Day 36: Cleveland to Meadville PA

Today's ride had an interesting start as we pedaled out of downtown Cleveland through at least 20 stoplights passing by the world renown Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University.  Thank goodness it was early Sunday morning with very light traffic.  I can't imagine how stressful this would have been on a weekday morning.  Once we got past the stoplights we passed through some beautiful neighborhoods before heading out into the equally beautiful rolling countryside of northeastern  Ohio. 

I had a unique sensation as I started pedaling this morning.  It's difficult to describe, but I felt that my bike was an extension of my body - and vise versa.  Everything felt totally in sync.  I guess this shouldn't be a surprise after nearly 3000 miles together - but it was unexpected and I hope it continues.

Dave Edwards, one of our guides and the architect of all the daily routes, did a masterful job of designing today's route.  We passed by fields, farms, forests, and lakes as we covered 106 miles and climbed almost 4000 feet.  As we crossed Pymatuning Lake on Highway 85 at about mile 80 we entered Pennsylvania - our 12th state.  Traffic was light and the weather was great - except, of course, for the ever present easterly winds.

I rode with a large pack for the first 30 miles and then pulled back on the pace to about 17 mph for the remaining 30 miles to lunch.   I soloed most of the afternoon maintaining an aggressive pace which kept me only a few minutes behind the faster group.  I again felt strong, but probably rode harder than I should have given that we have four more consecutive 100+ mile days ahead of us. Tomorrow I'm planning to dial back the pace.  

It looks like tomorrow's 101 mile ride to Bradford PA will be wet and cool.  I'm laying out my raingear tonight with the expectation that it will be raining when we start out in the morning.  And the chance of rain is forecast to stay with us during most of the week followed by much cooler temperatures.  I guess it's only fitting that we should be tested by the elements as we enter the home stretch of our journey across the country.

Steve