Youngstown, Ohio to Erie, Pennsylivania

A frontal system was forecast to affect Youngstown area overnight and today. When I checked the forecast last evening 60% precipitation was forecast for today. It was raining last evening when we retired for the night

We departed about 7:45 this morning. Not raining but the road was wet and there were puddles. The clouds were heavy with moister. It rained lightly off and on until we reached the 25 mile point. Eventually it developed into a steady rain so we stopped and put on our jackets. Rick and I were riding with John and Amy from New York. By the time we got to the first SAG stop at33 miles we were very wet. Rain continued to fall and the temperature had dropped from 72 at start to 64 degrees. Even though I was wet through the jacket, I was warm enough while riding because the jacket is a good wind break.

The SAG stop was located next to a café which was open. I went in and bought a cup of coffee to have with the snacks. After 10 minutes and the rain showing no sign of letting up we reluctantly departed to continue our journey in the rain. The rain increased now and was fairly heavy. We had gone about 3 miles and all of a sudden my tire went flat. Here we are on a two lane road with a fair amount of traffic with no shoulder and no shelter. I got the wheel off the bike and inspected it as best I could. There was no apparent cause on the tire surface. Rick helped get the tire off and we were preparing to install a new when the ABB van pulled up behind us and turned on their hazard lights. Andy Hiroshima took the wheel and installed the new tube and pumped it up and sent us on our way in minutes. I was so happy to see them appear to assist me.

As we continued on our way a mile or so later, we heard a shout from the front porch of a house near the road. John and Amy had stopped to seek shelter from the rain. We decided to continue on. How could we get any wetter than we already were? The hardest part is starting out in the rain. When it starts raining and you get wet you reconcile yourself to the journey and destination ahead and just pedal. You know that there are 30 other riders doing the same thing you are.

We were on a smooth road with very little traffic now and we were making good time. It’s funny what you think about when you are riding in conditions you wouldn’t normally ride in. I never before knew what water tasted like that landed on my sweaty head and ran down my face through my mustache. Salty, not very desirable.

As we rode I heard a train whistle several times in the distance. Apparently it was on a parallel path with us. Two bicycle riders pedaling through the rain drops on a country road in Ohio. We also had several dog encounters today, but nothing too threatening.

Eventually the sky appeared lighter in the Northeast. The temperature started to warm. At about noon the rain stopped and with the temp now 70 degrees we stopped to remove our soggy jackets. By the time we arrived at the second SAG stop at mile 69, the sun was out and the sky had cleared to a deep blue.

This SAG stop was perfectly positioned at a popular drive in that specialized in Root beer floats and also had typical drive-in fare. It smelled great, I got a mug of root beer and an order of French fries. Many of the bike riders were enjoying root beer floats and other delicious food options. It was obvious how the dramatic improvement in the weather along with the drive-in treats, raised everybody’s spirits. Many others from the area were there enjoying the drive-in also. One man asked me where we were going. I love it when they ask that! Other riders gathered around to see his reaction. His eyes opened wide, it was great! Then I said you should ask where we came from. Of course he did, and his response when I answered was another dramatic reaction. I guess you could call it the wow effect. When his tray of food was ready he wished us well.

Refreshed and re-energized we departed the drive-in for our destination, Erie, PA. It was another 28 miles. We arrived about 3:15 PM and we will stay here through tomorrow for a much needed day off.

Response to previous post:

Hi Shriram, it was great to here from you!

Mark, Thanks for the suggestions, you would think I had this figured out by now

RABA friends, I feel your energy, Ron Corio has been a real encouragement with his regular comments

Matt, Looking forward to some of that Moyer corn, thanks David and Nancy!

Bob, Thanks for the encouraging words, the staff nurse has some interesting remedies for the saddle soreness