sam, Evonne, and Amy finishing the climb! Nice work!

I do enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of climbing. Climbing presents a very real and tangible goal.

At mile 36.8 in West Newton, we hopped on a rails to trails bike trail and we followed this trail all the way into camp at mile 88.4. The average grade was 0.212% and we were 1,353 ft above sea level by the time we reached Confluence. Once on the trail, I seemed to struggle maintaining 10mph. My legs felt tired...it took me 7hours 40 minutes to complete today's ride.




Thankfully I had a fabulous riding partner, Amy, and we laughed a lot! At times we were laughing so hard we had a difficult time pedaling and staying on the trail. Laughter is good and to be able to laugh at myself is healthy! For instance, while riding on the trail, I asked Amy why the river was flowing in the opposite direction. She informed me that rivers tend to not flow uphill ;)


On today's ride we crossed the 3000 mile mark!

And the ridiculous attraction was the Monongahela Aquatorium - an auditorium next to the river.

Amy is super pumped! Two thumbs up!

Evonne was too busy following her cue sheet as we arrived at this attraction that she fell off her bike!

Day 42: Welcome to State #11!

Sunday August 1, 2010
New Waterford, Ohio to Washington, PA
61.8 miles



Lots of climbing today. Many long rolling hills. I do enjoy climbing. Rode most of the day solo. Considering poor road quality, narrow or non-existent shoulders and lots of hills, I prefer to have a clear view ahead of me and space behind me.

Entered Pennsylvania -state #11 today. No sign yet again, but I did get a photo of the Ohio sign upon my exit.



Rode past 2 nuclear power plants near Midland, PA.


Andrew gave the power plant a thumbs up and a grimace?


Not completely sure how I feel about nuclear power...

Day 41 Burton to New Waterford, Ohio

Today was a pleasant, casual 58.6 mile ride with rolling hills.


And Pink Barns!

We encountered this billboard during the ride and needed to record it...who knows maybe a BIG RIDER will take him up on the offer?!?

(Evonne was quick on the draw!)


I liked the looks of this building in Warren, Ohio.

At our lunch stop in Canfield, a gentleman stated with suprise and sarcasm, "You are riding across the country thru Canfield?" Too funny!


Evonne, Sam, and Amy relaxing after lunch

When I arrived at our destination, I opened my mail from Burton and I started to cry as I received over 30 cards of encouragement from my hockey teammate Raz and the residents of her assisted living facility. So sweet! To everyone who has sent me letters, emails, Facebook messages, and prayers - I thank you!

A well needed rest day!

After 7 continuous days of riding, I decided to splurge and stay at the Old Stone House Bed and Breakfast outside of Mesapotamia, Ohio. It was a refreshing change of pace. A few luxuries I enjoyed included: a hot shower and bath, using a stove to cook my own meals, sleeping in a bed, air conditioning, a pleasant run thru the countryside, and a long afternoon nap. Indeed, it was delightful!

I also had a blessed morning ride in a horse and buggy with an Amish family that I was introduced to the previous day. I visited with Bim and Alta's family for an hour in the morning and learned much about Amish culture. Overall, I realized we are more alike than different. Oh, it was just a pleasant experience! Enjoying each other's company and sharing stories.


Mesapotamia General Store (this the one store in town)




Fellow Big Rider Jan, Deidre, and Jan's friend Ann prior to our buggy ride.


Robbie, Bim's grandson


Enjoying my stroll thru the countryside

Day 39 Sandusky to Burton, Ohio

Today was our 7th day in a row of riding since we left Madison, Wisconsin and I was not feeling too good. I'm sure it was a combination of riding greater than 600 miles in the past week and the late nite roller coster rides at Cedar Point yesterday!

We had brief glimpses of Lake Erie as we rode thru Ohio.


We also had miles of "dreadful" rodes and urban riding in Cleveland.

Toby, Jeremy, and Chad waiting at the red light.


Deidre and Sam also waiting.


Photo Opportunity at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame


According to Charles Field, this is the largest geodesic dome.