Two Wheels with a Charge Day 4
Mount Vernon to Millersburg: Discovering the pure joy of touring solo
It was the perfect day to be on a bike. The rain cleared replaced with sunshine and temps in the low 60s. I cycled back to the Kokosing Gap Trail, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful trail on the Ohio to Erie Trail. The joy of a perfect morning on a perfect trail.
Randy Cronk, president of the Kokosing Gap Trail, joined me this morning. He is an icon on that trail greeting just about everyone we passed. Randy was on the lookout for any fallen branches and debris from yesterday’s rain and wind. The joy of a sharing the ride with a strong trail steward.
The miles passed fast as we headed to Danville. This section of the Ohio to Erie Trail is photogenic. Iron bridges, a meandering river, a steam locomotive and caboose, and a historic railroad underpass find themselves in many Facebook posts and YouTube videos. The joy of a photographing nature and a reinvented railway.
Randy and I said our good byes in Danville with Randy headed back to Mount Vernon and me heading to Millersburg. The Mohican Valley Trail was up next. I dodged horse pies, evidence of the area’s Amish community, enjoying the lush greenery along the trail. The joy of a trail as part of daily life for the Amish.
At Tiger Valley Road, I made a last minute change to my agenda for the day. The urge to have an Amish pretzel couldn’t be silenced. I left the trail and biked the scenic half mile to Weaver’s Furniture and Deli. Those of us living near the Amish are familiar with a family business being multi faceted and under one roof. The joy of a last minute change for the day.
Soft pretzels are popular in Ohio Amish Country. They are unique and much better than Auntie Anne’s. Warm and dipped in butter, the face-sized pretzels are far from healthy. Weavers excels in baking these evil delicacies. Weaver’s also makes quite good deli sandwiches for the ride. The trail bologna sandwich is pure Ohio when enjoyed with a pretzel or one of their baked goods. The joy of tasting local flavor.
My tank refueled, I headed back to the trail and on to the Bridge of Dreams. The bridge is a converted rail trestle turned into a covered bridge. It is very scenic and worth a stop. The best view is from the Mohican River below accessable from the trailhead parking lot. I did not cycle down to the river today. The joy of this perfect destination on one of my go-to local rides.
I entered Holmes Country, home to one of the largest Amish settlements in the world. The Amish, horses, buggies, and e-bikes would be my touring companions today and tomorrow. I started the climb up the Baddow Pass as the trail rose at a steep grade for 3 ½ miles through unspoiled nature.
It was a fast 3 ½ miles downhill into Glenmont. Trains were pushed up the tracks to make it over the pass. Unfortunately, cyclists do not have a pusher but my E-bike gave me the extra push uphill. The joy of my E -bike giving me the extras push I needed this morning.
It was time for seven miles of on road cycling through a valley. State Route 520 is a quiet road with some small ups and downs. I only saw three cars today. In another year, four of those miles will be on trail. The small village of Killbuck signaled the end of my on road cycling for the day. The joy of different view and some rollers to add adventure to the day.
It was lunch time and temps were now in the low 80s. I decided a stop at the local dariette was in the cards, a staple in every Midwest village and town. As I parked at the dariette door, a cyclist came out wearing an Ohio to Erie Trail shirt. He asked if I was Tom on the Trail. He was cycling from Danville to Millersburg. He is following this blog and had hoped he would meet me. He spoke of how the trail is part of his life and how much he appreciates the work to make it a reality. The joy of knowing the trail is appreciated.
After my not-so-healthy fishtail sandwich and onion rings, I cycled the final five miles of today’s ride  to Millersburg. The Holmes County Trail to Millersburg is shaded passing along marsh lands. I climbed the hill to downtown from Millersburg Depot to my overnight, Hotel Millersburg. The joy of a shorter day packed full of joys.
A Lot 21 Blonde was calling my name from Millersburg Brewing Company across the street. Two touring cyclists were securing their bikes at the brewery entrance. Ah, fellow afficianados of the hops and yeast! Hoosiers Tom and Deb were on an Ohio to Erie Trail tour. I was following them on their blog, Keep Calm and Pedal On. It was an enjoyable encounter and afternoon sharing stories over beer. The joy of a random unexpected encounter.
Their tour has a unique theme involving bingo, beer, and friendly competition. I can honestly say I have never seen that combo on a bike tour. Deb promised to share their story of the beers and miles cycled across Ohio on their blog. Follow them at https://keepcalmandpedalonblog.com/. The joy of an afternoon with bicycle tourists and Lot 21 Blonde.
Today was filled with many joys. The reason  I am on the bike touring solo is to experience all of these and more. People are more apt to stop a solo tourist. I am in control of my time and what I do. I stop and chat or take pictures when I feel the need to hit my brakes. The joy of slow touring is everything that happened today.
Tomorrow I ride to Massillon. Seventeen of those miles will be off trail on the country roads of Wayne County Amish. There will be spectacular farmland views, some memorable hills, and sure to be many joys ahead.
Today’s miles: 44
Tour miles: 231