Distance: 52.4 mi, Climbed: 3,346 ft
Completed: 671.4 mi, 41,327 ft
53 miles—okay, we can do this. After last night’s hard push into Barnesville and with plenty of climbing ahead, it wasn’t going to be easy. But after all the drama of yesterday, today turned out to be the exact opposite—a beautiful day out on the road.
Rich and I kept the morning simple and efficient, stopping for breakfast at a Marathon gas station mini-mart. Not exactly a café, but it did the job—hard-boiled eggs, Kind bars, and Gatorade. We were set.
While we were there, we met Chris, who was curious about our bikes, our cross-country ride, and our effort to raise awareness for epilepsy. He told us he had lived in Durango, Colorado, so I promised we’d say hello from him when we reached the Rockies. Another small connection, another reminder of how this trip keeps bringing people into our journey.
Back on the road, we followed beautiful farm roads, passing glimpses of local industry—a logging and lumber operation, an oilfield supply company, and a metal and scrap recycling yard. It felt like a quiet mix of agriculture and work, all part of the rhythm of the area.
That changed for a stretch when our route intersected with I-70. Suddenly, it was louder, faster, and more intense—big oil and gas trucks flying past, creating a strong wind vacuum in their wake. It was a reminder to stay focused and steady.
And then, just as quickly, it shifted again.
We turned onto Clay Pike, and for the next fifteen miles into Zanesville, we rode through one of the most idyllic stretches of the trip—open farmland, gentle rolling hills, and the kind of quiet that lets you settle into the ride and just enjoy being out there.
As we arrived at the hotel, we were happy to have conquered today’s ride. Outside the main entrance, we met Cory, Nick, and Shannon, who were relaxing after a long day on their Harleys. They couldn’t have been nicer. We chatted about being out on the road, raising our kids, and whether we had ever considered riding motorcycles. Just another reminder of how travel brings people together in unexpected ways.
After yesterday’s challenges, it was exactly the kind of day we needed.
Your trip sounds exciting. A friend told me about it because of a personal interest; my son is biking from Idaho to New York. He’s in South Dakota today. I will check in with y’all once in a while. Enjoy!
Laurie
Hi Laurie, Thank you for reaching out. Very cool to hear about your son’s bicycle adventure. Wishing him a fabulous rest of his ride! Please keep us posted.