After leaving Toledo, we have traveled many a mile to reach Cleveland ... 72 miles to Avery/Milan and 64 miles to Cleveland. Both days were somewhat similar in that there were things of interest, yet things that were seemingly unremarkable.
The highlight of the ride to Avery/Milan was once again the result of a chanced-upon conversation with a local ... Bill was installing American flags and other Viet Nam related flags on the main street of Elmore, OH in preparation for the next day's arrival of the replica of the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. We asked him for directions to a town south of Elmore that would get us on the Adventure Cycling Northern Tier route. He asked where we were headed ... once again, with a gentle smile and local knowledge, we were directed to a paved rail-to-trail that started less than a block away that would save us miles and miles all the while providing a car-free ride. We stopped in to a bike shop located next to the trail and had numerous conversations with employees and customers. It is amazing and amusing how much joy our travels bring to others.
While standing out on the trail, another touring cyclist came from the east, and without his stopping we exchanged a quick "where from/where to". I then heard a young lady who was standing nearby say that she had never heard such an exchange and was smiling broadly because of the exchange ... she was filled with joy. She returned the joy in that she suggested a very nice little eating establishment in the next town. Life is filled with these joyful occurrences while on the road ... I wonder if it is because conversations with strangers are more open, or if when living the usual day-to-day we just do not take the time to talk with strangers?
The ride into Cleveland was good for the first 5 miles (quiet road and tailwind), interesting along the shoreline road (massive homes and a tree-lined avenue) and finally, torturous getting through Cleveland. The roads in Cleveland had no bike lanes, but had many, many pot-holes. Made me yearn for the roads of Tucson.
We have taken two rest days here in Cleveland. Yesterday we took a bus from the hotel, which is about 10 miles south of downtown, to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The bus ride lasted about an hour, and was an eye opener for me ... traveling through some of the more depressed areas and sharing the ride with those who live in these areas reminded me as to just what a blessed life I live.
The Hall of Fame was interesting ... lots of memories. The high point for me was watching a movie about the Beatles which highlighted songs and comments about and from each album they put out. As I say, lots of memories and such ... lots of gray-hairs sharing my recollections. A good day filled with great music.
Today is a day of rest ... a day to ease into my 65th year. A day of communicating with family and friends in celebration (or at least acknowledgment) of my birth date. Family and friends ... I am indeed blessed.
A common theme of discussions with family/friends in Arizona was the heat in Arizona ... today in Cleveland it is rainy and about 65 degrees. Cold and wet for me as I mailed warm and rain proof clothing home several weeks ago ... cold and wet.
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