Covered Bridges and Barns Tour!!

[AngryScientist]

Switched it up a little today.

Covered Bridges and Barns Tour.

Each covered bridge pic below is a different one. That's 7 bridges people. That's a lotta bridges.

Wet day, but lovely anyhow. Nice and cool. Beautiful countryside. Enjoy the photos.

wet...

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yD4rbjkeZVk/Xve08BZ8KMI/AAAAAAAAD_8/rEk3vPD0i08wa6NXIjwdfR1qaUBzsVRKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5785.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9thExnzJrWc/Xve08OgGT_I/AAAAAAAAEAA/3HYL9zfNimM8rRWKtRJadsyeLCVTrk2-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5788.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzYii9osW7Q/Xve08AnYgqI/AAAAAAAAD_4/eIsteI2fVKUQrvhgkpuWuoFUD4rDIJG1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5789.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqyCrjHGjPQ/Xve080tiw0I/AAAAAAAAEAE/HpauAELwDykzvAC1B2RFsTGKCpxaQNrkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5791.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5_GTmbTXuk/Xve09SqJ9aI/AAAAAAAAEAI/yP2nB5sxo40abLsSdT1vIkmW4JjJt-tRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5792.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHL4LYI_kpc/Xve09sW9UWI/AAAAAAAAEAM/IElu_rQUmN4JwHbFhLlsSlgR7NEIhMUeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5793.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iausR7J0Cg/Xve09j7Uh6I/AAAAAAAAEAQ/_yL-GItXAswj4xEybQXMO3G2eSC1L0ZLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5794.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhH74HDXWDk/Xve0-HtXgpI/AAAAAAAAEAY/hl9js2RuHisATT64aw8W9BBaz1H5pg06ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5796.JPG

[AngryScientist]

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YToPxpkLqJI/Xve0-TbmmxI/AAAAAAAAEAc/5fWFDEljo6Mg6-Q8W5YXxVnJV1G_bb3_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5797.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCiXotKRZXA/Xve0-8wGZ7I/AAAAAAAAEAk/Ven3COL4w1c60HYS5ZpYp4UckmY_UjZigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5798.JPG

sheep dog on duty...


https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8x6kVgM6nU/Xve0-5ihc_I/AAAAAAAAEAg/RlXaInZJ26Y5VABis9P52bXQ-dWUS27GACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5799.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVL9dUZeCKU/Xve0_FLawAI/AAAAAAAAEAo/Zu9NW9Tv7oYaoKcQ-oCrwz6M0Hg9QHuzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5800.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwXl6UY59TE/Xve0_tPFToI/AAAAAAAAEAs/Gjg-yNhIz0kZ56c874ZKC_5EFiu3kQ0GACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5801.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSAtRDYR8Po/Xve0_yjk_EI/AAAAAAAAEAw/OiHhBHRUeSgyVDu54CjSukryuSeap9seACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5802.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxqiOaxtXGM/Xve1ADAWXfI/AAAAAAAAEA0/zNqfZzrXanIs7Lts2c0h1okuZjemN_SUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5803.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-7Jh0zwhes/Xve1ANIr2gI/AAAAAAAAEA4/1tPo2X_NmTQiUmdigKeGLWJWLpA4HJTDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5807.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgtMjuOvYEA/Xve1A8LX5jI/AAAAAAAAEA8/XwubcWC02fYsZBrU8rQDEUQG20s7SUTDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5808.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2xPce-wKUc/Xve1BNKxE3I/AAAAAAAAEBA/brO-dS0WXY82qqzo-MTdBqJWR8uqHZu8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5811.JPG

[AngryScientist]

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8LER4GMW6s/Xve1CJ7TRyI/AAAAAAAAEBI/Q0OaFovV-YY18N-_Q2VXiaIaFfXN_TOVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5815.JPG

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rNN1mJ1EVc/Xve1C8X1rqI/AAAAAAAAEBM/I2Q04Cc99tAEJhJoOWr1St3ZbGFZY93uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5816.JPG

[AngryScientist]

This ride was no bull

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ0y_GVjd_Q/Xve1DEjzD0I/AAAAAAAAEBQ/Rch2Rm4whRY0YJTWZZABja2fo8QpKqWzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5818.JPG

[VTCaraco]

But I can't place any of the bridges as those that I'm familiar with.

PA?

Curious where this was...


We would do a 3-bridge loop on a 10-15 mile loop from my house when our son was in his Burley days. Used to be a hoot when pulling him with the tandem. He's entering his senior year of College this fall, so I guess that means it's been a little while.
http://benningtonvt.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/The-Henry-Bridge-M.jpg

[Tickdoc]

Very cool and still pretty even in the wet. No such bridges around these parts and I always like to see them. Thanks!

[Blue Jays]

Cool pics. Looks like a great day! Nice.

[OtayBW]

Interesting. I haven't seen tobacco growing in a while...

[AngryScientist]

But I can't place any of the bridges as those that I'm familiar with.

PA?

Curious where this was...



yes, PA.

I'm literally aching to get up to VT to do some riding, but am respecting the current travel restrictions!

[AngryScientist]

Interesting. I haven't seen tobacco growing in a while...

haha, i'm a city boy.

which photo(s) feature tobacco ??

[Kyle h]

Where in PA was this? Looks like an awesome ride!

[OtayBW]

haha, i'm a city boy.

which photo(s) feature tobacco ??
#6 from the top (and btw, I grew up ~1 mi from you...).

[monkeytusmc]

Can you post your Strava route? Would love to see where this was as a fellow PA boy myself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mattre]

You find some good routes.

I love the look of that newer barn next to the old silo.

[Jad]

Nice riding AngryScientist! I grew up near Trenton, and was just talking to my father (still in NJ) about covered bridged here in central NH. I told him I regularly ride through at least 4, but said there have gotta be a lot in Bucks County and beyond... Beautiful pictures--Mid-Atlantic agriculture is its own heaven.

[Velocipede]

Northeast Ohio used to have a really cool Covered Bridges ride. It used to hit I think like 14 or 15 bridges.

[Doug Fattic]

The county in the US with the greatest concentration of covered bridges is Parke county Indiana. It has 31. This county is west and a little south of Indianapolis near the Illinois border. I vaguely remember they have or had a century ride with a route that went through many of the bridges. One of the challenges for doing that ride before gravel or fatter tired bicycles became popular is that many of them are located on dirt roads.

[tiretrax]

haha, i'm a city boy.

which photo(s) feature tobacco ??

I think it's the ground level shot of rows of green crops - that's not lettuce!

Beautiful ride - socially distanced (solo)?

[roguedog]

That looks like an amazing ride. Very cool.

[fiamme red]

But I can't place any of the bridges as those that I'm familiar with.

PA?

Curious where this was...Bucks County, eastern Pennsylvania.

https://www.visitbuckscounty.com/things-to-do/covered-bridges/covered-bridge-tour/

Edited to add: My mistake. This wasn't Bucks but Lancaster, as Angry posted below.

[alancw3]

great pictures! is the bridge in pictures 4 and 5 in the Plumsteadville/Pipersville area? looks like a bridge I have ridden through many times. my grandparents use to have a farm in that area. such peaceful/tranquil rides like 25 years ago. your pics bring fond memories.

[Davist]

One of the local bike clubs here in Bucks County, does a covered bridges ride (almost, not 2020) every fall, metric century with 5 or 6 bridges. Great riding for those local-ish. https://www.cbbikeclub.org/covered-bridges/covered-bridges-ride They also publish the routes on ride with GPS as well. I routinely go by a couple in my rides. Nice pics @Angry!

[AngryScientist]

Thanks guys. The route was phenomenal. Good condition pavement the whole way and nice gently rolling terrain. This was the “classic” 100km route; but there is a 100 mile option that I’m definitely going back to do.

Here’s the route I did

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/24293677

Starting in Lancaster area (though I rode the loop starting at the far end to be closer...

Anyone up for hitting up the full hundo sometime soon??

[OtayBW]

Thanks guys. The route was phenomenal. Good condition pavement the whole way and nice gently rolling terrain. This was the “classic” 100km route; but there is a 100 mile option that I’m definitely going back to do.

Here’s the route I did

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/24293677

Starting in Lancaster area (though I rode the loop starting at the far end to be closer...

Anyone up for hitting up the full hundo sometime soon??
Oh - That's part of the Lancaster Covered Bridges Century. Very popular ride - some say getting a little too crazy lately (rider mahem) last I heard, but very nice.

[AngryScientist]

Oh - That's part of the Lancaster Covered Bridges Century. Very popular ride - some say getting a little too crazy lately (rider mahem) last I heard, but very nice.

Yea; I wouldn’t want to share these roads with hundreds of other riders. Much better solo or with a small group.

[VTCaraco]

I'm literally aching to get up to VT to do some riding, but am respecting the current travel restrictions!

Feels deeply responsible and the right sentiment to respect the travel restrictions. There's been a lot of buzz throughout this period about the number of folks sheltering in VT. I realize this isn't novel, but it's an interesting question... Overall, I feel like our governor is on the ball in adjusting bit-by-bit, now opening by county in nearby states (deeming some safe for travel based on the rate of COVID).

More on-topic...
for the riding itself, I've been aspiring to get lost, taking turns on roads I've never pedaled before and navigating on instinct and with my phone/GPS-watch. I've enjoyed getting lost and found some beautiful (and challenging) routes (e.g. a 14% dirt road climb (per MapMyRide) that kicked my @$$).

[rides2slow]

What a great ride. Thanks for posting.

[efixler]

Nice ride, nice pix!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AngryScientist]

Feels deeply responsible and the right sentiment to respect the travel restrictions. There's been a lot of buzz throughout this period about the number of folks sheltering in VT. I realize this isn't novel, but it's an interesting question... Overall, I feel like our governor is on the ball in adjusting bit-by-bit, now opening by county in nearby states (deeming some safe for travel based on the rate of COVID).

More on-topic...
for the riding itself, I've been aspiring to get lost, taking turns on roads I've never pedaled before and navigating on instinct and with my phone/GPS-watch. I've enjoyed getting lost and found some beautiful (and challenging) routes (e.g. a 14% dirt road climb (per MapMyRide) that kicked my @$$).

yes, that is sometimes the best kind of exploring!

[weaponsgrade]

Beautiful pics! I grew up sorta around the area but didn't really appreciate the beauty until I left. I guess that's usually the case.

[AngryScientist]

Beautiful pics! I grew up sorta around the area but didn't really appreciate the beauty until I left. I guess that's usually the case.

with these times of limited travel, there has never been a better argument for exploring the local beauty!

at least that's what i'm doing :)

[Fiertetimestwo]

In Australia we don't have covered bridges at all - at least to my knowledge.

They look gorgeous, but -time for a dumb question- what is the reason they are covered?

[Dino Suegiù]

In Australia we don't have covered bridges at all - at least to my knowledge.

They look gorgeous, but -time for a dumb question- what is the reason they are covered?
Primarily to protect the wooden structure from rain, snow, ice in those climates, and so lengthen the life of the bridge many times over. It is far easier to replace shingles/boards than heavy beams and trusses. A roof and side walls also reinforces the overall structure, acting as shear panels to the trusses. A resulting subsidiary advantage was that the roof provided a sheltered resting spot when travel was done by horse or even foot.

[merckxman]

Ride photo of Taftsville, VT, covered bridge; same type design of 2ND covered bridge in post.

[AngryScientist]

excellent. VT rocks at covering bridges.

[oliver1850]

We only have two in my county. One was built in 1863, the other in 2006. The new bridge's design is based on an old bridge over the Hudson River.

[AngryScientist]

Wow mark, that new one is pretty nice!

[oliver1850]

Here's a route for a 110 mile ride in Parke County, IN that Doug Fattic mentioned above. It crosses over 25 covered bridges, and the rest of the 31 bridges in the county are within short walks from the route. Roads are mostly gravel, but there are a few short sections of state and Federal highway. Wish I had done this when I was capable of riding that distance.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33180570

[AngryScientist]

that looks like a bomber route. next time i'm on the road and close to that area i'm doing it!

[oliver1850]

Wow mark, that new one is pretty nice!

Yes, should last a long time I think. It's on the local century ride.

Hope you get to do the IN route some time. I might try to route some shorter loops that are more in line with my ability. Mecca is only about a 3.5 hour drive for me.

[oldmill]

This lacks the covered bridge (need to get down to Sergeantsville NJ) but is otherwise in keeping with the theme. Northwestern NJ is nice in June.

[AngryScientist]

looking good mr. mill!

[Fiertetimestwo]

Primarily to protect the wooden structure from rain, snow, ice in those climates, and so lengthen the life of the bridge many times over. It is far easier to replace shingles/boards than heavy beams and trusses. A roof and side walls also reinforces the overall structure, acting as shear panels to the trusses. A resulting subsidiary advantage was that the roof provided a sheltered resting spot when travel was done by horse or even foot.

Thanks for the explanation- makes perfect sense now.

We don't get a lot of snow or ice where I am (ie almost none!) so this was not something I had heard before.

They are pretty as well!

[adampaiva]

Nice looking ride. I enjoyed central PA scenery last week.

I haven’t done this yet but created this route for the inaugural C2B2 Catskills Covered Bridge Brevet. Will do this by the end of the summer. I think I got 12 or 14 covered bridges on the route. Will be a tough one.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31746680

[oliver1850]

Thanks for the explanation- makes perfect sense now.

We don't get a lot of snow or ice where I am (ie almost none!) so this was not something I had heard before.

They are pretty as well!

It's really more about the rain and near constant humidity of most of the eastern half of the USA than ice and snow. When you have layers of lumber (such as deck boards on top of structural beams), any moisture that gets into the interface simply doesn't go away in this climate. Same concept as "rust never sleeps" - wet wood is going to decay, often amazingly quickly. I don't know what type of wood the eastern bridges were built from, but many if not most of the Indiana bridges were made of Poplar. While it's considered to be a hardwood tree, it's very soft - not very dense compared to other native hardwood species. Poplar wouldn't last long exposed to the weather. I don't know a thing about bridge building in the 19th century midwest, but I would guess that Poplar was one of the largest native trees available for long spans, and among the easiest woods to work with. That it wasn't very durable out in the weather necessitated the covering. At least that's my theory about why there are so many covered bridges in Indiana.

[marciero]

Feels deeply responsible and the right sentiment to respect the travel restrictions. There's been a lot of buzz throughout this period about the number of folks sheltering in VT. I realize this isn't novel, but it's an interesting question... Overall, I feel like our governor is on the ball in adjusting bit-by-bit, now opening by county in nearby states (deeming some safe for travel based on the rate of COVID).

More on-topic...
for the riding itself, I've been aspiring to get lost, taking turns on roads I've never pedaled before and navigating on instinct and with my phone/GPS-watch. I've enjoyed getting lost and found some beautiful (and challenging) routes (e.g. a 14% dirt road climb (per MapMyRide) that kicked my @$$).

Pre-covid I did multiple VT trips every year, either bikepacking or car camping and staying in campgrounds- the state parks are great. They have a clearly delineated policy on visitors, including things like testing and quarantine, depending, as you mention, on the infection rate in your county (rather than your state) and they include a link to a real-time heat map. If you are from a county with low infection (less than 400 active cases per million) you are good to go. If not, you can quarantine and/or get tested. In Maine all but a few counties are low, but unfortunately for me Cumberland County, where Portland is, is not. So this puts me out of it unless I quarantine. This is all self certifiable. I am within striking distance to drive out for a day ride but think that is not really in the spirit of the intent, since even if I take everything I need for food and water and dont stop anywhere there is a risk that I would encounter someone for whatever reason. Plus, if you read further down on the link below it is clear that they are discouraging out of staters, though they include a "but if you do.."

NH is a bit different, with just the quarantine requirement, but with allowances a for leaving the house for essentials and exercise. I scouted a couple of the campsites on a day ride recently and they simply had wash-hands-maintain-distance policies posted at the camp sites. Subsequently I checked on the website and found out about the quarantine requirement. In any case I am good here as we never go out for anything other than food and bike/run/walk. Last week we did a three-day bike camping trip on the tandem recently and we brought most of our food on the bike and enough water to get us there, with widefoot cages for 1.5 liter Nalgenes. I also carry a water filter. The campground had water but no showers or bathrooms, with vaulted toilets. Convenience stores are probably among the worst places to stop, though the pull of the candy bar or bag of chips can be pretty strong.

http://vtstateparks.blogspot.com/2020/03/vermont-state-parks-covid-19-updates.html

https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/campgrounds

[cmbicycles]

I used to live in Bucks county so covered bridges and small farms were a familiar site on many rides. I still remember when a trash truck drove through and ripped the top off one bridge, and then some dumb kids set another one on fire. They were both rebuilt/repaired. I kind of miss seeing the bridges, and how they were all slightly different in construction, but plenty of nice riding here in VA too. I do remember that when going through them it always felt like a huge temp drop which was great in the summer. Ah, the good old days... nice ride Angry, thanks for posting.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Here's a route for a 110 mile ride in Parke County, IN that Doug Fattic mentioned above. It crosses over 25 covered bridges, and the rest of the 31 bridges in the county are within short walks from the route. Roads are mostly gravel, but there are a few short sections of state and Federal highway. Wish I had done this when I was capable of riding that distance.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33180570

Are you familiar with this area? I'd like to drive up from Louisville, leave my car somewhere, do about half this route, sleep in my hammock somewhere, then do the other half and end back at my car.

[oliver1850]

Are you familiar with this area? I'd like to drive up from Louisville, leave my car somewhere, do about half this route, sleep in my hammock somewhere, then do the other half and end back at my car.

I know the area in general as my grandmother lived about 30 miles away. I never rode there though. I was last there for a Farm Progress show decades ago, haven't been closer than the I-74 corridor since.

I did map a 55 mile loop from Mecca that looks like a nice 1 day ride, but I think for what you want to do, I'd start in Rosedale and stay overnight in Turkey Run State Park. I haven't checked into what the facilities are there, but I'd guess there are plenty of campsites and you might even be able to shower. I'll try to map both days' routes from a more southern starting point and see how the mileage works out for each day with an overnight in the park. There is an inn (built 1919), campgrounds, and cabins with bathrooms at Turkey Run. Unfortunately the swimming pool is closed due to the beer virus. Here's the first day's route of 57 miles:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33200625

[ColonelJLloyd]

Wow. Thanks!

[oliver1850]

I love making routes through farm country.

Here is day two, 55 miles and 16 bridges if I counted correctly:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33200813

Turkey Run SP link:

https://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/Turkey_Run_Inn/index.htm

It appears that a room at the Inn can be reserved for $118, but you have to search around for a day that's not fully reserved. I haven't found a day with a cabin open to check pricing. I wonder if there would be more openings after Labor Day. I've been checking July-August so far. Seems that $118 is the cheapest room (whether Inn or cabin) and many rooms are already reserved as far ahead as December.

[Dino Suegiù]

It's really more about the rain and near constant humidity of most of the eastern half of the USA than ice and snow. When you have layers of lumber (such as deck boards on top of structural beams), any moisture that gets into the interface simply doesn't go away in this climate.
It is not really about "more" as it is about where.
Trapped moisture is indeed extremely detrimental in humid climates.
Rain/snow/ice freeze-thaw cycling is equally extremely detrimental is freezing climates.

[ColonelJLloyd]

I love making routes through farm country.


Well, thanks for it! Thinking about doing this the first week of August (yeah, hot). A shower to wash myself and my bibs and two trees to suspend a hammock will do me. I'll see if I can speak to someone at INDNR and get the scoop on a spot at Turkey Run SP.

[EricChanning]

Cool thread and nice pics! I thought the Lancaster area looked close to home. I've got to get up there for that ride. Thanks for sharing the route AngryScientist.

We have a 3 bridge ride just south of the PA/MD border

https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/222-frederick-covered-bridges

[adampaiva]

we need patches for all the fellow covered bridge bike enthusiasts

https://www.nycoveredbridges.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cropped-header-2.jpg

[AngryScientist]

That is one sexy bridge!

The problem with many covered bridges is they are in spots in the road that make it hard to get proper photos of them without a hike!

[AngryScientist]

Rallied for another metric, lots of new covered bridges, barns, fresh air and perfect roads yesterday.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Icb_5sga0eQ/XwuuJOwvWsI/AAAAAAAAEEU/1c7x_i1fELUrz0biU81odVF2nBV6HjOKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5892.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFYA0GpWT3k/XwuuJQQRIYI/AAAAAAAAEEY/tZIE2uiHM8YMk9xB-NaBlDZIRKQDCV9DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5894.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK1YF6qpKCo/XwuuK-WwkGI/AAAAAAAAEEs/P2YKuxF6-YYh5sU6YBvI5ldKI45YbcfVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5906.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxZQIuJgEqg/XwuuJz0tz8I/AAAAAAAAEEg/Ycz4h_3WLSUGLAFTywmY2ViIUNkcr_1GACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5898.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnvInlmpQ9Q/XwuuJjleHuI/AAAAAAAAEEc/mfp0jbKDzocqx81XxLr19a6gl77txzCZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5897.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Npi1Q5XWPis/XwuuLax6A0I/AAAAAAAAEE0/f4AH8vmwNcA0gy6R4mT9hMsnfI7EfmC5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_5936.jpg

[Blue Jays]

Nice bunch of ride pics, @AngryScientist. Gorgeous weather, apparently!

[AngryScientist]

Nice bunch of ride pics, @AngryScientist. Gorgeous weather, apparently!

thanks, yep - weather was great in the AM, but really started to heat up in the afternoon, thankfully i started early and was off the road by noon.

[ColonelJLloyd]

I finally had a chance on November 1 to ride Parke County, IN. Many thanks to oliver1850 for sending me the route and helping me modify it several times. Definitely not one of the better weather days of the weeks before or even after (40-44F and 20-30mph winds), but it didn't rain. It was a great day of riding. Mostly gravel, a fair amount of chip seal, and a few short segments of pavement.

The covered bridges here aren't varied and are more humble than those posted from the northeast, but there's certainly a good number of them. We hit 13 in 55 miles yesterday.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50559369213_b459d4c83f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2KZ1i)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2KZ1i) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50559369168_006bcc30df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2KYZw)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2KYZw) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50560114006_0561489528_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2PNpy)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2PNpy) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50559483323_31bb05b4b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2LyVH)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2LyVH) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50560248196_ba77995d47_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2Quib)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2Quib) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50559528873_7401e6c4e1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2LNt4)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2LNt4) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50560516237_d776338108_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2RRYz)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2RRYz) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

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[Davist]

wow! nice pics Col! I live in Bucks County PA, our group has (had) a covered bridge tour, metric century got you 5 or 6, didn't know you could do that in IN as well. That last one, wow, I live in a converted grist mill, which may be what the building is/was.. thanks for sharing, and I like your idea of a snack stop!

[oliver1850]

Great pics, thanks for posting them. Glad you got to do the ride. I'm impressed with the length of some of those bridges, look to be 2-3 times as long as our local ones. Did you eat at the Mecca Tavern? Was the General Store open? Were the wide tires the correct choice, or would you choose something different after riding there?

[ColonelJLloyd]

Great pics, thanks for posting them. Glad you got to do the ride. I'm impressed with the length of some of those bridges, look to be 2-3 times as long as our local ones. Did you eat at the Mecca Tavern? Was the General Store open? Were the wide tires the correct choice, or would you choose something different after riding there?

We did each have a "tenderloin" sandwich at the Mecca Tavern. There is nothing else there and I was dubious it would be open until I smelled the fryer oil. The Bridgeton general store was not open.

Definitely happy with the 54mm Thunder Burts. I don't know if or how much faster 700x37 would have been but it wouldn't have mattered. There was lots of really loose gravel so I was happy to have the wider tires with lower pressure and a little bit of tread at times.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50559528873_7401e6c4e1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k2LNt4)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k2LNt4) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr
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[oliver1850]

I spent half an hour tonight talking to a friend about your ride. His son lives in Indianapolis and he was visiting over the weekend. Unfortunately he didn't let me know he was going to be there and didn't have a bike with him suitable for gravel. Very strong rider who could have helped going into the wind. Wish that I had thought to mention your plans to him four or five days ago.

Any idea what kind of tree your bike is leaned against? Looks like there may have been an earlier freeze there than here, as trees look to be pretty barren of leaves.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Any idea what kind of tree your bike is leaned against? Looks like there may have been an earlier freeze there than here, as trees look to be pretty barren of leaves.

I wish I did. I've never been very good at that, but I also know that trees can look quite different than most examples when they get really old. I think that was only the second largest tree we saw that day. I did not take a photo of the other one, but it had swallowed several fence rails in its day. It was a massive tree.

I agree on the frost. It looked more like December there.

[Blue Jays]

Whoa, very cool bridge and ride pics @ColonelJLloyd! :hello: