2015-06-11 - OH - Day 15 - Buffalo to Lake Erie State Park

I finally got seven hours of sleep, the first time in a long time, and woke up to the host making us oatmeal and coffee in the kitchen area. We had a service project this day that was optional for us to participate in but I decided to stay back. Some people left early and others went to do the project which was to help a woman with MS with chores around her house. I had time to clean and lube my bike, and pump up the tires. I also put more labels onto my personal cards, ate, and prepared for the day's ride before the rest of the group returned.

Almost all of the riders decided to take Route 5 to cut some miles off the ride to the campsite at Evangola State Park. Brian, Catherine, Lucas, and I however decided to take a longer route through Chestnut Ridge Park to see the Eternal Flame, a mysterious flame that keeps burning, baffling scientists as to the source of the gas. The other three had a little bit of trouble hiking the 1.1 miles to the flame and back in their cycling shoes. I was wearing minimalist trail running shoes without socks again. The side trip was totally worth it.

Later we stopped at the Hamburg Mason's Grille 52 for lunch (www.masonsgrille.com). I chose to have the Portobello Sandwich with waffle fries. The friendly Tina served us and refilled our water bottles. From there, we pushed on to the campsite. According to the map, we were to take Old Lake Road to go along Lake Erie but a friendly cyclist named Daniel told us the bumpy road and rush hour traffic would not be fun. Catherine got a flat anyway just as we reached the turnoff.

So instead we took Route 5 which was probably a lot faster. I split off to find WiFi, electrical outlets, and food. I went to Tim Horton's and ordered a cheese croissant and an egg and cheese English biscuit. Food was good. The electrical outlets worked. WiFi was not usable because it kept disconnecting. I hadn't realized camp was another twenty-eight miles away. The Route 5 highway was smooth though and flat with big shoulders so the going was fast and I also stopped for a few photos along the way as well. I finally made it to camp at 9 PM. By the time I set up my tent, ate something, showered, and got ready to sleep, it was already 10:30 PM. I read myself to sleep again.