In June 2000 my thoughts turned to some serious biking toward the purpose of jump starting another bout of weight loss. That month I logged 600 miles - the first trip to the Newark OH area - the second trip, a return to Springfield OH's ageless river park - the third trip to the Cincinnati area for another attempt at the first overnighter since my euphoric 1998 Katy Trail adventure. I was successful in getting in perhaps seven hours of sleep - a first for the new tent acquisition.
    Another first was that of acquiring a good set of bike maps, I think, something that has become possible only in the 1990s. The good maps come just in time for my retirement in terms of multi-faceted freedom.
    The overnighter trip began through the figurative farming areas of my youth - a pleasant and peaceful wandering. And I wonder about the people of the area as they always are friendly in my wandering, almost as if they are jealous in the form of curiosity and perhaps awe. Yet they are protective if you are not just passing through.
 

Through the farmlands run railroads - many abandoned, yet many are finding renewed life as hike/bike trails. Xenia OH offers a hub for several intersecting rail-to-trails.	And off we go, following the Little Miami River valley. Traveling by interstate just doesn't get close enough to the farms, the towns, or the rivers.     Man has been in the Ohio Valley for 15,000 years. The Hopewell were here for 500 years till the year 400. They gave us Fort Ancient and other works of art based on their physical and mental travels - not unlike this publication.
My favorite feed stop is McDonald's, but local shopping provides another option.	Good food, some reflection, and of course, that extra fiber.
In the winter these dry beds make excellent hiking scenery. MO afforded a two mile bed but not quite dry.	At times the road becomes VERY challenging - this was taken AFTER the crossing.
Finally comes the motel room.	And the sun sets once again. How many more?