Jun – Jul 2022

Underground Railroad Cycling

4 MSD of Steuben County teachers will travel along the Underground Railroad Cycling Route from Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario Canada with the generosity of Lilly Teacher Creativity Grants. Read more

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Trip start
June 4, 2022
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- Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 1:34 PM
- ⛅ 46 °F
- Altitude: 1,381 ft
- United States Cheney Reservoir 37.751, -97.82237°45’4” N 97°49’19” W
Jan got a new Trek Edmonda
April 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F
Jan got a new Trek Edmonda and had a fitting! It was so exciting. There is nothing like a new bicycle and it has good hill climbing gears. We are going to need that.
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- Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 1:07 PM
- 🌬 75 °F
- Altitude: 1,381 ft
- United States Cheney Reservoir 37.751, -97.82237°45’4” N 97°49’19” W
Training for our trip
April 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 75 °F
Training rides for our trip are a must, even when it is 32* and windy or 82* a week later.
TravelerI'm so excited for you!
4/28/22Reply
TravelerThanks! It is quite an honor to get these grants.
4/28/22Reply
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- Monday, April 25, 2022 at 1:00 PM
- 🌧 52 °F
- Altitude: 814 ft
- United States Shoaff Lake 41.11092, -85.1442441°6’39” N 85°8’39” W
Tandem Fitting
April 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 52 °F
We were so impressed with Jan's bike fitting that Kris and I decided to go through the process with our tandem. Michael with Trek in Ft. Wayne was absolutely amazing. It is going to be a game changer.
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- Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 8:48 PM
- 🌧 46 °F
- Altitude: 1,033 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.65319, -84.9652541°39’11” N 84°57’55” W
Follow The Drinking Gourd
April 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 46 °F
Follow the Drinking Gourd https://g.co/kgs/gBRtym
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- Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 9:00 PM
- ☁️ 59 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.65325, -84.9651541°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
We're not stopped by sleet, wind or cold
April 30, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Brrrrr! Started out for a training ride this morning knowing that it wasn't going to be warm. However, 40 degrees, 15 mph wind AND sleeting rain was almost a game changer. We waited it out a few minutes and re-routed. We got in 25 miles instead of the 50 we had planned. Hopefully we can ride a bit longer tomorrow. It still was better than riding spin bikes indoors.Read more
TravelerWow! Crazy ladies!! Wait, did I say crazy? I meant BRAVE! Brave ladies! Yes, that’s what I meant. Good job!!!
4/30/22Reply
TravelerFeel free to join us anytime and you, too, can be a BRAVE LADY!
5/1/22Reply
TravelerHa ha! Brave? Or did you mean crazy? 😄
5/1/22Reply
TravelerJust kidding….y’all know you’re my heroes!! 🥰
5/1/22Reply
TravelerLikewise!
5/1/22Reply
TravelerEither is fun!
5/1/22Reply
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- Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 3:15 PM
- ☁️ 59 °F
- Altitude: 997 ft
- United States Pleasant Lake 41.57413, -85.0135741°34’27” N 85°0’49” W
Rain, Rain, Go Away
May 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
It looks like Rain almost every day this week. It sure makes it hard to get outside and train!
TravelerMaybe you should go to for a ride in rain. See if your rain gear is up to the game 😂
5/3/22Reply
TravelerWe've done that many times but combined wit 40* and 15 mph winds makes it tough to get out there!
5/4/22Reply
TravelerCan you balance an umbrella on your bikes?
5/5/22Reply
TravelerHahaha. We have rain gear. It is just miserable when it is cold, wet and windy!
5/5/22Reply
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- Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 2:00 PM
- ☁️ 54 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.65326, -84.9652441°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Boot, Scoot and Boogie
May 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
Jan has a fancy boot for a few weeks.
Traveleroh no Jan! what did you do?
5/18/22Reply
TravelerPlantar fasciitis….trying to lessen the damage and pain before I go biking.
5/18/22Reply
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- Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 6:00 PM
- ☀️ 64 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.65328, -84.9652241°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Great Day For a Ride
May 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
We were finally able to get out for a longer ride. We got a late start so only got in 50 miles instead of the 70 we had hoped for. It was sunny and 60 degrees. It was quite a headwind on the way to Reading, MI but it was a nice assist on the way back. We even did the fun hill coming out of Clear Lake with 35 miles under our belts!Read more
TravelerYou are on your way!!
5/8/22Reply
TravelerHow can we support you?
5/8/22Reply
TravelerI'm not sure but if I think of something I will let you know.
5/8/22Reply
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- Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 9:07 PM
- ☁️ 55 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.65326, -84.9652841°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Hills are thrills!
May 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
Kris and I rode to Hamilton today. Walnut street let's you know what you are made of. Our Wahoo has GRADE on it. One hill is an 8.7 grade! However, we were still in our big ring. Lots of easier gears to use if the hills get steeper ...which I know they will. I always say I haven't met a hill I can't walk up. I sure hope we don't walk a step!Read more
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- Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 5:00 PM
- ☀️ 82 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.653197, -84.96520141°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Training ride
May 12, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Kris and I got in 23 miles tonight. It is good that we are having some warmer weather so we are somewhat ready for Alabama weather.

I love when people ask me if we got our long rides in on the weekend and I say...we got a late start so we ONLY did 50 miles instead of 70. They just laugh!Read more
TravelerIf you only did 10 miles I'm proud of you
5/13/22Reply
TravelerWe don't put our biking clothes on for that! LOL
5/14/22Reply
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- Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00 AM
- ☀️ 77 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.653229, -84.96521441°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Clear Lake Route
May 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Kris and I went out for a training ride this morning. We decided to get some hills in so headed towards Clear Lake. The hill leaving the lake is a doozy! We usually stay in the big ring but decided to experiment with our middle and small rings today. We conquered the hill and rode on towards Fremont. We practiced reading historical markers and took a break. We both seemed a bit dehydrated today.

Steuben County was very involved in the Underground Railroad. This house is on the south side of Fremont. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erastus_Farnham…

We headed west towards Marsh Lake and turned by Lake Minifenokee so we could challenge ourselves on the BIG hill! Our Wahoo has GRADE on it and that hill registered at a 8.4 grade which is apparently in the RED ZONE of hard. We climbed it in our granny ring and had gears to spare!

We were very happy to get home before the storms.Read more
TravelerSounds like a successful training day. Nice job!!
5/14/22Reply
TravelerThanks. It just feels good to be out there.
5/14/22Reply
TravelerWow! That’s a really tough grade! You guys are inspiring me.
5/18/22Reply
TravelerThat is a tough route. The hill leaving Clear Lake is brutal. Our Wahoo has GRADE on it so I am really understanding when it gets difficult 😅
5/18/22Reply
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Underground Railroad Cycling
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- Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 8:00 AM
- ☀️ 59 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.653224, -84.9651941°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Almost Famous
May 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
We are the featured article in the Life section of the Sunday paper.
TravelerGreat article!
5/15/22Reply
TravelerI agree! Just found it in my pile of unread papers. 🥴 Have a wonderful trip! 🤗👏
5/16/22Reply
TravelerThank you. We are very excited.
5/16/22Reply
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- Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 12:00 PM
- ⛅ 75 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.653229, -84.96519341°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Good Company
May 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
It was a beautiful day for a ride. It was exciting to be joined by grandson Layne Pavka. We rode to Fremont to get ice cream:) one of the joys of cycling. Right before Fremont we were being approached by a line rider who easily caught up (electric assist) and rode on in to town with us. It was none other than Jim "Short cut" Penick. Kris and Jim have a long history of cycling together.

Layne was enjoying the ride so much thar he asked if we could go a bit further than planned. Of course we were in! Great job, Layne, on a first ride if 30 miles.Read more
TravelerAwesomeness
5/16/22Reply
Traveler😎
5/16/22Reply
TravelerIt is going to be wonderful!
5/22/22Reply
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- Sunday, May 15, 2022
- ⛅ 75 °F
- Altitude: 1,014 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.653262, -84.9652241°39’12” N 84°57’55” W
Link to the article
May 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
https://www.kpcnews.com/eedition_new/eedition_h…

https://www.kpcnews.com/eedition_new/eedition_h…78-990e-2bb8fadaf516.htmlRead more
TravelerSo excited for you guys! I’m also really excited to watch your trip!!
5/17/22Reply
TravelerIt is getting close! Thanks for following.
5/17/22Reply
TravelerThis is exciting, I am happy to follow your trip. My great-great-great grandfather was Benjamin Waterhouse, part of the Underground Railroad in Kendalville, Indiana.
5/18/22Reply
Travelerwe will be going from the southern border of Ohio and angleing over towards PA and NY. I believe quite a bit will be ridden on the rail trails.
5/18/22Reply
TravelerI love the rails to trails! Will be following you guys.
5/19/22Reply
TravelerThanks for sharing this with us. We are open to learning so much about this topic. It will be a challenge riding this route but nothing that can even compare to what the slaves endured.
5/21/22Reply
TravelerThanks Jeanne. I hope all is well with you and that your life is full of adventures.
5/21/22Reply
TravelerIt most certainly is full timing in a fifth wheel. I’m riding Rails to Trails everywhere we go. Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures. Rode the Western Greenway Trail in Jefferson Ohio for a portion today. Ashtabula Ohio had a part in the Underground Railroad. It’s a fascinating journey and story!
5/21/22Reply
TravelerI am so happy for you!
5/22/22Reply
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- Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 12:00 PM
- ☁️ 66 °F
- Altitude: 1,033 ft
- United States Goodale Ditch 41.65317, -84.96515541°39’11” N 84°57’55” W
Bragging Rights
May 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
We haven't been able to get in as many long rides as we needed because of life and the weather. We have therefore opted for hilly routes and pushing the pace. Guess it has paid off.
TravelerWell done! So excited for you all.... Go, go, go, go, go
5/23/22Reply
TravelerThanks my friend!
5/23/22Reply
TravelerMay your legs be strong and your hearts be mighty! You have got this!
6/1/22Reply
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- Friday, June 3, 2022 at 7:08 PM
- ☀️ 72 °F
- Altitude: 942 ft
- United States Johnson Lake 41.613973, -85.04765641°36’50” N 85°2’52” W
Follow the Drinking Gourd
June 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
And we are off! Follow The Drinking Gourd was a slave spiritual about following the North Star to freedom. My niece, Casey, made these beautiful Drinking Gourds for us.
Travelerslay!!!
6/3/22Reply
Travelerso excited for you all!!
6/3/22Reply
TravelerThat is amazingly cool!!! ❤️ it! Y'all be safe. Miss you already! 💕
6/3/22Reply
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- Day 1
- Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 8:06 AM
- ☀️ 59 °F
- Altitude: 433 ft
- United States Northern Ditch 38.15786, -85.7082938°9’28” N 85°42’30” W
1st night a Success
June 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
We survived the 1st night in an 80s themed hotel. A little sketchy but we slept. On the road again. MOBILE ALABAMA...HERE WE COME!
TravelerWas it an 80’s THEMED hotel or an 80’s HOTEL? Big difference, you know! 😂 No matter, though, a long as you got a good night’s sleep. I can feel the excitement mounting. Can’t wait to hear more!
6/4/22Reply
Travelerit was an 80's hotel. We slept even with the big nightlight on the wall🤣🤣
6/4/22Reply
TravelerYou are so brave!
6/4/22Reply
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- Day 1
- Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:40 AM
- ⛅ 77 °F
- Altitude: 748 ft
- United States Piney Chapel 34.857904, -86.92752534°51’28” N 86°55’39” W
2
Famous
June 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
They named a road after Kris and Marlene!
Traveleromgosh. soooo this.
6/4/22Reply
TravelerAwesome!! Where is this?
6/4/22Reply
TravelerSomewhere in AL🤣
6/4/22Reply
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- Day 1
- Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 2:02 PM
- ☀️ 86 °F
- Altitude: 325 ft
- United States Pineview Baptist Church 32.958794, -87.17079132°57’32” N 87°10’15” W
1
Progress
June 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
Only two of us are brave enough to pull the trailer!
Traveler Lol.
6/4/22Reply
Travelerthey slumped asf
6/4/22Reply
TravelerAyee lmaoo
6/4/22Reply
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- Day 1
- Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 8:19 PM
- 🌙 82 °F
- Altitude: 49 ft
- United States Bienville Square 30.69097, -88.04060130°41’27” N 88°2’26” W
We made it to Mobile!
June 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 82 °F
It was a pretty uneventful drive down. Brian and Kris did a fabulous job driving. Wr are happy to have a nice and clean room for a couple of nights so we are ready for our departure from Mobile. We ate at a fun restaurant named Squid Ink and then did a little sightseeing around downtown. There is a beautiful, historic Catholic Church a few blocks from out hotel. The doors to the Cathedral Bascillica of the Immaculate Conception were open so we decided to walk across the street to see if we could see inside. Just as we were approaching the large entry.doors they surprisingly flung open to reveal the ending of a beautiful wedding inside! We scurried.away. A bystander did say that if the doors are open you are welcome to enter. Maybe we will take that in tomorrow.

Last but not least...cudos go out yo our Conductor for the perfect parking job in the perfect parking spot.

Kris and I also found 4 dimes today (Janie and Betty...our moms...toss them down from heaven) so it just seems that the stars are lining up for us.Read more
TravelerSo happy you made it and that the stars are lining up! ✨️ 💛 Sending so much love!
6/4/22Reply
TravelerGOOD JOB!!!!!
6/4/22Reply
TravelerSounds like you’re off to a great start and ready to roll!!
6/5/22Reply
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- Day 1
- Saturday, June 4, 2022
- ⛅ 77 °F
- Altitude: 735 ft
- United States Nancy Branch 35.59199, -86.90259235°35’31” N 86°54’9” W
Dad says we have to try….
June 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
He’s not stopping in another 30 minutes and he doesn’t care if we are elderly women….😬
TravelerWe bought salty snacks. Our conductor doesn't believe we'll ever make it to Mobile 🤣
6/4/22Reply
TravelerUh oh, Marlene! 😂
6/5/22Reply
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- Day 2
- Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 11:26 AM
- ⛅ 84 °F
- Altitude: 49 ft
- United States Bienville Square 30.690967, -88.04063630°41’27” N 88°2’26” W
Old Plateau Cemetery
June 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
We also went to Africatown today and stopped at the cemetery.
https://www.dffaaht.org/interest_points.php

One headstone indicated that she was the granddaughter of Cudjoe Lewis.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cudjoe_Lewis

I wonder if Erma Smith and Hillie Smith were also slaves and original residents of Africatown. It was very different from any other cemetery that I have wandered through. It was a humbling experience.

Where is Kathy Aldrich when you need her?Read more
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- Day 2
- Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 4:30 PM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 62 ft
- United States Bienville Square 30.691106, -88.04030130°41’28” N 88°2’25” W
Africatown/ Plateau, AL
June 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
We left the cemetery and drove around the area named Africatown. We were not brave enough to get out and randomly talk to people so we just have a few pictures of the area.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africatown

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africatown#Afri…

https://youtu.be/g4CBVjR9kwc

https://youtu.be/6pbjFjbKOawRead more
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- Day 2
- Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 4:43 PM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 49 ft
- United States Bienville Square 30.690959, -88.04054630°41’27” N 88°2’26” W
Blind Mule
June 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
We decided to do a fun lunch so Brian could make his Tee Time at Magnolia Grove. Jan was happy with her avocado fries. Brian loved the #muleycristo. Marlene went for the pancake filled with Conecuh and topped with bacon and an egg. https://conecuhsausage.com/

https://www.rtjgolf.com/magnoliagrove/Read more
TravelerI’m drooling!
6/5/22Reply
TravelerOh, Terri, I forgot to mention that Brian had grits. Of course we talked about you!
6/5/22Reply
TravelerI noticed cheese grits was a side to his muleycristo. Has he had mine? If not, I’ll have to make some for him so he can compare! 😉
6/5/22Reply
TravelerI don't think so but of course I bragged about how delicious they are! I might need some after this ride.
6/5/22Reply
TravelerYou got it!!
6/5/22Reply
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- Day 2
- Sunday, June 5, 2022
- ⛅ 84 °F
- Altitude: 52 ft
- United States Bienville Square 30.690975, -88.04044730°41’28” N 88°2’26” W
Off Exploring Again
June 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
We did a little exploring this morning. The intersection with the square building is the intersection of Royal and St. Louis Streets. This is where the largest slave market was located and where our ride will start in the morning.Read more
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