Coshocton, Ohio

The mountains have been destroyed! Today was only a 54 mile trek and it was all on flat land. There were a couple of inclines, but nothing even close to what we've been getting used to. Everyone broke off into pacelines to cycle today and since the wind wasn't so bad, we were able to stay at 17-19 mph most of the day rotating fresh legs in the front. Depending on terrain and wind, I usually feel comfortable in the front for 3-5 miles. My first two stints were 8 miles and my last one was 5. Dudley Orr, one of my favorite professors in the Ed program always said "work smarter, not harder." There is no where to better embrace such a strategy than in a paceline. It's nice to drift to the back and coast for a while and let eveyone else break the wind. I'm at a distinct advantage on flat land. I don't have to carry all my weight up hill, but I still have large powerful legs that pump the pedals. Today was more like track cycling which was very enjoyable. We all went so fast that we got to our lunch stop by 930 am. No one was hungry but we all stuffed down PB&J sandwiches and fruit because we knew we would need fuel. The worst part about stopping is what I call lunch legs. After I get back on the bike from lunch, my legs are completely resistant to being athletic again. It takes another 5 miles to rewarm up. My butt always enjoys a break because no amount of time spent on a bike seat is particularly fun. We got into Coshocton before noon so I took some time to explore the large church complex we are in. It triples as a community center and a school. I found my way upstairs to the game room with a biking comrade where we played ping pong and figured out the stereo system to pump some tunes. I did a quick pushup and sit up work out and then we were driven to showers at a sports center a couple miles away. Today was an awesome ride and everyone really enjoyed flat land for once. The route we were on was a straight highway for about 30 miles of the day that had oil rigs pumping on the side of the road and shining lakes with people fishing. Getting back early allowe me ample time to clean an tune my bile as well as sanitize my camelbak and water bottles. Most people just went to WalMart to buy food or restock on supplies. I like being out of touch with civilization so I chose to abstain from that activity. So far, Ohio is my favorite state.