From Delaware to Mifflin

Tuesday, June 2
Miles Traveled: 77
Average Speed: 11.3 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Maximum Speed: 25 mph
Cumulative Miles: 1,384
Miles To Go: 656

Mike stopped in Delaware, Ohio, on Tuesday and stayed with some members of the local Church of Christ.



Mike has left the hills of Tennessee and the river valleys of Kentucky long behind. Ohio roads and flat indeed. He has spent the last 85 miles riding on wooded, scenic bike trails. But on Tuesday, those trails came to an end, and it was back to the regular roads with lots of cars.



Wednesday was a cold, rainy day again, and Mike was forced to take shelter in a barn along the route. Along his route on Wednesday, Mike passed by Lucas, Ohio, the site of Malabar Farm State Park. Here is some information on Malabar Farm, founded by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and dedicated conservationist, from the park's Website:

In the rolling countryside of Richland County, Louis Bromfield, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and dedicated conservationist, created his dream -- Malabar Farm. Inspired by his love of the land, Bromfield restored the rich fertility of the farmlands and preserved the beauty of the woodlands. He built a 32-room country home, where his family, friends and neighbors could share the pleasure of life on the farm.... As a park, Malabar Farm is dedicated to perpetuating Bromfield's farming philosophies, preserving the Big House and its many artifacts, and providing a place where visitors can explore life on a farm and the beauty of nature.

According to the farm Website, Bromfield's farm was an early pioneer in sustainable farming, which has certainly come into vogue today. Today Malabar Farm has animals, wagon rides for visitors, camping sites, a produce market, mercantile, fishing holes and sustainable farming in action.

Mike continued on past Lucas, to Mifflin, Ohio, and is staying the night in a cabin on Charles Mill Lake.