August 3, 2008 New Waterford, OH to Washington, PA 62 miles (62)

Definitely a slow start today; we didn’t get on the road until 8:10 am. I got PLENTY of sleep last night (see August 2nd entry) so I am well rested for the hills promised on today’s route.

Shortly after riding out of the campground, Bob and Kathleen were off to the side on the road. Bob had a flat tire and he was only half a mile from camp. What a lousy way to start the day! Other factors that impacted our ride – a tailwind all day, hills, partly cloudy skies, hills, small towns, hills, comfortable temperatures, and more hills! Today’s ride was beautiful…

Here are some impressions that struck me as the miles rolled under my wheels:
• Is there a problem setting up a rest stop in a cemetery? It was done and one woman was obviously upset about our choice of setting. The cemetery we were at was the final resting place of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. His story of heroism on D-Day was very moving.
• Speaking of cemeteries…Is there a problem with a sign placed just outside a cemetery that advertises “Clean Fill Wanted”. Just wondering….?
• As for signs – there was a billboard on the side of a building that advertised “American Foods” and just under it added “German Meat Specialties”.
• We passed by a cemetery named “Mount Prospect’. Until now the only Mount Prospect I was familiar with was the town neighboring Arlington Heights.
• Pennsylvania has more hills than Ohio.
• Dewayne has troubles getting out of restaurants. Two doors were next to each other near the exit of our lunch break. One door, a solid wood door was labeled “Private”, the other, with glass had an exit sign overhead and near the handle a label to “Push”. Dewayne was insistent, he kept trying to exit out of the “Private” door, much to our amusement!
• I wonder how many insects, dead and/or alive, I have transported across state lines in my tent.
• When this ride is over I’m going to bronze my riding shoes, burn my clothes, and rebuild my bicycle.
• Campground facilities (bathrooms) vary widely in quality.
It’s nice to have Dad and Joan call to see how the ride is going…I’m glad they are following the blog (mine and others) – no matter how dull they may seem!