Day 109 - St. Marys, OH Loop 6 - Two Far 2020 - NTF (Not Two Far) - CycleBlaze

September 16, 2020

Day 109 - St. Marys, OH Loop 6

Bicycle Museum of America

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It was our last touring day of Not Two Far.  It was such a good day that we talked about postponing our return home, but in the end, we're sticking with the plan to rent a van tomorrow and drive home.  All good things..., as they say.

Our destination today was the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen.  We were there on Two Far 2018, but felt it was worth a return visit.

The route to New Bremen was just a nice as all the rides we've done in northwest Ohio.

Here is my last barn photo for Two Far 2020.
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Mike ObermeyerI' m going to miss all the barns. Another great shot.
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4 years ago
And my last farm photo
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Mike ObermeyerI sent my daughter the photo of the sunflowers, she loved it. Thanks
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We rode through some really attractive small towns today.  The first one was New Knoxville.  We were here on another route about three days ago.

This is a marker about the settlement of New Knoxville.
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There are a number of interesting old buildings, but this church is the only picture I have to post.
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When we were here a few days ago, we enjoyed out rest stop at the Village Market and Deli.  As soon as we walked in today, the owner, Jane, recognized us and welcomed us back.  We had fun talking with her while having a snack in the deli.  Jane even gave us a bag of candy when we were leaving.  We meet the nicest people on the road!

Josh, Jane's son-in-law, Jane and Jolene, long time member of the team
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Keith A. SpanglerThanks for introducing them to us!
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4 years ago
Jeanna & Kerry SmithTo Keith A. SpanglerI wish that there was a way to convey the personality of these folks to you. They were just so much fun!
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4 years ago

The next town several miles from New Knoxville, was Fort Loramie.  It has a beautiful park in the middle of town.

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Just outside Fort Loramie is Lake Loramie State Park.

Lake Loramie State Park
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Lake Loramie
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A few miles before we got to New Bremen, we rode through Minster.  There was a huge Dannon plant there and some other big facility we didn't get the name of.  It appeared to be a very prosperous town.

Catholic church in Minster
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Between Minster and New Bremen, we rode the Towpath Trail along the old Miami and Erie Canal.

This section of the canal near New Bremen looks nice. It some places the canal is overgrown with stagnant green water.
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Downtown New Bremen
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Outside the Bicycle Museum, we met Janet, an avid cyclist, and quickly discovered we have mutual friends.  We are so happy to be part of the wonderful touring cyclist community.

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Janet BielefeldI enjoyed meeting both if you. I have enjoyed looking at your cycling journals adventures. Safe travels home
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4 years ago
Jeanna & Kerry SmithTo Janet BielefeldWe enjoyed meeting you, too and I think Dave liked the story of our meeting as well.
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4 years ago

I took dozens of pictures in the museum.  I'm only going to post a few of them here.

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The first bicycle model
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Many times chainless has sounded like a good choice!
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I just added this one because I think it is a beautiful bicycle.
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Mike ObermeyerBefore I even saw what you had written, said to myself that's a great bike - good job
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4 years ago

St. Marys has a nice canal park and display downtown.

If you feel like reading through it, you will learn about the building and operation of the canal on this marker.
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This is a restored canal lock.
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The lower level
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There is also a restored canal boat.
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The canal boat
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We thought this was very cool - a maze in the brick pattern.

The dark gray bricks are the barriers.
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Kerry found his way out.
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Today's ride: 47 miles (76 km)
Total: 3,640 miles (5,858 km)

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Rich McKayLoved the bike museum photos!
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4 years ago
DAVID FAULKNERWow...109 days..your endurance is amazing!
Sharon & I have really enjoyed your amazing adventures and experiences...your comments and pics have enhanced our learnings about America
Travel home safe..trust no bad weather comes your way
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4 years ago
Jeanna & Kerry SmithTo DAVID FAULKNERThanks Dave and Sharon. We are going to miss you this winter!!
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4 years ago