The weather forecast today predicted temperatures in the 90's, and they were right! We left Dublin early (0645) this morning, hoping to beat the heat. There is not much to say about today's ride. It was long, flat for the first 45 miles or so, then rolling hills, and HOT. Louisiana Hot! I started with Kathy and her pardner from California, Judy, who has joined us for the last two weeks. Marilee, Anne, and Marnie joined us a the first SAG stop. We just moved on down the highway today. We only stopped when we needed water, food, or a bathroom. There are a lot of cornfields in this part of Ohio. The only thing different that we saw was a Rooster Farm. They were beautiful, but were crowing like crazy. I bet the neighbors love that! My favorite stop today was an old country store in Sparta, about 10 miles out of Mt Vernon, where we are spending the night. It was just before noon, and I needed something to eat. They had some great roast beef sandwiches with horseradish sauce. I didn't know I could eat almost a whole sandwich and get back on the bike and hammer (for me) the rest of the way in to town. The highway was smooth, the hills were gentle with an overall downhill, and we had a tailwind. Too hard to resist! I was like a horse headed for the barn.
Mt Vernon is a beautiful little town. They are having a "First Friday" festival tonight with live music and street vendors. They close the streets to traffic, and all the shops, restaurants, and galleries stay open until 9 pm. Sounds like fun to me. Our hotel is downtown on the square.
I have complained about the hills so much, that I should be happy to have an almost flat day, but the heat and the distance made today hard too. My legs are tired. Tomorrow we have an 84 mile ride. I haven't looked at the map profiles yet, so I don't know how hilly it will be, but I do know that it will be hot again. I thought it was going to be cool "up north." Was I ever wrong!!!
Today's ride - 71.8 miles Riding time - 4 hours, 47 minutes
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