Saturday, June 7, 2008

Underground Railroad Route Report #10

Reporting from Oberlin,

Had a pleasant, although long ride of 82 miles into Oberlin today. Rode through the Mohican State Forest on rolling hills into Amish farmland. We had a very early start, heading out between 6 and 6:30 am to try and beat the heat. I was excited because I knew three of my friends from home (Chris, Nancy and Mary) were riding out from Oberlin to meet me on the route. We hooked up in Huntington, about 15 miles out from Oberlin and then rode in together. I loved seeing you guys, thanks.

Another friend from last years XC ride (Sue) joined our group for dinner and she arranged for a speaker to give us the background on Oberlin's role in Underground RR activity. Oberlin was a busy terminus for fugitive slaves; some staying on here and others passing through onto Canada. Oberlin from its' founding in 1833 by two Presbyterian ministers has always been progressive and liberal in its' thinking. The college also founded in 1833 is the oldest continuously coeducational institution in the country, having admitted full time female students in 1837. And Oberlin College was the first college in the US to admit black students, starting in 1835. The Oberlin/Wellington rescue of a fugitive slave in the hands of slave catchers created a national stir which many believed contributed greatly to the unrest leading up the the Civil War.

Tomorrow, I head back to OSU for the University Graduation Ceremony. On Monday, it is on to Hudson, home of John Brown of Harper's Ferry notoriety. Will be riding through Medina and Peninsula, and staying in Streetsboro for the night. Monday will be the first day of our last six day run. Everyone is holding up fairly well. The heat takes a toll when you are faced with long miles, you need a lot of rest stops and tons of liquid and eventually most everyone makes it in (some people sag some of the time). Well, that is it for now.

Goodnight to all!

"Everybody wants to know what I am on. What am I on? I'm on my bike busting my ass 6 hours a day. What are you on?"
---------Lance Armstrong


--Debby

Click this site to see pictures from the ride.
http://gallery.mac.com/debmilano

No comments:

Post a Comment