April 22, 2014

In Weirton, West Virginia, I met my first "road angels." What was really nice about this was that I did not seek them out, but they sought me out recognizing that I was in need of help.  Well experienced in travel, they can see when a fellow traveler is experiencing problems.  Unfortunately, Weirton, West Virginia, while very beautiful, is not bicycle friendly.  From the standpoint of roads, there is no shoulder and those present are in disrepair, signage is minimal, and the traffic heavy.  I left from Weirton rather late, and I attempted to travel from Weirton to E. Liverpool on Hwy 2.  It simply wasn't safe.  Don and Sharon Green intervened, welcomed me into their home and their lives, give me a place to stay for the night, and then helped me plan a course through the rough spots.  They have agreed to convey me to East Liverpool (a distance of some 10 to 15 miles) and from there I will resume my ride.  What fun people - and kindred spirits. They're incredibly well-traveled, resourceful, and possess a strong business spirit. Don is a hyperkinetic free spirit loaded with ideas, has a number of inventions (some of which are laying around the house), and is in the process of building an airplane in their basement.  Sharon has done a little bit of everything from teaching to being a booking agent for a number of well-known groups, and a partner in the business that they run out of their home.  They have decided to sell out, buy a boat, and sail around the world.  They see this as a great escape, a way to refresh their creativity.  Totally fun folks!