If you've read my journal, you know that my short trip across Ohio on the Ohio-to-Erie Trail route turned into more of an odyssey than I'd bargained for. The traffic mishaps, unpredictable weather and off-road predicaments were certainly adventurous. But when severe illness was added to the mix, well hopefully it made for a tour that is unlikely to be replicated.
Looking back, I believe the menace was food poisoning. I say that from having experienced those symptoms several times before (lucky me). I did not see a doctor as I gradually felt better each day. I saw no need to write about how this occurred since it would be mere speculation on my part. As a hungry cyclist I gulped down nourishment with disgusting speed, and that was part of the problem. When food has gone bad, sometimes all you get is a subtle clue: an odd smell or funny taste. Unfortunately, when you're slamming food back, by the time you read these clues you're faced with the prospect of the ole finger down the throat trick. And is that something you're gonna do when you think you might have eaten something you shouldn't have? At that point you still feel fine, of course, so the thought of preventive hurling maintenance is not an appealing option.
The wretched way my ride ended was no fun at the time and neither was remembering the experience. Despite all that, I now find it all quite memorable. If it were not for the hardships and problems I'd faced, the events would never have remained so clear in my mind. It was truly epic. A non-descript tour may have produced a successful completion, but provided few lasting memories. But no, that doesn't mean I'd like to go through all that again.
As mentioned in the preceding pages, I simply strapped a couple of bike bags and some gear to my road bike. I opted for the credit card touring approach and traveled as light as possible with one bike change during the trip for rougher terrain. If you have any questions regarding my gear, or the route I followed, feel free to email them.
As for my accommodations, I stayed at two Ohio B & Bs during my ride. Though these were my first experiences with this type of lodging, I think it's safe to say that I sampled two of the extremes in the business. One had been recently renovated, restored and decorated, while the other was left more antiquated. The latter was a bit like sleeping in a museum. Therefore both were charming in completely different ways and the service was great.
Will I try to ride the entire Ohio-to-Erie Trail again? I certainly hope to. But I'll likely wait until more of the trail is completed closer to 2012. [Some are now suggesting 2016 is more realistic.] I suppose I've had enough adventure for now.
This story was first posted in late 2004 - early 2005. As trail construction continues, many of the descriptions and info in this journal will become dated. As the trail is a work in progress, at least through 2012, expect more finished trail sections each year that will dispense with many of the described road routes.
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