Day 26 - June 5, 2023. Akron, OH

Well, I'm not feeling very rested on my "rest day".  My own fault.  We have several women who rode the Southern Tier together in 2022.  One of their fellow riders came over to visit from South Bend, IN.  And - she brought little boxes of the most amazing chocolates for each of us.  They were so delicious I ate all of mine before going to bed.  Then I was awake into the wee hours.  Ugh!

The trailer was going in for brake repairs today, so we knew to get our bikes cleaned by about 9:30 (cleaning supplies are kept in the trailer).  I knew that some people decided to take the cleaning supplies to their rooms last night, but I mentioned I was aiming for an 8:30 cleaning at the trailer.  No supplies.  Glad I had my own cleaning stuff; just needed WT's lube.  Just as I was heading back in someone came out with all the supplies.  Not sure why people were cleaning their bikes in their rooms in the first place; hope they didn't leave a mess!  The bikes were pretty dirty given yesterday's route on the crushed stone.  I know at least one person just took her bike into the shower with her - made for a pretty funny picture! 

About half of us went over to the John Brown House for another private tour that Linda had arranged (thank you!).  I was leading a group of about 9 who chose to walk over.  Took a few wrong turns and led them up a steep hill that we didn't need to climb.  Saw this cool tower at the Glendale Cemetery, though.


Big mutiny, and only one person continued with me.  We did get there a lot quicker than the rebels, though.  Others biked or took a cab.







A very worthwhile visit.  John Brown was a famous abolitionist who, in addition to aiding freedom seekers, led an unsuccessful raid on Harpers Ferry for which he was convicted of treason & murder and hanged.  The director of the site gave us an overview and tour, and a local actor assumed the role of Harriet Tubman and talked to us for a bit.  





















Out for lunch, then meandered back to the hotel.  Suzanne bought doughnuts for all at a really old Krispy Kreme place.  I believe it's been there since 1939.  Found more stuff to look at along the way.
















A quick rest and then a walk downtown to explore a bit more.  I didn't find anything very exciting, and the place was dead!  Almost no one out walking and even the roads and parking lots were pretty quiet.












Onward towards Niagara!




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