I road 53 miles today from Madison, Indiana to New Albany, Indiana a suburb of Louisville. Unlike Madison, New Albany's down town is pretty depressed, although the community around St. Paul's Episcopal Church is nicely maintained. The ride was uneventful today.....NO LOOSE DOGS! How sweet to just ride and ride without having to stay paranoid about getting bitten.
As I rolled towards New Albany I stopped at a Huge Outdoor World Store and bought the last of my canine strategery tools: a whistle. Most of the guys in teh store suggested pepper spray or just shooting them. I allowed as how I really didn't want to hurt the dogs, just get the heck away. So we will see how the whistle works.
The dogs, however, do represent the sort of conditions under which slaved fled to freedom. My situation was mild by comparison, since I could sprint with the bike. On foot the sound of the dogs would have been more frightening.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
More Canine Strategery
More Kentucky, more dogs. About every mile and a half as I road through the farms and villages. But today I had strategery. I carried dog biscuits, pepper spray, and a nice flexible stick. The biscuits worked in most cases, sprinting worked the rest of the time, so no dogs were sprayed in the preparation of this blog entry.
There was only one really mean dog intent on biting me, but I was able to shake the little sucker. It was draining though to spend a good bit of the day running from dogs, so I changed my route to take a busier road where people might have planned to preserve the life of their pet from traffic. Riding with trucks was better than being chased by dogs.
I am now in Indiana, Madison Indiana to be exact. Nice little town. Tonight was the water fight among competing fire houses. Main street was converted into the battle grounds as men used hoses to demonstrate superiority. A good time was had by all.
We found a lovely little restaurant, joeyg's that had one drunk and a singer before we came. We enjoyed a nice dinner, the drunk left to smoke, but never returned (much to the pleasure of the owners) and the musician was delightful. All in all a good day.
There was only one really mean dog intent on biting me, but I was able to shake the little sucker. It was draining though to spend a good bit of the day running from dogs, so I changed my route to take a busier road where people might have planned to preserve the life of their pet from traffic. Riding with trucks was better than being chased by dogs.
I am now in Indiana, Madison Indiana to be exact. Nice little town. Tonight was the water fight among competing fire houses. Main street was converted into the battle grounds as men used hoses to demonstrate superiority. A good time was had by all.
We found a lovely little restaurant, joeyg's that had one drunk and a singer before we came. We enjoyed a nice dinner, the drunk left to smoke, but never returned (much to the pleasure of the owners) and the musician was delightful. All in all a good day.
Monday, June 26, 2006
A day at the dog races.
No, I did not go to see dogs raced. I raced dogs to see whether or not I could move faster then them. In the course of the 60 miles I road today I was chased by no fewer than a dozen dogs. Big dogs, little dogs, quiet dogs, loud yapping dogs, dogs that seemed caught off guard, and dogs that were sitting waiting. In all my years of riding, I have never been chased as many times as I was today.
The ride from Maysville to Dry Ridge took me through a very depressed section of Kentucky. I ran into lots of nice people, but they seem to be struggling in towns that are emptying.
The area is one of rolling hills with some valleys and long descents to waterways. The flora is lush and green and apart from dogs and cows I saw almost no other animals. I gave an interview in Falmouth, KY when the local newspaperman saw me sitting on my lovely bike.
Back to the dogs. They helped me begin to become a sprinter! More than that to have a strategic plan especially on the hills, where I was at a distinct disadvantage. Only one dog got close enough to worry me, most others gave up at their property line or responded to a firm "NO!!!!".
Tomorrow I'll move into Indiana and pick up a new river way to follow.
The ride from Maysville to Dry Ridge took me through a very depressed section of Kentucky. I ran into lots of nice people, but they seem to be struggling in towns that are emptying.
The area is one of rolling hills with some valleys and long descents to waterways. The flora is lush and green and apart from dogs and cows I saw almost no other animals. I gave an interview in Falmouth, KY when the local newspaperman saw me sitting on my lovely bike.
Back to the dogs. They helped me begin to become a sprinter! More than that to have a strategic plan especially on the hills, where I was at a distinct disadvantage. Only one dog got close enough to worry me, most others gave up at their property line or responded to a firm "NO!!!!".
Tomorrow I'll move into Indiana and pick up a new river way to follow.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Mt. Orab to Maysville
I cycled out of Mt. Orab this morning to get to one of the key spots on the Underground Railroad: Ripley, Ohio and then on to Maysville, Kentucky. Ripley was only about 30 miles down the road. At 9 am on a Sunday morning it was a quiet place, so I rode down to the water to look across at where so many slaves had crossed to freedom.
Kathleen and I linked up there briefly and she headed on south to Aberdeen and them Maysville so we could check in before any rain hit. Fortunately the rain held off. Climbing out of riverside Maysville I realized that once again, whenever you get a good descent like that coming into Ripley, you have to pay for it later.
I parked the bike and cleaned up and we went to see more of the sites using the car. I confess that his is not "pure" but it is our vacation so we will do as we please! We visited some of the slave holding places in Old Washington, toured through the sites in Maysville, places where there had been holding pens for slaves who were being sent south, etc.
The back to Ripley. We found there the homes of two giants of the Underground Railroad effort. John Parker and John Rankin. Parker was himself a freedman and his house sits right along the river. That meant that he was never free of the possibility of being grabbed and carried back into slavery.
He openly served as one of the conductors on the URR and held many people reach other conductors to the north. Parker created an iron foundry and was an inventor who holds on of the first patents issued to an African American. Parker was known for his daring, in-your-face forays into Kentucky to free slaves and bring them across. He lived a double life, of sorts, even as his notoriety caused wanted posters to be hung in KY.
John Rankin was a Prebyterian Minister who was encouraged to leave his home in Tennessee because of his views on slavery. He was bold enough to preach them aloud. He connections with people in Ripley and went into debt to build a house there. We visited just as Sunday hours were closing, but got to stand on the hill looking down at the river crossing. Rankin made it his life's work to help as many slaves as possible find freedom. Slaves from throughout Kentucky knew to cross the river and then climb the hill to Rankin's house (now called Liberty Hill) where he helped them disappear into the forest for the trip to Canada or to the communities of freed slaves in southwest Ohio. Rankin lived for many years with a bounty on his head.
We had a powerful day, standing where giant souls stood and worked. It felt like standing on the bank of the Jordan that place of liberation for Israel. Here, people found liberty, but at far greater risk.
Kathleen and I linked up there briefly and she headed on south to Aberdeen and them Maysville so we could check in before any rain hit. Fortunately the rain held off. Climbing out of riverside Maysville I realized that once again, whenever you get a good descent like that coming into Ripley, you have to pay for it later.
I parked the bike and cleaned up and we went to see more of the sites using the car. I confess that his is not "pure" but it is our vacation so we will do as we please! We visited some of the slave holding places in Old Washington, toured through the sites in Maysville, places where there had been holding pens for slaves who were being sent south, etc.
The back to Ripley. We found there the homes of two giants of the Underground Railroad effort. John Parker and John Rankin. Parker was himself a freedman and his house sits right along the river. That meant that he was never free of the possibility of being grabbed and carried back into slavery.
He openly served as one of the conductors on the URR and held many people reach other conductors to the north. Parker created an iron foundry and was an inventor who holds on of the first patents issued to an African American. Parker was known for his daring, in-your-face forays into Kentucky to free slaves and bring them across. He lived a double life, of sorts, even as his notoriety caused wanted posters to be hung in KY.
John Rankin was a Prebyterian Minister who was encouraged to leave his home in Tennessee because of his views on slavery. He was bold enough to preach them aloud. He connections with people in Ripley and went into debt to build a house there. We visited just as Sunday hours were closing, but got to stand on the hill looking down at the river crossing. Rankin made it his life's work to help as many slaves as possible find freedom. Slaves from throughout Kentucky knew to cross the river and then climb the hill to Rankin's house (now called Liberty Hill) where he helped them disappear into the forest for the trip to Canada or to the communities of freed slaves in southwest Ohio. Rankin lived for many years with a bounty on his head.
We had a powerful day, standing where giant souls stood and worked. It felt like standing on the bank of the Jordan that place of liberation for Israel. Here, people found liberty, but at far greater risk.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
London to Mason
It seems that my trips are doomed to begin in rain. Yesterday it was 93 degrees and I had good practice in avoiding dehydration. But as soon as I took off today a misting rain began. I zoomed through town and found the head of the trail. It is a wonderful trail, peaceful gorgeous. Local folks like to do birdwatching along it. It moves you through towns and their old railroad stations.
Hopping on the Freedom Trail
We finished our work in Columbus at the General Convention and the next morning I was ready for my trip to explore the Underground Railroad route. I headed out of Columbus along Broad Street which became route 40. It is always interesting to watch an urban area morph to a suburban and then rural. Within 8 miles of downtown I began to hit fields.
The first stop was West Jefferson, a little town slightly to the southwest of Columbus. I missed a turn and continued out 40 until I was north of London, then headed south to link back in.
London is a lovely little town and was setting up for a festival that brought cyclists and cobra cars to town. London has the start point for a 120 mile converted rail right away, but that's tomorrow's story. Spent time in the library and found some great information on the URR. They moved through many of the towns that the bike path goes through.
Spent the night at the Alexandra Bed and Breakfast, which Kathleen had found. Quaint little place, but very friendly.
The first stop was West Jefferson, a little town slightly to the southwest of Columbus. I missed a turn and continued out 40 until I was north of London, then headed south to link back in.
London is a lovely little town and was setting up for a festival that brought cyclists and cobra cars to town. London has the start point for a 120 mile converted rail right away, but that's tomorrow's story. Spent time in the library and found some great information on the URR. They moved through many of the towns that the bike path goes through.
Spent the night at the Alexandra Bed and Breakfast, which Kathleen had found. Quaint little place, but very friendly.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Getting Going in Columbus
My longbike and I have arrived in Columbus, Ohio for the Episcopal Church's General Convention. DHL did a great job shipping my bike and I can heartily endorse the Air Caddy (www.shipbikes.com) bike shipping box. Since I could break my bike in two, it fit into the Caddy with just a little tweaking.
Columbus is mostly flat. I put my bike together today and took a nice long ride around town. First I checked out the Convention Center and the Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation booth where I am helping. They work on the Millenium Development Goals that mesh with our Kenya work.
I roll my bike out of the Exhibition Hall and into the big empty hallway leading up to where the meetings will happen. Almost instantly two people stop to talk about the bike and then a thrid drifts up. Guess what? They are all long ditance touring riders. Think on this synchronicity: empty hall in Columbus and three cyclists and NO ONE ELSE. Amazing, just like our experience riding down the cost. One woman, in her mid sixties has just finished a norther tier crossing of the US with her hubby. The second guy rides a Linear and the third guy loves to ride from South Bend to Baton Rouge. I was just amazed.
Headed out and found North Market...great deli sandwhiches Dave! Then off to check out the west side of town. I took a side ride down the river path but it was covered with duck poop> I mean a LOT of duck do. Not really fun for riding or running.
Tomorrow more riding and Convention set-up
Columbus is mostly flat. I put my bike together today and took a nice long ride around town. First I checked out the Convention Center and the Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation booth where I am helping. They work on the Millenium Development Goals that mesh with our Kenya work.
I roll my bike out of the Exhibition Hall and into the big empty hallway leading up to where the meetings will happen. Almost instantly two people stop to talk about the bike and then a thrid drifts up. Guess what? They are all long ditance touring riders. Think on this synchronicity: empty hall in Columbus and three cyclists and NO ONE ELSE. Amazing, just like our experience riding down the cost. One woman, in her mid sixties has just finished a norther tier crossing of the US with her hubby. The second guy rides a Linear and the third guy loves to ride from South Bend to Baton Rouge. I was just amazed.
Headed out and found North Market...great deli sandwhiches Dave! Then off to check out the west side of town. I took a side ride down the river path but it was covered with duck poop> I mean a LOT of duck do. Not really fun for riding or running.
Tomorrow more riding and Convention set-up
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The Next Long Ride
Ok fans I know we have been a little quiet here. I have been having a hard time getting out for any exciting rides. But I am planning a post General Convention ride that will go from Columbus, Ohio to Mobile, Alabama. This is about 825 miles and readdy covers almost 80% of the North to South distance between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico!
The ride will take me along the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys through towns that we stops on the underground railroad. I am looking forward to the adventure of it.
I will be shipping my bike to Columbus rather than trying to take it on the plane. So I will have it for riding around Columbus during General Convention.
All in all I am quite excited.
The ride will take me along the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys through towns that we stops on the underground railroad. I am looking forward to the adventure of it.
I will be shipping my bike to Columbus rather than trying to take it on the plane. So I will have it for riding around Columbus during General Convention.
All in all I am quite excited.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
The new bike meets Mt. Soledad
One of the fun things of having a new bike is introdicing it to your favorite rides and getting its feedback. What? A bike gives feedback? Well sure, every time you turn the crank it tells you what it thinks of the road and of you. My new bike went smoothly up to the peak of Soledad, climbing confortably.
Sadly it was a moisture filled day and so the view was not totally clear. Nevertheless it was a great first time up the big hill in town.
Sadly it was a moisture filled day and so the view was not totally clear. Nevertheless it was a great first time up the big hill in town.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Moving to a Longbike
Well after lots of thought and reflection, I bought a new recumbent. It is a Slipstream, made by Longbikes in Colorado. It is another long wheelbase, underseat steering bicycle. Greg Peek the owner of the company worked with me to assemble a touring combination that matched the needs I identified on my trip down the pacific coast. In addition I had it built with S&S couples that allow me to disassemble the frame to fit into cases that airlines recognize as standard.
The bike is a beauty and rides quite sweetly. I am introducing it to the various hills in the area.
The bike is a beauty and rides quite sweetly. I am introducing it to the various hills in the area.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Blog Sabbatical
I just realized I had not written here since the end of August! My life has been so crazy that having just barely had time to work and ride I was not getting on here to write.
So what are the highlights of the fall and winter? Well I have had good and bad weeks in terms of getting out on the bike. Twice most weeks, but plenty of weeks with no rides because of things at work or sickness.
I now try to keep at least one day auto-free and do two when I can. I am routinely climbing Mt. Soledad and the Tidal pool hill. Both give me a great ride. I have a new route to explore some more that goes east around the bay to the bike trail to Bonita and then can go all the way out to Otay Mountain. Soon I will go climb it too if there is paved road to the top.
The best result of the coastal ride is that I can run up all the hills around here now. I want to keep that strength.
I have added a seconf linear to my collection and just two weeks ago ordered a Slipstream from Longbikes. Greg Peak was out this way for another reason and brought me a bike by to sample. It was a sweet ride. Greg will set it up for the sort of touring I do.
The big question is what to do for a ride next year. There are three candidates:
England's Sustrans trails
The Underground railroad route from Columbus OH, on south
A ride in Canada, either in the northern parks or somewhere on the Alexander Mackenzie trail.
The least expensive is the Underground RR route because I will already be in OH as part of the Episcopal Church's General Convention. Add to that the costly airfare to other places and.....
I'll put up some pictures soon from my fall riding.
So what are the highlights of the fall and winter? Well I have had good and bad weeks in terms of getting out on the bike. Twice most weeks, but plenty of weeks with no rides because of things at work or sickness.
I now try to keep at least one day auto-free and do two when I can. I am routinely climbing Mt. Soledad and the Tidal pool hill. Both give me a great ride. I have a new route to explore some more that goes east around the bay to the bike trail to Bonita and then can go all the way out to Otay Mountain. Soon I will go climb it too if there is paved road to the top.
The best result of the coastal ride is that I can run up all the hills around here now. I want to keep that strength.
I have added a seconf linear to my collection and just two weeks ago ordered a Slipstream from Longbikes. Greg Peak was out this way for another reason and brought me a bike by to sample. It was a sweet ride. Greg will set it up for the sort of touring I do.
The big question is what to do for a ride next year. There are three candidates:
England's Sustrans trails
The Underground railroad route from Columbus OH, on south
A ride in Canada, either in the northern parks or somewhere on the Alexander Mackenzie trail.
The least expensive is the Underground RR route because I will already be in OH as part of the Episcopal Church's General Convention. Add to that the costly airfare to other places and.....
I'll put up some pictures soon from my fall riding.
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