Day 51 – July 24 – Defiance, OH to Bowling Green, OH – 59 Miles

Despite a number of factors that could have been considered negatives it was a great day. We woke to a brief rain shower and claps of thunder.  By the time we were packed and ready to ride there was a steady drizzle.  Our direction of travel today would take us north and east as we make our way toward the Lake Erie shore line.  Checking the weather radar showed a large storm area extending from south east of our location all the way west to the Chicago area.  It was mostly light rain with pockets of heavier precipitation.  We were on the north edge of the rain, so riding northeast should have taken us out of the rain.  Defiance was directly north of us about 8 miles and where we would rejoin the route on our maps.

The traffic was light on the well-surfaced county roads.  Although we were soaked by the time we reached Defiance, the ride was easy.  We found a nice coffee shop with hot cider, coffee and pastries while we gave the storm time to pass.  After about an hour the rain subsided and the radar showed it clearing in our direction of travel.

From Defiance we followed the north bank of the Maumee River toward Napoleon, OH on route 424.  The road was newly resurfaced and also lightly traveled.  We were traveling northeast and the wind was coming from the southwest, a perfect combination.  We would experience an occasional rain shower,  but the temperature and rain actually seemed well balanced and provided for a nice ride.

This area of Ohio has quite a bit of history.  The area was a focal point in conflicts between Native Americans and the expansion of settlers west in the late 1700’s culminating in the Battle of Fallen Timbers.  Defiance, OH takes its name from the strategic fort that preceded the city.  Again during the war of 1812 the area was contested with the definitive naval battle taking place on Lake Erie.    We also saw evidence of the early forms of transportation that transformed the area.  Canals crisscrossed the area, helping spur the growth of towns and cities in the area.  Our route today took us along the towpath for the Miami and Erie Canal that once bridged Cincinnati with Lake Erie.

In Napoleon we came upon a group of 18 cyclist gathered at the Frosty Boy ice cream stand. It turns out they were riding for the American Lung Association from Seattle to Washington, D.C.  It was just after noon and Napoleon was their destination for the day. They had come from Kendallville, IN this morning.  Their tour was “supported” meaning they did not have to carry any equipment other than what they needed for the day’s ride.  A support vehicle carried the rest.  We spent about an hour eating ice cream and sharing our different experiences.

East of Napoleon we encountered westbound touring cyclist, Dick Upchurch from Des Moines.  Dick was riding from Bar Harbor to Des Moines.  We spent time talking with Dick about his trip and what we will encounter as we continue east.

We had a rather short day distance wise today, but we got to connect and spend time with quite a few people.   Our stop tonight is a campground on the south edge of Bowling Green, OH.  We finally had an opportunity to get Dylan on a recumbent.  I had told him that riding one is like learning to ride a bike all over again.  It took about a half hour, but he eventually made it around the campground lake two times on his own.

Tomorrow we hope to make it to Lake Erie.