Hartville, Ohio to Ripley, New York – Lakeside Campground
My alarm went off at 3:45 a.m. today. I got a good, long sleep last night, and am ready for a big day. Last night I asked the hotel staff about getting an early breakfast, and they had everything opened up for me 2 hours early! I had a big breakfast, and stashed a ton of extra food in my bags for the road. I was on the road before 4:45, and had 30 miles down before 7:00 a.m. It was such a nice morning. I’m so happy to be riding early again when everything is cool and quiet. I stopped at the Munson Town Hall for my second breakfast. This first section in Ohio was still fairly hilly, and slow going, but I soon got up to Lake Erie, and the landscape flattened out significantly. This was at around mile 70. I stopped and had lunch at Madison Town Park, where the only shade available was already taken by a girl getting coached on dancing by a couple throwing sticks?? Strange, but it gave me some entertainment while I ate lunch. I couldn’t find a bathroom anywhere, and this area was pretty populated – no woods to duck into. This is the first time on the trip that I’ve had that problem.
At about 90 miles into my ride, I called Sophie B., and then Miguel. This really helped the time fly by. I got into Pennsylvania at exactly 100 miles! There, I started on Pennsylvania Bicycle Route 2, which went along Lake Erie. I was near the lake, but didn’t get my first good view until after the Town of Erie. I was feeling good, and there were lots of campsites along the lake so I decided to press forward. Finally, I crossed into New York, and went to the first campsite I saw – basically right on the Pennsylvania/New York border. I checked in, and got escorted to my site. It was a great spot, practically right on the water. I said hi to my neighbor, Melissa and her dog Buddy. I set-up fast, ate a bean burrito, PB&J and other leftovers, and then went for a quick dip in Lake Erie. Just before I went to bed, I was sitting by the power outlets using my phone (away from my tent) when a woman walked up to me and offered an extension cord and a joint. I took one and charged my stuff in my tent. Just a day from Niagara now! VIEW PHOTOS
Distance: 146.98 (3222.32 total miles)
Time: 10:54:56
Ascent: 4678
Descent: 5259
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