Returning to Cleveland - The Encore - August 15, 2020

When we were compiling the blog posts to create this book, we had this feeling of unfinished business. For one thing, although Bill had done the ceremonial "wheel dip" in Lake Erie, we hadn't taken a picture of it. We had forgotten that Edgewater Park was also the home of the famous "Cleveland" sign that is a great foreground for Lake Erie and the city in the background. In addition, that was the first day out and we found the trail nearly impossible to navigate through the city of Cleveland.

So on a whim, we decided to return to Cleveland, ride from the trail head for the Towpath Trail and head north to the lake and see if we had better luck. The day was beautiful for August and not only would I be able to ride with Bill, but we would be able to take our dog, Adie. We knew it would be a long day, but we felt it would be worth it -- and it was.

Edgewater Park

Heading north, it was easy to follow the trail -- at least at first. A few miles up the path, it abruptly ended. This area of Cleveland is undergoing gentrification. Upscale condos were being constructed along the path which, when completed, should enable residents to make an easy commute into the city. Luckily for us, we met two locals who were riding to Lake Erie and they offered to let us travel with them. Little did we know that we would be riding through the city streets of downtown Cleveland, starting at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and passing two stadiums. 

We rode for about three miles on Detroit Ave. which was very bike-friendly with separate bike lanes in most places. We crossed a long bridge which had a separated path for bikes, making it feel very safe. In another 20 blocks, we turned right on 65th Street where eventually we hooked up with the path that ended write at Edgewater Park.

This time, we did not forget to take the picture of the bike at the lake's edge. Unlike the previous time we visited, the beach was crowded with swimmers who were doing everything they could to be socially-distanced during this pandemic. There were beautiful trails connecting one side of the beach to the other where the Cleveland sign was located. 

Since we were making this trip in one day, including the bike ride, it was time to try to find our way back to the trail head. Without our local guides, this was very difficult to do. I remember one case where I could stand at the end of the trail and look over where the road was torn up to the next section. You just couldn't get there.

Again, with help from some of the locals, we made it back. We had Adie with us for the whole 26-mile round trip, and I honestly think she enjoyed the whole thing. I'll let you be the judge.

Our toothless wonder, Adie, in her bike basket.

Round-trip from our house to Edgewater Park is 237 miles. By now it was time to reward ourselves with a milk shake and head home. We made it home by 11:00 pm having traveled nearly 500 miles by car and another 25 by bike -- 14 hours in all. But it was well worth it. Mission accomplished.