Above is a map of the trip plan at the moment. It's a bit like playing "Connect the Dots." The map is in Google. I created an Access database table with the locations I was interested in, then exported it to Excel. (I could have just started with Excel) Then I imported the spreadsheet into a layer on Google MyMaps. Campsites and hotels are another layer. Each link between stopping points for approximately a day is another layer. I've run out of layers, so Google won't let me draw the line to get home.
I was disappointed to learn, through Google, that two of my planned destinations are permanently closed. One of them, just last weekend. The Makery in Mt. Vernon and Fiberworks in Dayton (actually Beavercreek) are labelled "permanently closed".
This plan is too long. Using the google map as input, I mapped it out, leg by leg, in RideWithGPS and limited it to no more than 60 miles per day. I am currently on Day 18. There are a couple of days in the early stage where the mileage is about 30. I thought it would be good to "warm up". Also, there are currently no rest days planned. This is not a good idea.
It needs to come down to 14 days or fewer. One obvious way to cut it shorter would be to skip the leg to the northwest.
Currently there are some issues. There is not much to see or do between Richmond, Indiana and Anderson, Indiana, including a dearth of places to stop for lunch. Same between Fort Wayne and Defiance. And also between Marblehead and home.
I don't think we'll start at Black Locust Farm in Lodi. Where would we park? and it's a long ride to Mansfield. Maybe I'll drive up to see what they have in store, one of these days, to satisfy my curiosity. And starting in Wooster at the Great Lakes Fiber Festival could also be an issue, for the same reason.
I need to come up with a catchy name for the tour.
"Midwest Yarn Trek" only includes bicycles if you remember my bike is a Trek. "Fiber Expedition" sounds pretentious. "Wool Cycle Circle Tour"? I could just go for "Knit Two, Bike Two States"
Any ideas for a catchy name?
