2259 km
Today was a relatively easy riding day. I got a fairly late start out of
View from US46
Nashville – I guess I liked it too much. The first part of my ride up US46 towards Terra Haute, which is near the western border of Indiana, was nice and cool. The temperature was more tolerable and at some points was actually a bit cool. The countryside is a nice mix of rolling hills and wide valleys. There are a lot of areas where I couldn’t see anything because the corn is so high.
Billie Creek Covered Bridge - 1885
As I was riding along US36 towards Indianapolis, just outside of a small town called Rockwood I decided to take off onto old US 36 and immediately came upon the Billie Creek Covered Bridge built in 1885. The ride along Old 36 was short but much more interesting.
Bad Hair Day
Now Pat – close your ears – since I was going to be riding a lower speed highway I decided to try riding without a helmet to see how it was. All of the states I have ridden in allow no helmets for riders that have had their licence for more than a year and have insurance. I didn’t think you could ride without insurance but who knew? It is an odd feeling – like a constant scalp massage and don’t you think it did wonders for my Doo? There is a sense of freedom but not one that I plan to do again – bin here – done that – but not t-shirt. All the time I was riding I could here little voices from Pat, Graham and Myrna calling me every name under the sun. So much for the solo ride.
I have stopped at a little place west of Indianapolis from which I will do some touring tomorrow. It will be a light day as well but I want to check out the back roads and the little towns and see if there are more covered bridges.
Will find a laundromat tonight to get some clothes cleaned up. The corn is wilting and the cow hold their breath as I ride by so that might be a clue.
I am leaning towards taking Doug’s advice and do the Manitoulin route home. That will let me ride up through Michigan, which should be nice. I will work that out tomorrow and let everyone know the plan. If anyone has experience with Manitoulin Island and what I should consider (e.g. ferry times, gas availability, food opportunities etc.) please let me know.
For now I am going to sign off and find some dinner.
B-bye -
Sorry I haven’t commented since I was at Mom’s on Tuesday. It was so nice to read all you posts and to get caught up. I really enjoy following your tour. With only 2 days left with the kids, I am even more envious of your trip. I think Uncle Doug right, exploring little towns sounds fun. But I do see where the thrill of the ride is important. I am not sure if I would have the guts to strike up a conversation with as many strangers as you have. Love ya lots, missed ya Tuesday night, although Mom and I did have a nice time out to dinner with the sorority girls. Let us know when you are coming home and I will plan to come over and see you when you get home.
Yup…you need to put the helmet back on. You look like an ‘old’ seasoned biker with the shades and grey hair. There is not much to Manitoulin if you just ride a straight line from Little Current to South Bay Mouth. It is a nice road through mostly farm land but hopefully the cows won’t mind. I’m told that the island is really interesting and there would be time to explore if you overnight in Little Current. It is not a long way from LC to SBM. You need to check the sailing schedule but you can do that on line. You can even book on line which you should do. If the schedule allows, overnight in SBM. The trip down the Bruce would be great. Be sure to tour around Tobermory and there are good restaurants there. If you can, ride the coast down rather than just running highway 6.
I’m getting more envious by the day.
Cheers
Doug
Hmmmmm… interesting… I did have the nagging feeling today that I needed to talk to you about something. Now I know what it was – THE HELMET for goodness sake!
I think my head just popped a few more grays.
This trip is certainly interesting. Maybe we should do it together – don’t get excited – I meant by car or a similar 4-wheeled vehicle. And not a side-car either!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Hugs!
Hey Pat et al
Don’t worry – its helmets all the way from here on in.
Love all the messages -its fun.
I ran into a local couple who are really nice and they offerred to drive me around to see some of the local sites you can’t see by bike – so what the heck – it will be niced to be a tourist with guides for part of the day.
Will post tonight.
Bob
Hi Bob it’s Linda:
All your travel tales have been very interesting to read. Makes me want to be there too. We are setting off on our own road trip Sunday to Chicago & Minneapolis til Friday, so we might pass you on the road. We planned it out via Manitoulin Island also but it was alot more miles than going thru Sarnia or Detroit. The schedule for the Chi-Cheemaun (The Big Canoe) is 9:10am,1:30pm,5:50pm & 10:00pm. $18.15 for the bike & $15.95 per person one way. Light meals & snacks are available onboard. You should allow 1hr prior to sailing for reservations. You catch it in South Baymouth to Tobemory. Sault Ste Marie would probably be you best bet for gas & eating. It’s quite the long way round. Be safe. Watch out for moose on Manitoulin Island.
Hi Roy and Linda
What is your route. We could try to connect up for lunch, supper, coffee or whatever. I am leaving from around Indianapolis on Sunday and heading up towards Chicago but wanted to try to avoid it. Our timing could be about right to meet up somewhere Sunday night or Monday.
Please let me know your route and timing from Sarnia to Chicago today if possible as I am planning my route up through Michigan.
It was great to hear from you and the kids.
Have a great trip.
Bob
What’s it like to experience a bad hair day??
Looks like your weather is great – better than what we had today in the Ride for Sight out of Woodbine Raceway. I’m home and damp to wet but I will not be put away that way! Take care and keep the blog going – great reading! Ross