Happy Father's Day

Today's Google Earth file: http://tomerceg.googlepages.com/MarysvilleOH.kmz

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads doing the ride, reading the blog, or most importantly, who raised me. Well, to me too as well. My Dad and I have spent every Father's Day for as far back as I can remember in front of the TV watching the U.S. Open. We kick back and the ladies bring us beers and snacks and make a wonderful dinner. It's one of my favorite days of the year. I'm sorry I had to miss it this year. Next year nothing will get in the way.

We rode our 6th and final century ride today. It was actually 107 miles because of a wrong turn I made. Virtually everyone got lost at some point today, and for the most part all in different places. It was just the nature of the ride. We wound around and through rural farmland and rolling hills all across Western Ohio. It's really beautiful country. You had to pay close attention to the cue sheet though.

The heat and humidity kick into high gear around 10:00, so I try to cover as many miles early as possible. Fortunately I seem to tolerate the heat pretty well, and Mother Nature cooperated again today with the winds, so it was actually a really pleasant day.

We crossed into Ohio early in the day. We have this little ritual at each state line crossing where we sprinkle some Pacific Ocean sand at the state line sign. Supposedly little elves and fairies will bring us good luck. One of our troup had a little fun this morning and posted this sign. The perpetrator is still at large (no, it's not me). Click the picture to enlarge it.

Shortly after the first SAG stop I came across a family with two junior cyclists. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to chat them up a little bit. These two are a little young to join our troup, but hey, maybe someday.

I've been remiss in not mentioning Margaret and the amazing job she does at her SAG stops. Each day we have some special unexpected treat. Yesterday was flag day, so there were red, white, and blue goodies. Today, in honor of Father's Day, we had watermelon, chips and salsa, and slim jims. She made a special point wishing each of us Dads a happy Father's Day. She's a special lady.