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.

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.

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.

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.

Head Winds - Ohio

During the past two days in Ohio the head winds have been fierce. They slowed us down considerably. They generally tend to be worse than inclines or hills, one never can anticipate them, and they generally persist throughout the day, making for an exhausting day of cycling. Inclines and hills can be anticipated, don't last all day long, and are often followed by an compensating declines or down hills.