July 15, 2024 – Subway Steve

    I didn't actually go through Parkersburg, as it is on the other side of the Ohio River in West Virginia. Instead, I went through Constitution, Belpre, Porterfield. Then, I got onto the SR 124 at Torch, Ohio. From there I rode down 124 to Hockingport, Reedsville, and stopped for the night at Forked Run State Park. I may have gone a little farther, but a large rainstorm came up from the west. I took cover under a large pavilion just in the nick of time. So, I slept under the pavilion that night. There are great views of the Ohio River and Ohio farmland on 124; quite hilly though. So, I am forced to walk and push my heavily loaded bicycle up the hills on certain steep hills. Nothing too notable happened on this day. I don't think I met anyone that I can remember. Nonetheless, it has been a great day of riding.

    Yesterday, I left Forked Run State Park and traveled through Long Bottom, Portland, Apple Grove, Letart Falls, Plants, Antiquity. I stopped for lunch at a Subway in Racine. I met two wonderful and informative people who worked there; Steve and his coworker; I did not get her name. Steve has lived in Racine for about 30 years or more. He loves it there. He lived right beside his mother and father, and his other relatives live close by as well. He likes the peacefulness and quiet of Racine, and he wouldn't trade it for the bustling city life. Steve told me to go to Point Pleasant in West Virginia to check out the Moth Man Museum. Supposedly the Moth Man is an evil villain (a big moth the size of a man). The Moth Man caused the Silver Bridge to collapse in the 1960s in Point Pleasant. The incident took the lives of 46 souls if not more. In addition to talking about the Moth Man, we talked about anything and everything that popped up in our minds. I gave him my email address. I hope we keep in touch. They both made me a hearty meatball sub. It was very filling and gave me the strength to keep pedaling. From Racine I pedaled to Syracuse, Minersville, Pomeroy. I crossed over the river into Mason, Clifton, West Columbia, Lakin, and into Point Pleasant for the night.

    I camped out at Tu-Endi Wei State Park last night. It is located at the confluence of the Kanawha River and the Ohio River in downtown Point Pleasant, WV. The park commemorates the Battle of Point Pleasant, fought between the settler militia of Virginia and the forces of the Shawnee Chief Cornstalk on October 10, 1774. It is a very clean and flourishing park with a monument for the leader of the Virginia Militiamen and a monument for Chief Cornstalk. There are also several other placards that describe the history and people related to this area. The park is a must see, and a great place to camp; if only it were allowed.

    Now, I am off to cross the newly built bridge back into Gallipolis, Ohio. Dear Lord, be with me on this journey. I sure hope there is a walking path on the bridge. If not, this is going to be a very dangerous ride. I may have to call an Uber to transport me across the bridge if there is no shoulder or bike lane.