BOWLING GREEN, OHIO
DAY 20 JUNE 13 83.6 MILES
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is boring. Desmond Tutu
Flat! Finally! No hills!
Actually, I was quite surprised that we had climbed a total of 826 feet today. I would have guessed less than half of that number. Now that we have departed the northeast mountains and Great Lakes regions, the only climbing for the next few states should be slight grades at overpasses, railroad crossings and small variations in terrain. However, now we must deal with summer heat and humidity. I am accustomed to those little friends from living and riding in Florida--but it still will not be easy experiencing them for eighty to ninety miles, several days in a row.
Taking a more southerly heading and leaving behind all of the lake street names and stately homes with neatly manicured lawns, we rode mostly through farm country today. Endless fields of corn, grain and soy. These are working farms. Corn is by far the dominant crop. This is likely due to the subsidies in Ethanol. You could tell from the height of the crop that some farmers were more brave than others. They risked the chance of a late frost by planting earlier than others. Some corn was only twelve inches high while, in other fields, it was three feet tall.
Our camp for tonight is the country home of Michelle and Matt, friends of the Bike the US for MS organization. For the last several years, they have hosted the Northern Tier group with a large buffet and a bonfire. Our tents are presently spread out on their large side lawn and there would be room for many more. What a great time! Thank you Michelle and Matt.
The projection for tomorrow is 99 miles. One thing is certain--it will be different from any of the others!
Tip: Have your local bike shop custom fit your saddle and bike to you. It definitely will be worth the small expense as you will find it easier to ride faster and farther.
