Day 14: 49 Miles

Kimbolton, OH to Nashport, OH

Last night’s camping adventure at Salt Fork State Park worked out decently. It didn’t really feel much like camping given I had a warm shower and spent the night watching Netflix. I did sleep in a tent, so we’re getting closer to the full outdoor experience. In the morning I found out it takes way longer to pack up a campsite than to set it up. Everything had been nicely packed at home and trying to replicate that while the tent was wet with dew made things difficult.

By the time I’d packed up camp it was 9:00 AM. This seems to be my normal starting time regardless of when I wake up. Today’s ride was fairly straightforward. I just had to get back on Route 22 and ride it for about 40 miles to the town of Zanesville. Then I’d take a turn onto a road that would take me to Dillon State Park, my end point for the day.

I ate a small breakfast before I left because I was planning to get a bigger meal in the town of Cambridge. I made it there by 10:30 and got a stack of french toast, bacon, and a side of home fries. I’m getting used to eating these big meals and then immediately getting back on the bike. I wouldn’t eat like this before a race, but the slow pace of bike touring makes it easy to eat a full meal and continue on my way.

The rest of the day was spent on route 22, which was relatively flat, but there were 15 to 20 mph winds to deal with. It has also been really hot the last 2 days which has changed up my whole routine. When it was cold I was going through water much slower. The 2 bottles on my bike could last me almost 50 miles of riding and maybe I’d stop to grab a Gatorade at a gas station during the day. By the time I’d finished breakfast today I was already asking the waitress if she would refill my water bottles with ice water. By mile 30 I was almost out of water again, but I knew there was a McDonald’s coming up. I went in and ordered a strawberry milkshake and also asked for a cup so I could get ice to fill my water bottles.

I arrived at Dillon state park just after 3:00. It looks like I’m the only one that showed up to this place without an RV. After setting up my tent I took a shower and took a quick walk around. There seems to be a nice beach area but it’s almost a 2 mile walk from my campsite which is not something I’m willing to do right now. I’ll finish the night cooking some food and getting to bed early. The plan is to get to Columbus, OH in the morning.