Editor's Note: Fredric Scire will make the final leg of the trip on his own. Beth Rideout and Leona Dalton have decided to take the TransAmerica Trail back while Fred will eventually follow the C&O Canal back to Point of Rocks.

A new course
Wednesday, July 26 (Day 53)

Yesterday I rode from Carlyle, Ill., to Olney Ill. Total ride was 79 miles, but I still got in early about 4:30 p.m. and had plenty of time to plot my new course for home and make phone calls. The course plotted looks to be about 720 miles.

Today's ride was from Olney to Spring Mill State Park near Marshal, Ind., a total distance total of 106 miles (12.6 mph). The  average was helped on the first 60 miles by flat terrain, the last 40 miles were hilly, you know, the roller coaster type.

Thanks to a comment by an interested guy at a convenience store, the last 10 miles were flat. Because of his suggestion, I changed route from going to Bedford and a hotel to the town of Marshall and the campground. Good decision: Shorter, flatter, cheaper and more on target for route.

This part of Southern Indiana was scraped by the last ice age and left a hilly mid-section, along with a long plateau that the railroads knew about. The route change was along that plateau.

The Spring Mill State Park houses the Pioneer Village with an operating massive water poweed grist mill. The 1832 mill was repaired and reconstruted in the 1930's.

Adjacent to the village is a large tract of land originally purchased by Scotsman George Donaldson, who did not allow cutting of timber or hunting. Thanks to his efforts, there are now native trees over 300 years old in the park.

I forgot to mention that in Vincennes, Ind., is a memorial to George Rogers Clark, older brother of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame.  He commanded soldiers west of the Appalachians and "successfully countered British and Indian military moves." Those efforts helped win the American Revolutionary war. 

Check-up
Thursday, July 27 (Day 54)

Rode to Salem, Ind., again over flat terrain. The ride to Scottsburg started the roller coaster again, but not so severe as to be discouraging. Again truck traffic is horrible.

I arrived in north Madison about 4 p.m. and am staying in a hotel.  Clothes have been washed, bike wheels (spokes) checked and adjusted, new brakes on rear. The front tires seem to be fine. Go figure? Tires are definitely worn and if the plan is to do the C&O Canal, maybe I'll consider different tires?

A picturesque ride
Friday, July 28 (Day 55)

Yesterday I rode from Madison, Ind., along the Ohio River up to the Markland Dam before crossing the Ohio River. I then rode the Kentucky side of the river to the town of Warsaw before turning due east to end the day at Dry Ridge, Ky. Total ride was 65 miles.

I awoke this morning to a stormy rainy day and actually slept to 7 a.m.! It must have needed it, or my subconscious knew it was stormy. I waited until almost checkout time at 11 a.m. before leaving in the rain.

Today's route brought me through the historic part of Madison. It is a great old city, with picturesque old homes, city hall and stores. The ride along the river also brought me through the old town of Vevay, Ind., which is even more picturesque than Madison. This river road and towns is a must-see if I'm ever back this way without rain.

I am reminded of the importance of the Ohio River at the Markland Dam. Lots of barges are lined up to pass upriver -- an impressive site. My idea to follow the river whenever I could is working well and will prove to be enjoyable.  The day's ride was mostly wet. Storms came and went with steamy humid air in between.

Who let the dogs out?
Saturday, July 29 (Day 56)

Left Dry Ridge, Ky., about 7:30 a.m. this morning. It was a tough ride — roller coaster-like with serpentine roads. Fortunately, the roads follow ridge lines so the amplitude of the hills wasn't severe. Just enough to have you gearing up and down all day.

This part of Kentucky has some pretty country. Rolling hills, lots of wooded areas. Farms are small with many small plots of tobacco in addition to the usual corn and beans. I don't know whether what I'm seeing are soybean or green bean plants.

Population density is more and more evident. Homes and small plots line the roads. And dogs! They are everywhere! I have heard others complain about this in Kentucky and I can now confirm it. Annoying!

Weather was supposed to be clear but it was overcast all day and started raining just before I was able to get a room. Campsites are getting impossible to find. Without any pre-planning on this route, this is going to be troublesome.

I stopped in the parking lot of a country bar to answer my cell phone (call from Nile) and the bar emptied with guys wanting to see my recumbent. Tried to exchange for a pickup truck and got no takers. Oh well. Onwards.

Ohio, here I come
Sunday, July 30 (Day 57)

Long ride today, went 106 miles in seven hours, 41 minutes for an average speed of 13.7 mph.

I crossed the Ohio River into Ohio at the start of the ride. I ended yesterday's ride at Maysville, Ky., on the river. The first 60 miles were along Rt. 52, the scenic highway along the river. At Portsmouth, Ohio I took Rt. 23 north to Rt. 32 to Jackson, Ohio where I called it quits for the day.

Thanks to a highway patrolman the change to Rt. 23 north saved a bunch of time and energy on the hills in the lower part of Ohio. The suggested route follows the Scioto River Valley north and then across the plateau to the east. This route made the long ride today possible. Heat and humidity are still controlling all activity. Will leave early tomorrow since the heat is supposed to be higher still. When will it end?

'Serendipity is at work'
Monday, July 31 (Day 58)

It is now midday,  I have done almost 40 miles to get to the town of Athens, Ohio where Ohio State University is located. Rt. 50 is busy, busy, busy. But nevertheless it has tamed some of the hills in this state.

I was sitting on a guard rail outside of town looking at the road signs and my map and trying to make some sense out of them when a car stops and a new friend appears. His name is Malcolm and he is also a touring cyclist and has seen this situation before. A befuddled cyclist searching for a route.

I got my route straightened out and thanks to him have found a great route through at least part of the hills of West Virginia. Starting in Parkersburg, W.Va., my end spot for tonight, is the start of the North Bend Rail Trail. It runs parallel to Rt. 50 and goes due east. It is only about 60 miles but it will have slight grades and no traffic. What a blessing!

He also got me to the bike trail in the city of Athens and to this library. Serendipity is at work. I will finish this, get lunch, and continue to Parkersburg, W.Va. If the heat continues to ramp up,  I will wait till 4:30 p.m. or so before riding. I am now very anxious to get this over with.