We awoke early this morning in our Holiday Inn Express in Wabash. I didn’t feel or seen any smarter than I did yesterday. The Inn’s complimentary breakfast rivaled many breakfasts we have paid $10+. Satiated, we loaded up and pedaled out of town along the Wabash River bottom as the sun and mist rose. It promised to be a long day with very few breaks or places for services. In fact the first town of consequence was 42 miles away.
We passed through Lagro, as quickly as possible, and followed a tributary called the Salamonie River, then entered a State Forest by the same name. It was quite a surprise to go from flat corn fields into a rolling forested country side. Very pretty, very hilly. Soon we climbed out and found ourselves on top on the dam creating the Salamonie Reservoir and Recreation Area. By the lift station that acts as a spillway, loud birds of prey calls came from atop the tower. Yet no birds. They kept repeating themselves as if on a loop. I figure it was indeed a recording that kept even more annoying birds away. We pedaled on.
Finally after 42 miles we came to Zanesville. However the promised food store was closed. I mean, boarded up. However, just .3 miles off route, the best stocked Dollar General ever appeared, as if out of nowhere. And cold Gatorade awaited us just as we entered the doors. But first, a nature break.
After some cold liquid and Biscoff crackers, we took off. 23 miles away promised lunch in the town of Poe. The south breeze started turning into a southwest tailwind. And before the Gatorade and biscoff wore off we entered Poe and found the Hi Ho Again. It was advertised as a Pub, but that was very gracious. The sandwiches made up for the atmosphere, as hazy and cloudy as it was. Fueled up we had one more push to Monroeville. But not before a call from Warren, organizer meritus of the “Cross Country Cyclists Stay Free of Charge” at the city park community center. After a quick 17 miles Warren was waiting for us. We are long lost buddies. At 85 he has been welcoming touring cyclist since they started touring on Penny-Farthings. He has turned the reins over to a younger guy now. Rich, at 75, cycles 25 miles+ a day, still runs, and dreams of doing a tour of his own. These gents are golden. They did warn us that tonight was the Monroeville Harvest Festival. There is a fair with food. They’ll be using your sleeping quarters. I wouldn’t set up your beds quite yet. However, here’s your shower and feel free to use the washer and dryer. Oh yeah, there’s a cover band giving a concert outside and just on the other side of the park, there’s a demolition derby tonight. Enjoy your stay. And if you need anything, I’ll be around.
We also got a great recommendation for breakfast in town in the morning. We are full of Rib Tips and sides after supporting the local school band fundraiser at the fair. Least we could do for camping in their kitchen.
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