To see the day's Map and Elevation Graph look here: Cycling map and data link (hover on 'Map' button in the upper left corner and click on Terrain).
We start riding at 8:10am and it's a mostly sunny day with wind coming from the SSW. We head southeast out of Maumee toward Perrysburg.
Maumee River
As we continue southeast we notice a headwind when we head more south and a slight tailwind when we head more east. We are now in a region that used to be a large glacial lake called Maumee Lake. Since this land used to be a lake bed, it is flat as a pancake. And since there are no hills, there is nothing to shield us from the wind. We should be thinking that riding into the wind makes you stronger, but, the truth is, we're not thinking that.
Flat as a Pancake
We pass by a quarry. We can tell that it must be a quarry because the land has high dirt banks surrounding what should be flat countryside. There's also some industrial plant on the property.
We head to Elmore and stop for a break in a park by the spot where we will pick up the North Coast Inland Trail. We head straight southeast on this trail.
North Coast Inland Trail
The North Coast Inland Trail is paved through Sandusky County. It is smooth and in great condition. We cruise through the small town of Lindsey and only see the occasional rider or runner. Mostly we have this nice trail to ourselves. Trees and bushes help break the wind. Along the way we pass by a large structure that is a natural gas power plant. We reach the town of Fremont, ride through it a bit, and stop for lunch. After lunch we get back on the Trail and keep heading southeast.
Sandusky River
As we prepared to take this picture someone offers to take the picture for us. I guess he got his finger in the corner of the picture. And, I guess I've done that before. Should I edit his finger out of this picture, or remember it this way forever?
As we enter the town of Clyde we discover the bike trail has been blocked because there is a race going on. The race car drivers appear to be about 8 years old.
Grand Prix Clyde Style
We watch for a little bit but then have to detour out to the highway for a few blocks before getting back on the bike trail. The trail ends in the town of Bellevue. The wind has increased to 15mph with gusts to 20mph and is now out of the west.
Flag blowing on a windy day
At this point we get a great boost from this tail wind as we sail down OH 131. We get into a more hilly area as we leave the Sandusky Lake Glacial Region and stop by Norwalk Creek.
Norwalk Creek
After a great day of riding it is time to head to our hotel and call it a day. We arrive at 4:50pm.