(click on envelope for e-mail - go to http://olympia.thebeaconjournal.com/odyssey/ for the latest complete stories on the trip)
Today was really dismal. I had never been to Springfield before, so I entered the city with no preconceived ideas of what I would find there. By the time we left the city, we were both really depressed.
Everything about Springfield was old and tired - the people, the buildings, the cars, the entire atmosphere and environment. I'm sorry if there is someone from Springfield reading this, but I couldn't wait to leave.
Not only that, the drivers were very aggressive toward bike riders - more than we've experienced anywhere. Such a poverty permeates everything about the city.
Also, old U.S. route 40 was the same way between Vandalia and Springfield. Just nothing there - no charm at all. I think of all the small towns we've been to and how hard the communities there have worked to renovate and maintain their downtowns. Then I look at Springfield and I wonder why anyone would live there.
Tonight I'm sitting in the kitchen of Monte White, the city law director in London. Monte is out of town, so his son is being our host in dad's beautiful home. I've never met Monte. I connected with him through an e-mail that I sent to bike clubs around the state. Someone read it, knew Monte was a biking supporter, sent me Monte's name and number --- one phone call later I had housing for tonight. I'm only sorry that Monte, 70, couldn't be here tonight. Based on the stories his son has been telling us, Monte sounds like a super guy.
Well, today was a total bust - journalistically. All through the first 7 days of the trip, I felt charmed. Everyone I stopped and talked with turned out to have great things to say. Today - nothing. No one was outside. No opportunities presented themselves. I couldn't create anything good. I guess there will be days like this.
Tomorrow we go to Millersport, near Buckeye Lake. Then, in the evening, we're driving up to Hoover Reservoir, where I will have my first ride ever on a tandem. My stoker will be a totally blind woman who will expect me to describe everything I will be seeing. Should be quite an experience.
However, because of the evening ride on the tandem, I probably won't have time to write in this blog. Nevertheless, keep sending the e-mails. It's good to hear from people, even if you can't come along for the ride.
9:25:36 PM 
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