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Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure |
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XOBA 2008 by Dan Sheridan |
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Friday: Richfield to Oberlin, 50 miles (plus extra 51 to make 101)
I decided to try for a second century ride this day. All the riders rode 50 miles into Oberlin, and century riders could add a 62 mile loop to make 112 miles. I rode the first 50 miles with Tom Purkey, encountering a few challenging hills before the terrain began to level off. It was interesting to see that the corn in this area did not seem to be doing well, with the plants being very short.
When we arrived in Oberlin, I bought a foot-long sub and ate half of it, packing the rest into the bag on my bicycle for a mobile meal. I started on the century route, but soon took a wrong turn and ended up in downtown Amherst, a town that was not on my map. By the time I got back on the route, I'd added 6 miles to my distance.
Near Vermillion, as I was riding quickly down a steep hill around a blind curve into Mill Hollow River Park, I was startled to see 6 police cars and two fire vehicles racing up the hill toward me, with sirens blaring and lights flashing. I was so surprised that it was difficult to control my bicycle, and I skidded to a stop beside the road.
We had been riding directly into an increasing breeze for most of the day, so I was growing tired. Stretching out under a shade tree after 75 miles, I ate the rest of my submarine sandwich while pondering my options. I knew that if I rode 118 miles I would not make it back in time for our 5:30 dinner, so I decided to take a shortcut that I hoped would give me exactly 100 miles. A three mile trip south on a country road took me to the inbound leg of the route, where I was soon overtaken by Tim, a cyclist from Ashland Ohio. Tim was a strong cyclist who bicycled from his home to the XOBA start in Sandusky. With Tim to chat with, the miles seemed easier, and we found another short-cut that took us back to Oberlin University with 101 miles on my odometer, just in time for a delicious catered dinner at the Oberlin Inn.
After dinner, Lucy presented Reuben and Rosa with an award plaque. The plaque was a humorous tribute to their seven flat tires on XOBA 2007. Reuben and Rosa ride a recumbent tandem trike, and seem to attract more than their share of flat tires, but endure them with good humor. As Lucy presented the award, she read them a poem that she and her XOBA friends had composed during the week:
Seven Flat Tires
One flat tire is not fun. Two flat tires happen to some. Three flat tires is a bummer. Four flat tires are enough for one summer. The fifth flat tire made them sad. The sixth flat tire should have made them mad. The seventh flat tire could have done them in. Yet they both pedaled on with a bicycling grin.
After dinner, we were treated to a drumming ceremony, led by Barbara Clugh and Corky Larsen from the Inner Harmony Wellness Center. Barbara and Corky brought several dozen drums with them, and taught the participants how to play. They then directed each person to close their eyes and respond to the beat of the lead drum. Those who did not have drums were given shakers, so they could also participate. Everyone seemed to enjoy the program. |
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Contact Dan through the Heart of Ohio Tailwinds web site. |
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Lucy Lehner gives Reuben and Rosa Rall a "seven flat tire" award, complete with poem. |
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XOBA cyclists take a break in Valley City, Ohio. |