Managed to bicycle about 75 miles today. Conditions were perfect, wind was at my back, not too hot or too cold, and it was just a beautiful day for a great ride. Traffic was reasonable, back roads were beautiful, and I even passed an ADM plant today.

Started out in New London, Ohio, and finished up and Findlay, Ohio. Could've gone another 25 miles easily but I would've ended up in the middle of nowhere. Storm is on its way and did not want to get caught in the open. I would've loved to have done a century, felt great when I quit and could've kept going.  Should not be long before I'm in Indiana. Once I hit Monroeville, Indiana, I will be on the Northern Tier and the maps will be much easier to follow. Google bicycle maps leave a lot to be desired! Finally just said to heck with it and kept going west. Great day for biking. I'll see how this storm affects things tomorrow.

Confession time

I will not name names so as to protect the innocent. But this is the story:  on this trip I have approached churches on two occasions to see if I could pitch my tent on their lawn when a storm was coming my way. On both occasions my request was declined. Two days ago while traveling across Ohio I encountered a severe storm. Strong winds, very cold, and heavy rain were my companions. To say that I was miserable does not even begin to capture my feelings. I looked at one of the apps on my phone that shows campgrounds in the area. I was pleased to see that 20 miles away from where I was, while the storm was hitting its peak, there was a campground.  I called them, told the proprietor that I was frozen to the quick, and asked if they could put me up for the night.  He readily agreed recognizing that I was in trouble. But in the course of the conversation the proprietor brought to my attention "we are an alternative lifestyle campground."  I had no idea what he was talking about.  Short of drawing a picture for me, he pointed out that they practiced a gay lifestyle.  I asked if it would be a problem if I stayed there in light of the fact that I was straight.  The proprietor said no problem at all, we understand your situation and will be glad to assist you in anyway we can. They were extremely hospitable, friendly, and made me feel at home.  Now let's consider, I had two churches turn me down and an "alternative lifestyle campground" accept me with open arms. I believe there may be a biblical message here. I have pondered this for the last 70 miles as I've considered these turns of events.  For me, this experience has enlightened and opened my awareness to kindness in its many forms.  To the folks at the alternative lifestyle campground, you know who you are, and you have my sincere thanks. The lessons garnered from this experience will remain with me and I hope guide me to make good decisions when it comes to kindness and hospitality in the future.