6/24 Jill's Bike log

6/24 Thur – Destination-Clifton, OH (Biked 52 miles; 556 totals) Drove to the start of the Little Miami Scenic rails to trail in Milford, OH. Traveled through the woods bordering the Little Miami River. Easiest day of biking day between the shaded trail, relatively cool temperatures, no traffic and flat terrain. Lots of cyclists on the trail, particularly an abundance of recumbent bikes. I was surprised to see how many senior citizens were biking.

Mal rode 22 miles to our first snack stop and then decided to SAG. I think she could easily ride further if she didn’t get bored riding. I haven’t pushed the issue as I don’t want her to view the trip as a forced march. On the bike path to amuse her, she rode 1 mile without hands on the handle bar. It sparked me to get up the nerve to ride without hands. I easily rode without hands when I was younger, but with age, fear has taken over. While riding on the trail, I was determined to let go…of fear that is. It took me ½ an hour, but finally I let go. Yeah, a freeing feeling.

Each day our wildlife sightings seem to change. Today five deer crossed the trail, including a fawn. Also saw lots of cardinals. I almost ran over a 2 ½ foot snake, blackish in appearance with a tawny belly. I don’t know if we’re too far north for water moccasins, but there certainly enough water for them. Noticed that all of the rivers we’ve seen in the mid-west so far have muddy water. Not sure if that’s always their appearance or if it’s because they’ve had a lot of rain.

Karen picked us up at the trail to drive to the campground. All day I was craving ice-cream. I didn’t stop at towns along the way because I didn’t want to hold people up waiting for me at the SAG stops. We did stop at the Dairy King on the way to the campground. Slurped down delicious chocolate malt. They offered menu items I’ve never heard of before: deep fried dill pickles; deep fried Kentucky bologna; and deep fried bacon.

Stayed at John Bryan State Park which lacked showers but 10 minutes away in Yellow Springs, you could take a shower at their municipal pool for a buck each, which we took advantage of. The pool was mobbed with kids and parents due to a swim meet. It seems that the entire town turned out for it. It excluded any recreational swimming, but we did take showers.

Karen cooked up a delicious Jambalaya meal with chicken, which we gorged ourselves on. Headed to bed by 9:30, but unfortunately were next to a site with college aged kids who partied well into the night. It didn’t keep me awake as much as it did Karen.