Beside bike and cyclist sculpture in Loveland, OH
Cincinnati to Mason City, OH—35 ride miles.
Hooray, our ride began this morning.
Instructions were to bring luggage to van at 9am.
By the time all loading was done, riders set to go, 9:30.
I get to follow Nancy on the rides.
That is excellent for me.
Nancy is the person who has set the route.
She knows the turns and twists.
I am in the best spot to ride
Without getting lost.
Purple bridge—with Nancy taking photo of it on right. Starting point to cross to Cincinnati from Newport, KY.
As we crossed the"Purple People Bridge,”
(That means the bridge that is purple,
Which happens to be the one for people).
On the other side,
Crowds were gathering
For the Buddy Walk.
Buddy Walk is the Cincinnati Down Syndrome Assoc.
Biggest fundraising event of the year.
Rain was forecast for today.
It was beginning, so people had umbrellas.
Raincoats of all kinds,
Clear plastic covers.
Many were walking, oblivious to the weather.
Buddy walk. So many people on a rainy day.
Nancy and I stood "waiting out the rain"
But really we were watching this crowd.
What an amazing gathering.
Families with their Down Syndrome members.
Relatives and friends of all ages.
Elders in wheelchairs,
Babies tucked against Mama's chest.
All of these folks were
Supportive, caring folks,
Showing up to participate and raise money
For their Down Syndrome friends and loved ones.
It was an emotional event for me.
Love was palpable,
Energy was high, nearly buoyant.
Nancy and I eventually
Got on our bikes, pedalled slowed
"Upstream" as the thousands of walkers
Came along.
I just looked up the report on today's Buddy Walk.
13,000 to 15,000 people did that walk.
For me, it was this day's most amazing sight.
Riding was beautiful.
Lots of big deciduous trees
Flanking majority of trail.
Left: Lin on Day One. Right: Lin with fellow rider.
To answer a question about leaving Cincinnati...
We did not have to pedal up big hills.
The trail is close to the river,
Hills rise up on the non-river side,
Trail is on river-side flats.
Most of our day had very gradual ups and downs.
All is well,
I am rooming with Margaret Goodman tonight.
We are all going to dinner at Japanese restaurant.
Not too far we are told.
Good, because it is raining.
My Friend,
May you get to feel the
Love and commitment of caring people,
In any form.
Hugs,
Lin
Left: Along the Ohio River trail: Nancy, Lin, John, Cindy. Right: At lunch stop in Loveland: Lin, Dave, Margaret, Nancy, Ken.
Well done…a ride in mist and rain, which included the amazing number of walking people who inspired you (and me). Where to next? It will be interesting to learn about the next day. RIDE ON, Lin!
So appreciate the cheering!
Sounds like a great ride, and emotional experience.
I'm attending my local Northfield DJJD work today… at the St. Dominic's Food wagon… a tradition for me.
have a safe ride home.
Patrick
Terrific tradition! Thanks for the good wishes–I send them to you, too.
And, they're off! What a great post for the start of your ride. And what a spectacular experience…to be witness to the Buddy Walk. Here's to strong legs, strong lungs, wonderful companions and an amazing ride.
Love your blessing. Perfeect. 🙂
Hi Lin! I was thrilled to see you have begun your ride today! I was hoping to see you off as I live just a few miles from where you departed — but never could figure out the day of departure (thought it was yesterday!), from where you were departing (thought you might put your back tires in the river on the Ohio side!) and/or what time you were scheduled to leave! Sounds like you had a great start in spite of the rain! I have ridden the OTET and often ride the trail to Loveland! I need to let you know this ride will be relatively flat in comparison to the Pacific Coast ride where we first met!! May the sunshine warm your face and the wind be at your back!! Will be thinking of you and reading your posts! It's all about the journey! Love, Katie
Katie, thank you for the trip blessing, your intention to see me off (felt your support), and the chance to remember the Pacific Coast Ride! Love to you.