Sardis, OH to New Eagle PA - 96 miles

Doris from the B&B was so nice to me. First thing in the morning, she offered me coffee, fresh fruit and muffins, home made! I wish her the best on her upcoming doctors visit. 

Fracking is a hot item in this area. Lots of activity. Oh, Wv and Pa, this is the hot bed. Lots of truck activity. I'm hoping it's good for the communities and not just a select few. Staging area. 

Beautiful morning, nice and cool. 

Good to meet Deby for breakfast. Deby and I worked together for years at OSI. Unreal that my last minute route selection brought me within several miles of her home. 

Hanging out with Mingo who looks over Wheeling, WV

Stopped in at Wheelcraft to check tire pressure and get some local knowledge on the PA route S. Crazy thing, the owner was Andrew, the mechanic was Drew and the customer was Dreux. 

Hey, look what I found. 

 

Neat history on the road I traveled today, kinda  like a Route 66 buy way older.

My streak continues, 3 for 3 for hot shower and place to pitch tent. Thanks to my fellow OH bike brothers.

 

Gollipolis, OH to Sardis, OH - 107 miles

Still heading north on the Ohio River. Up close and personal with the reactor. 

Got board of riding on the OH side of the river crossed over and went north on the WV side 

Not to be out done, their own nuke reactor. 

Back to OH side, much nicer. 

Route 7 is really a nice road to tour. Lucky selection. 

Dinner at Marv's Cafe. Cool old building and good food, cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. 

For you Tom. 

Pitched my tent at the local B&B, The Orchard B&B. Doris the owner was really accommodating for a place to pitch a tent and a hot showers. We had a nice conversation about her family, the B&B grounds (Valerie her daughter maintains the superb grounds) and some health challenges. 

The famous artist painted the barn mural. 

Portsmouth, OH to Gallipolis, OH 97 miles

Just to finish my thoughts on last night in Portsmouth. 

The after dinner ice cream was perfect. They have been there since 1942. 

Here are my OH buds doing a week long trip across OH. Each year they pick a new route. 

My kind of buds, a few beers to review the day. 

For you Tom. 

Really nice morning, cool and dry!  

Note of caution on my new discovery, a marina for camping and showers. Here's the formula - boaters = drinking and loud voices. A Tuesday night and our boating friends had lots to talk about until 1 in the morning. The gist of the night, I love you brother and I have your f^+=•*+ back. Now let's drink early and often and drive home. Oh well live and learn. 

Real nice riding along the Ohio River. Locks and dam. Can see KY and WV all day. 

Gallipolis, OH - 2 for 2 staying at a boat club thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and the husband of the director, Dave. This marina looks tam. Let's hope. 

Interesting history on this town and why it was created. I'll let you Wiki at your convenience. 

Maysville, KY to Portsmouth, OH - 78 miles - new state

Still winging it but continue heading north and east. Heavy rain last night but who cares. I pitched my tent under the gazebo along with my bike. Extremely lucky on the weather for this trip. I can live with hot and sticky. 

New state alert. Made it to Ohio today. 

Scoped out The town of Portsmouth for camping and shower with limited success. I was about to ride out to the next town when I noticed a bike tourer heading into the laundry mat...... pay dirt. 4 guys riding across Ohio. Camping at the marina with showers!  

News alert for my touring friends, marinas are a great resource when near water. I should be set for the next several nights as I ride along the Ohio River. My new Ohio friends should guide to PA. Thank you Shawnee boat club. 

I wasn't aware of the major flooding in this  area several weeks ago. Still cleaning up the mess. The river is a muddy brown. 

I guess this retaining flood wall has purpose and not just art. 

Dansville, KY - Maysville, (Blue Lick Battlefield State Park) 86 miles

Big, big change of plans this morning! After 3400 miles I'm taking off the "training wheels." I've changed my final destination to Guilford, CT. No longer Yorktown, VA. 

Having spent time with Ralph who guided Brian & Britney to unchartered touring successfully completing the Katy trail, I felt it was now my time. I now know why Ralph loves his job as a teacher.... he's very good at it and its effortless. 

I started to look at the mileage and its not that many additional miles to pedal home. 

After just rejoining the brother, sister team, I'm sad to have to part ways so quickly. I do enjoy their company and laughter. 

Lots of freakin out this morning with so little time to plan. No set route, no little icons showing me the way to services..... oh boy. 

First executive decision over pancakes and coffee was to head to the big city of Lexington. A quick hair cut and then off to AAA for road maps. 

Cindy was a bit apprehensive to help me because I was a non automobile person. Once we had an understanding of my needs, and that I'm a card carrying member, she was more than helpful. 

I think the "light bulb" went off to the services AAA can provide to cyclist!

The first selected (guess) route turned out to be great, right through the heart of horse country. The estates are off the charts. Meticulous in every way. These equine have a great life. 

So the end of the day, people are just as nice, a bit more bewildered being off the TA, my belly is full, I'm showered and the tent is pitched. 

Look at me with no training wheels!  

Elisabethtown, KY to Dansville, KY 75 miles.

Our host Ralph and Pam were so welcoming. Fresh treats for the morning! Ralph was up early to ride with us for 60 miles and then turn around and headed home. Lots of laughs and good stories.  

Brian and Britney work tag team on a flat. 

Our favorite hang out when it's 95 degrees and hot and sticky. 

Brian and Britney live Ohio and their folks, brother, Family friend and Brian's fiancé came to visit about 2 hours away. Real nice people. Brian's mom and dad did a good Part of this ride in the 80's on ten speeds!

Sebree, KY to Elisabethtown, KY

Super hot and humidity today is off the charts. Seems to sap your strength. 

Real nice to reconnect with the brother sister team, Brian and Britney as well as Ralph and Pam Serpico. Brian and Britney traveled on the Katy trail which runs north of the TA. We are now heading east together. 

I met Ralph and Pam on the TA and they offered to have us as guest when we get near their home which is 10 miles off trail. My experience in KY continues to be amazing. Ralph was kind enough to pick me up today and Pam prepared a great dinner and desert. Did I mention the local brew! Thankyou for the great hospitality! Ralph agreed to lead us out and ride a while with us. 

I'm getting close to home .... crossed the last time zone change, back on east coast time. Another lost hour. 

Saw this guy sun bathing on the road today. Sorry for no perspective on its size. Trust me, it was so big I was not getting off my bike. 

Any snake experts out there?