ChicagoTreeMD: Sagged. Day 5 of the Tour des Trees

Sagged. When you can't complete the task and have to be driven to the final destination. I woke up this morning with serious stomach pains from the night before. Didn't eat properly? Something lurking in the meal I had last night? Not sure but I knew right away something wasn't right. As we rode I hoped the feeling would go away but it did not. It was a tough day of riding with lots of ups and downs but really nothing crazy. My stomach, however, didn't understand that. So after 67 miles and 4000' of climbing I "ended the ride" on the Garmin computer and was done for the day. I suffered for 4 and 1/2 hours and that was enough. Still not quite right and hope the stomach is better for tomorrow.

The ride went from Kent back to the Mohican State Park, 100 miles. Our first stop was to see the "Signal Tree." A huge bur oak that is believed to be over 300 years old and was used to signal/mark the way for people making their way through this valley. Big tree, cool history.

The best part of the day was riding through Amish country again. We encountered many more horses and buggies. Even a mini horse and buggy! We said that was the mini cooper/smart car version of the buggies. We stopped at an Amish market (dark in side) for water. While there we were eyed by women coming into the store. I realized spandex is likely not acceptable for men to be wearing, hanging around at the market. I'm sure we were pleasantly frowned upon.

Saw many free-range chicken farms. The chickens looked very happy running around outside in the sunshine. It occurred to me that is why Amish chickens taste so good. They have a great live and only one bad day.

Lunch was at Weaver Leather. They provide many slings, saddles, etc for the tree care industry as well as even more horse stuff for the Amish community.

67 miles was not the goal today, but sometimes you have to step back to go forward. Regroup, ride to Columbus tomorrow, Friday. Day 6 of the Tour des Trees. Should be a much better ride.