Weidman MI to Canton OH

June 19th, 2025

I awoke to the pitter patter of rain on the roof. It was a quiet campground, without much going on mid week. They had an ice cream bar open to the public, so I imagine on a Saturday the place would be hopping. I decided that a nice shower would be a good start to this dreary day. I thought that there were other people in the bathroom, but it was only a radio station talk show that they had playing near it. It was nice to have the radio playing, as it helped me feel like there were other people around. After showering, I went back to my cabin and packed up. I had to use the umbrella to put some of my things in the top case to keep them dry. Once packed, I dropped my key in the drop box, and headed out towards Mt Pleasant, MI. I plotted a course to a Bob Evans about 30 minutes away.

On my way to breakfast, I had to back track, the same 10 miles I had ridden last night. If you remember there were many windmills. Now that it was only light rain, I could see just how many windmills there were. I tried to count them and stopped when I reached 35. I imagine there were more like 50 or 60 in that one area. I guess it was a windmill farm. I arrived safely at the Bob Evans. I ordered my usual a Broccoli and chedder omelete. The hash browns and banana bread were welcome additions. After a second cup of coffe, I planned the next part of my route. I dressed in all my gear, including my smurf suit and directed the bike south.

I rode down Route 127. It goes almost straight down the middle of MIchigan and continues into Ohio. After awhile, I turned off onto Route 223. I stopped for lunch, when I saw Becky's Country Kitchen on the GPS. It was right off of 223. I had a yummy burger with sweet potato fries. After lunch I continued on and then took Route 23 just below Ann Arbor. It wasn't done raining yet, though at least the rain was only light. I then took Interstate 76 to Finlay, Ohio. The sun was finally out and I could take off the rain gear. I gave Kim's chain a much needed cleaning and oiling. There was a Dairy Queen, so I had a small hot fudge sundae.

I got back on the road and continued towards Canton, Ohio. Around Mansfield(half way) I really needed a break. A rest area would be perfect. Second choice would be a gas station. The GPS wasn't showing any rest areas, so I go for a gas station at the next exit. I get off the exit and go about a block and realize the gas station is closed. I go up the road a bit and pull over to ask the GPS where the closest gas is. It says 0.7 back. So I turn around and go back. What I didn't know was, that the road ahead was under construction and had detours. I go around the block and can't find the second gas station, but I see one a little farther up the street. I stop and go to use the restroom. I needed to pee more than I needed gas. It was a more sketchy place than I ususally stop. Out behind the place there was a large parking lot and garage. There were a bunch of guys hanging out and some had large black SUV's. Maybe I watch too much television, but I decided to get the hell out of there. Now to find my way back to the highway. I zoomed way in on the GPS and within a few minutes I was back a the closed gas station and then on the onramp to the highway. Phew.

Now on Route 30, I turned the music back on, and did my best, as there was lots of construction on this route. I arrived in Canton, and told the GPS to find the KOA. I stopped one last time to get more water. As I got closer to the campground the scenery was made up of rolling hills surrounded by farmland. I pull in down a steep hill and park at the campground office. They give me a quieter site on the hill, instead of the one next to the playground. When I looked at this KOA, I noticed that one of their amenities they offer is Horseback Riding. After I set up my tent, I walked down to the barn to say hello to the horses. They have a large paddock(unfortuately very muddy from this mornings rain). There are two large round bale feeders full of hay for them to eat. I would say there were about 10-15 horses. There was a cute Palomino mare that wanted to say hello. One bay gelding was in the shed by himself. He looked like a draft cross and just seemed sad to me. He let me pat him gently on the forehead. There were a few pintos and one pretty grulla. There was also a cue chestnut miniature horse that was very friendly. I thought about booking a trail ride, but the message board in the barn showed the first ride did not go out until 11 am. That would be too late for my schedule. As I stood watching the horses, the barn kitties had to come and get some attention. It was getting late, so I went back to my tent to look at maps and write this journal entry. Till tomorrow....