Finished Cycling– Buffalo, NY

Start: Mobile, AL
End: Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY
Total Miles: 2056
Total Days: 26
Days of Rest/Sightseeing: 5
Days of Cycling: 21
Average Daily Miles: 98
Cans of Soda Thrown at Me: 1
Number of Times Someone Yelled "Get off the Road, Idiot": 1
Most Miles Cycled in a Day: 129
Number of Century Days: 9
Nights Camping: 17
Nights in Hotel: 8

Bye Bike

Upon this trip's completion, I decided to donate my bike to “bike4peace”, the group that I cycled cross-country with last year. Since I have no immediate bike touring plans, and instead of the bike sitting around my apartment collecting dust, I decided to donate it. I’m sure the bike will be much happier. My hope is that someone without a bike that wants to cycle cross-county will use it.

Niagara Falls, Canada

While I was looking forward to seeing Niagara Falls, I was a bit disappointed. I thought it would be at least comparable to Southern Africa's Victoria Falls which separates Zimbabwe and Zambia. Not even close.

Well I have Iguazu Falls located on the border Brazil and Argentina to look forward to this fall. It's suppose to be vastly larger than Niagara Falls, but a bit smaller than Vic Fall.

Memorable Moments

In general, Southerns are very friendly, but you know it’s going to be a long conversation, or in some cases monologues, when:

the elderly park manager with an oxygen tank set-up in her car which is rhythmically emitting puffs of air into her nostrils, drives into my campsite, and after chatting for a bit, reaches for the ignition and turns off the engine.

the store owner in the middle of explaining the relationship between the Methodist and Baptist Church in town reaches backwards, without pause and without looking, for a stool to sit.

after me inquiring about the weather forecast, a store patron prefaces his response with: "Let me just start off by saying my oldest son is a dwarf……”

the only other patron in the coffee shop, after learning I'm a non-local, makes the random claim: “We have a lot of history in this town. Did you know kerosene was invented here?" Me: "Ummm, No". Many other facts were learned that day. The other patron was also the town's mayor.

Camping, Camping and More Camping

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center - Wilberforce, OH

The Wilberforce facility was a little disappointing. But then again, most of the suggested Underground Railroad sites on the route so far have been a little disappointing, that is except for the Freedom Center in Cincinnati. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised either, the Underground Railroad wasn’t about places; it was about the people and their courage and informal cooperation.

Anyway, the Wilberforce facility basically had three exhibits. The first was a self-explanatory Wilberforce historical timeline exhibit. The second exhibit highlighted Af-Am achievements in professional sports. The history and information presented was very impressive even for a non-sports fan like me. The only downside of the exhibit was none of the artifacts appeared real, just cheap replicas. The third exhibit was a 50’s exhibit – a pre-civil rights movement exhibit. I’m only guessing, but it appeared that about fifty times more was spent on the 50’s exhibit than was spent on the sports exhibit. The two appeared odd side-by-side. I just didn’t get why they focused on the 50’s either. It was kinda like looking at the calm before the storm.

National Center of Freedom Center - Cincinnati, OH

Out of all the Underground Railroad sites I visited on this trip, the Freedom Center in Cincinnati was by far the most comprehensive monument to freedom. It brought to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom for all human beings, both in the U.S. and the world. The Center was made up of three building - appropriately named to symbolize the cornerstones of freedom - courage, cooperation, and perseverance. If you’re ever in the Cincinnati area, it’s definitely worth a visit. And if you’re a museum addict like me, plan to spend the whole day.

Bike Repairs

The brackets on my rear rack snapped., then the support bars snapped. I'm no mechanic but with a little bit of wire, I made it to the next bike shop, where I purchased a new rack.

The conversation wasn't much, but you can't be picky when you travel by yourself. So far, after 1500 mile: three flat tires. All three occuring in the front wheel, which is a little odd.

John Rankin House - Ripely, Ohio

John Rankin House was home to the Rankin Family who moved hundreds of freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad, including the woman who inspired "Eliza," the fictional heroine of Harriet Beecher Stowe's book, Uncle Tom's Cabin.

John Parker House - Ripely, Ohio

After purchasing his freedom, John Parker became one of the most daring conductors on the Underground Railroad, sneaking across the Ohio River to aid freedom seekers.

Hariett Beecher Stowe Museum - Old Washington Kentucky

In the summer of 1833 Harriet Beecher Stowe visited the Marshall Key Home, as a guest of their daughter, Elizabeth. While she was here she visited a slave auction on the Courthouse lawn and from this experience later wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum displays slavery artifacts and Civil War memorabilia, period furnishing and chronicles the life of Ms. Stowe.

Country Roads

The Underground Railroad Route I've been following has me cycling on some serious country roads. Once a guy stopped me and asked me if I was lost. The roads also have a serious dog population. While cycling through Tennessee and Kentucky, I'd say I was chased by at least 75 dogs!!!

Kentucky, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio along the Ohio River

A great deal of my route near Northern Kentucky was following and crossing the Ohio River. I crossed from Kentucky to Cave-in-Rock, Illinois where I camped overnight at Rock State Park, then back to Kentucky few a few day then crossing over to Madison, Indiana, then back to Kentucky and ultimately into Ohio. Now I'm heading northeastward toward Erie PA.

I made it to Kentucky

Shiloh, Tennesse

Mississippi Sunrise

From Aliceville, AL, I cycled to Aberdeen MS where I spent a rest day, before cycling to Tishomigo, MS then to Perryville, Parson, TN.   One of the best things about camping are the sunrises! 

Cycling in Alabama

Most of the roads I've been cycling on in Alabama have been very desolate - not a lot of car or congested areas.

I don't know much about the weather down here, but I'm guessing, by the calendar, it's spring, even though it feels like summer. It's been almost 90 everyday.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of shade on the road. When I start to feel myself overhear, I 20 feet off the road under the nearby trees to cool off. It should be a little cooler as I head north, plus my body's starting to adjust.

Camping - Aliceville, AL

Leaving Mobile AL

About 30 minutes into my ride on my first day on my way out of Mobile AL it started to rain.






I really don't mind the rain, as much as I mind the heat and wind.

National African American Archives, Mobile AL

Ms. Dees, the founding President and Executive Director and one of two employees, gave myself and another patron a two hour tour of the Archives. It's been the highlight of my trip so far.

Newark Airport

Just making sure my bike got loaded. Last year, when I arrived in Seattle my bike was still in Newark. That's my bike in the cardboard box!!!

Off to Mobile AL

DISCOVER AMERICA'S LEGENDARY ROUTE TO FREEDOM

I should be in Mobile around 4 PM this evening. I'll be staying in a motel for the first two nights, taking care of last minute preparations and/or unanticipated mishaps like my bike not arriving on the same plane. If everything goes as planned, I’ll check-out the National African-American Archives and Museum tomorrow and then on Friday pedal north - starting with a 45 mile ride to my first campsite.

Malawi 1994