The national organization whose mission is to change unused rails into trails is just that: Rails to Trails. I sure enjoy them. And I really enjoy them when it is raining like it was this morning. I was told it ended up being a typical mid-west type of day; a cool rain, partly cloudy turning into hot and muggy. The cooling breeze was welcomed, most of the time, except when it was hard into my face.
I’m guessing the road crew didn’t know they were setting up a road slalom course for bicycle rider. The road was getting ready for re-paving. Although there was plenty of shoulder between the rumble strip and road edge, with the road cylinders, it made for an interesting ride. Left of cylinder, then right of cylinder, then left……
Little did I know that my route would take me on “The Road that Built the Nation”. Along with my earlier route on the Pony Express, I have really ridden on some pieces of American history.
I-70 is located about 5 miles north of US-40. I found it interesting how some towns such as Centerville have prospered while others such as Lewisville are struggling. As shown earlier, once upon a time, US-40 was the route. Now a lot of the traffic is on I-70. My theory: The towns with a population of at least 2,000 have survived and are thriving. Those with less than 1,000 are full of boarded up stores, neglected homes and are struggling to survive.
An Indiana historical society has placed such historical signs in most of the towns.
I was enthralled by the architecture. Apparently, it was built as the original courthouse for Wayne County.
Tomorrow, I head from Richmond, Indiana to Xenia, Ohio. I might not get a “Welcome to Ohio” photo as apparently there is a nice rec path a lot of the way.