Hartville to Greenwich

We pulled out of hartville this morning after good nights rest and good breakfast compliments of my good friend Brian. It took a few miles to get used to the oddly crisp air, but the last few climbs warmed us up quickly. We could tell that we were leaving the mountainous and hilly region of Ohio behind. Unlike the days pervious, the wind was gracious enough to at least be at our side, coming from the south. We have not been lucky enough to have a strong tailwind. Anyways, during a pitstop, I saw that were were going to pass through a town called Wadsworth. I remembered that a friend lived there. A few texts and calls later, Andrew, Amy and I were enjoying some much needed subway. So far this trip has consisted of not only biking but also alot of fellowship between friends and family. Since we started, we had always had a place to stay and a hot shower, leaving our camping equipment alone until today. We were a bit nervous about having to find a place to pitch a tent. We made up our minds to make it to at least Willard Ohio and hopefully find a church lawn. The ride there was on highway 242, its long and straight and not much of anything but farmland. About 15 miles from Willard, I got tired of the monotony and decided to replace the pair of headphone I left in my parents van with a cheap pair from dollar general.  As we were in the parking lot, waiting to roll out, a lady began to ask us questions about what we are doing? Where are you going? West Coast. For a cause? No, just for fun. How far do you bike each day? 70 miles. We have been getting used to people asking these questions, so we know the drill. However, when she asked where are we staying? Willard, OH. A look of great worry came over her face. She instantly said that she had a large yard where we could pitch our tent and even had supper cooking. Although we did not meet our mileage goals, a free meal and hassle free lodging was too good to pass up. We began to set our stuff up in her yard when her husband came out to start a camp fire and say hi. , This man, was extremely friendly and jolly. Once our tent was up, we sat around the table and ate a great meal of bean and ham stew and corn bread and honey. The hospitality was amazing, it felt like we knew these people for years, like old friend. After this, I took a much needed and appreciated shower. Coming down the stairs into the living room, I was a little shocked to see a police officer sitting on the couch eating cake. Apparently, they are friends with all the cops in town. It was interesting talking about small town crime and issues. Anyways, I'm sitting by the campfire at the moment. its just enough to keep me warm while I type, but I must sleep for a 80 miles ride tomorrow. I will up load pictures when I have a faster connection.

The lovely couple who hosted us