I road up to the Cleveland suburbs yesterday, left at 6:45am. Was making great time to start, 50mi in 3 hours (Ohio Border on the dot), 100 miles in 6 1/2 hours but had saddle sores come back after 90 miles and stood from mile 112 until 136. Sucks hard because I wasn't even tired and could probably do 200mi in a day of similar terrain. I just got a Specialized Romin saddle and sized for it, and used lots of chamois cream but nothing helped. I suppose I should have let it heal longer from the Tour De Cure. Almost called to get bailed out because I couldn't sit but I finished finally at 8:45pm and 8:56 pedaling. Must have been wincing in pain for 4 hours instead of riding. 
I know I could have done it a lot faster. I was on flat ground barely going 15mph most of the route because of the pain.
I explored a bit, cut my route 14 miles, and by random found about 22 miles of paved trails in Ohio that I worked into my route. It's almost a straight route now. The first trail is at mile 67 and the second is off Route 608 at mile about 115 on this map. http://www.mapmyride.com/route/detail/19271866/
I only took my rear saddle bag, a frame bag and camelback. Was trying to be as light as possible but still wound up having 6lbs or un-eaten gels, gummies and cliff bars. I'll probably do it at the end of the summer again, maybe reversed this time with even less gear.
I saw a couple riding towards me 51 south, loaded bikes, yellow panniers. It was a great day for riding. Last years route wasn't as direct but was a good ride: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/detail/8753548/
wow that is some ride. i hope the saddle sores feel better. i was a little saddle sore until a week or two ago from the ms150 (mostly from the century).
so my parents live in beaver county and i've often thought about riding out there. it's not that far, but my concern is 51. it does he "share the road" signs, but i have never seen anyone cycling on it between ambridge and monaca. how is it? cars go 70 or so sometimes.
@stefb: 51 in that area is no big deal. Shoulders are really wide, and mostly clear of debris.
It's actually signed as part of a PA Bike Route.
I've been wondering about this....I get a week vacation in a few months, and I've been casually toying with the idea of biking home (I'm from the Cleveland Area). I know my bike isn't built for that kind of thing, but it's nice to know that with the right tools/mindset, it can be done
RubberFactory,
Whereabouts? I too am from the area. Maybe I shouldn't display that information on such a public forum.
North Ridgeville, right near Elyria.
WOW! I am from Oberlin. Hooray Lorain Co.! When did you move?
2006, after I graduated. I actually went to JVS in oberlin, for their culinary program, and now I'm at AIP for the same thing.
oh yeah JVS. you know that whole intersection (20 & 58) is heavily built up, there's a walmart, the old ames is now occupied by some stores... gentrification is hitting pittsfield twp.! LOL
yuck. Wal-mart.
51 before Rochester is a little rough, 2 lanes with no shoulder at all and highway speeds. I try to get above any small hills or around corners as fast as possible to hopefully prevent fast motorists from seeing me right after taking a corner or going over a small hill. The rest of it is fun and I tuck and make up for lost speed. For every hill you descend there's another one to climb. I think going towards Pittsburgh might be easier, perhaps in some sections. After Rochester there's a slow grade for 7+ miles into a longer climb up to shopping areas/gas stations where I stopped again.
Stefb, from downtown PGH to Beaver? Would be a fun ride. There's other roads you could take back down rather than 51 to change it up.
yeah i drove that way yesterday and said "i am NOT ever riding on 51 over here". i think 65 would make me feel a little safer, at least through all of those areas where there are traffic lights pretty regularly. and i think the shoulder is wider there.
