We got a late start yesterday but that was to be expected given the rain and the distance traversed on the prior day. But we see no issues with that as our peddling day was decreased from 59 to 38 miles. We were able to dry much of our gear and are now ready to hit the trail.
Breakfast at the Village Family Restaurant is filling and fuels us for the day’s ride. Time to go.
Leaving Waynesville, we see contrasting corn fields. To our right is a field with tall and healthy stalks of corn though to our left the muddy field has only tiny sprouts protruding from the soil. This would not be the only time today we would make this observation.
The sun is blocked by the canopy of trees we pass under, decreasing the temperature by at least 10 degrees from when we were peddling in the direct sun. With a light breeze to our backs the conditions are perfect. Feeling energized we increase our pace moving toward Xenia, the next large town on our way.
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is an oasis of vegetation between the expanse of corn fields surrounding us. Many fields are still under water, however. One farm in particular looks more like a wetland than a farm as a stream appears to meander in low lying areas and a great blue heron rests nearby until it flies away. The soybeans planted in mucky soil are tiny and look vulnerable to any more adverse weather.
Like other sections of the trail, there are many native weeds though there seems to be more poison hemlock and hogweed that on other areas of the trail. As we have moved away from the river, the vegetation is thinner and we have a better view of our immediate environment.
A large lake is located to our right. Water fowl can be seen in the distance and the number of birds, represented by increased chirping, have risen in number. We don’t notice too many insects though we have not slowed our pace to find out.
A quick stop at Spring Valley, the first town after Waynesville, is for nought as Ted and I were looking for a coffee refill and the shop was closed. It seems, however, to be a hotbed of cycling as there are many vehicles with bikes on them and bikes are parked all over the small town. We push on sans caffeine.
Just outside Xenia we stop for a Clif bar and water break. I think we should be more tired than we are considering yesterday’s 60 mile slog but we are both find and doing well. Perhaps it is do to the excellent condition of the asphalted trail, which is in contrast to the other trails we have ridden. Or perhaps because we both trained especially well for the ride.
Today we have seen many riders on recombinant bikes. They seem to be very popular with folks that are a few years older than us. They also are very fast. We have to be careful as they can come up from behind very quickly.
Soon we leave the woods and arrive at the outside of Xenia. We are out of the corn fields and in a neat neighborhood of well-manicured homes. Soon we arrive at the restored Xenia railroad station and take a break.
