It seemed to be getting colder each morning. I resisted wearing my jacket at the start because I knew I would warm up once I started pedaling - but I was glad I
had full-fingered gloves and a knit hat to wear underneath my helmet.
We left Mt. Vernon on the Kokosing Gap Trail. This was another old railroad line converted into a multi-purpose public space. We saw trestle bridges and old telegraph poles
along the way. There was an impressive old steam locomotive stored on a siding outside of the town of Gambier.
Everyone stopped at the Bridge of Dreams for a group photograph. This covered bridge is the second longest in the state of Ohio. The bridge used to be a steel trestle over the Mohican
River. But once the railroad was abandoned and converted into a rail-trail, local enthusiasts constructed the covered bridge on top of the old steel.
The OTET bike trail followed the Holmes County rail-trail. The highest point of the day was Baddow Pass. The railroad ascended a steep hill here, and required "pusher engines" to help the trains surmount the hill. Friction from
the railroad wheels on the tracks created sparks that started multiple fires. I couldn't quite pedal to the top of the hill, so I walked my bike up the last few yards because I still wanted to keep my perfect record of
not shifting gears.
Our ride today was so short that we reached Millersburg before lunch. I spent the afternoon walking around the small town, admiring the old buildings. I like the ornate facades on
Victorian style houses. They must be a chore to maintain, but I think that they look nice.
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