Day 14 Clop Clop June 5th


Cadiz, OH to Walnut Creek, OH 54 miles (633)

Today's route was GPS perfection. My app created a route that more than made up for its failures of yesterday. A fantastic trail called Conotton Creek Trail and miles of trafficless gravel roads that I was prepared for with my wide knobby tires.

Conotton Creek Trail:

Gravel roads:

So many homes in the Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio area have huge, expansive lawns. None of them have a sprinkler system because of year-round precipitation. I noticed after about 10:00 a.m. each morning that I couldn't go more than a few miles without the sound of a riding lawn mower somewhere in the area. These home owners really take lawn maintenance seriously. To be a good citizen or neighbor is to have a well manicured lawn! :

More verdant views from today's ride:

Tuscarawas River:

Entering Amish territory:

 One of the highlights of my trip so far was meeting the Yoder family of Walnut Creek, Ohio. Ferman, the father, owns a buggy repair shop named Schrock's (from his wife's side of the family) along the main road. His son James owns a bicycle shop in the same building. I showed up mid afternoon and James went right to work replacing my chain and adding hydraulic mineral fluid to my front brake line:

After a wonderful meal that included a dessert of Apple crisp, strawberries and vanilla ice cream, we retired to the front porch where we looked at two volumes of photo albums that James assembled to record his ride from Seattle to Walnut Creek, Ohio 6 years ago:

Throughout our conversation on the front porch we could hear the clop, clop of Amish horse and buggies passing by (thus the title of this blog entry).

Comments

  1. Angie RJune 6, 2021 at 7:14 PM

    Great photos again! Looking forward to the stories that go with them. Good job on your long mileage day with lots of climbing too on a fully loaded bike-strong and courageous! Keep up the good work and enjoy the journey...pedal on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robert AJune 7, 2021 at 10:53 AM

      Do you have a solar charging device and or how are you charging your electronic devices?

      Delete
    2. Rolff ChristensenJune 10, 2021 at 2:45 PM

      I don't have a solar charging device. Instead I have an ultra heavy power bank that is capable of charging my phone about three times plus my lights and my Inreach Mini. It is the single heaviest item I have. I am able to go about 3 days between charges. So between campgrounds with electricity, hotels, and warm showers hosts I'm pretty well set electronics wise

      Delete
  2. KellarJune 7, 2021 at 3:10 PM

    Wow so awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Denny JoeJune 8, 2021 at 2:22 PM

    Great job, Really enjoying the photos. Adventure of a lifetime. can't wait to hear from you again. God Bless stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJune 8, 2021 at 3:07 PM

    Super!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Paula GJune 9, 2021 at 11:38 AM

    Loving your photos! So glad we got to meet each other and meet Laura while in West Newton (going in opposite directions). We had a successful GAP trip and can't wait to get out again. Looking forward to more of your adventures without goals!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rolff ChristensenJune 10, 2021 at 2:46 PM

      :) it's great to hear from you and I'm so glad your Gap trip went well - how could it not with the trail surface and the scenery and the history?

      Delete
  6. Claudia HilzerJune 10, 2021 at 7:38 AM

    We are absolutely amazed at what you are doing. Be safe. You are in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rolff ChristensenJune 10, 2021 at 2:47 PM

      Thank you dash great to hear from you! I just talked to Ada and it looks like she and her family will be visiting Laura while I'm still riding later this summer

      Delete
  7. UnknownJune 10, 2021 at 8:30 AM

    Rolff, I wish you well on your continuing adventure! My fried Jim & I crossed paths with you & your wife in Confluence PA at a lunch stop, while we were pedaling eastbound. I'll check in from time to time.
    Tim A.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rolff ChristensenJune 10, 2021 at 3:01 PM

      I remember - thanks for checking out the blog. Safe riding!

      Delete

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