TIL why most people bicycle the Ohio to Erie Trail from south to north, that the Amish love their e-bikes and that Amish teens cruise in their buggies while listening to thumping music.
Yes, we hit the dreaded headwind when we got off the trail and onto road around Dalton. AND we had to go uphill. We were headed west (and south); the wind was blowing hard from the west. At least we didn’t have to go uphill both ways on what is one of our longest days.
At this point we’re in Amish Country, in a part of Ohio known physiographically as the glaciated Appalachian plateau. Just thankful that the glaciers took out the rough edges or the hills would have been harder work.
Anyway, here we are pedaling along on a quiet road and a buggy comes the other way, full of teenage boys. A minute or two later there’s another buggy, this time full of girls. And they’ve got the music system — a boom box? — playing loudly. Not that any of us recognized the songs, but I don’t think it was Amish rock. (Is there even such a thing?)
And this was not the last buggy full of teens that we saw. Were they all headed to the same place or just shyly checking out those in other buggies?
Good to know teens are the same everywhere.
Just to backtrack back to the music: Can someone explain how using electricity is allowed on the Sabbath?
I’ve got the same question about how using e-bikes is allowed on Sunday. Bikes have to be charged during the week? Their leaders don’t see it as breaking the Sabbath? And yes, different groups of Amish can have different rules.
Overall, another great day. We started and ended on trails. Still seeing the remains of old industry. Call me a cynical about PPG wanting to “give back” after decades of pollution and having to shut down the soda ash business because it couldn’t meet the new pollution regulations of the 1970s.
Now this is what happens when five cyclists don’t stop for a real lunch. (I biked 65 miles on dinner leftovers for breakfast, two ice cream stops, one protein bar and some handfuls of nuts and chocolate.)
We dashed to the supermarket just before the 6 pm (!) close. Two bags of chicken with 20 pieces total. Sides, spreads, cookies and pie. Two salads. Salsa and chips, spread out in the hotel breakfast area.
Did we shop for 10?
We’re seeing more thru riders. Our hotel had at least four other groups, from the burley men from Iowa who took their wild RAGBRAI outfits to Ohio and cycle in kilts to friends from Las Vegas and Saint George, Utah, who meet up for a trail vacation every year.
Now for a good night’s sleep before we head to Mount Vernon. (Miss the ride from Cleveland to Akron? It’s here.)
If we’d had more time …. I’d have considered breaking this day in two and detouring to the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton. If the Pro Football Hall of Fame is more your speed, it’s about 2 miles further on.
Whatever you do, stop at Ernie’s Bicycle Shop right on the trail in Massillon.
More photos from the day:
Miss our ride from Cleveland to Akron? Click here.
Exploring by bicycle 
About the Amish: first, each community determines their standards, so there is no single ‘answer’ regarding their practices.
The restrictions are more about avoiding dependence on the rest of the world, and being drawn into pride through consumerism. Thus why buggies use a standard, plain design and the same for clothing.
Many communities allow use of electricity through batteries and generators. In addition, many will approve electric appliances needed to comply with food safety laws to enable businesses, such as freezer cases. Amish carpenters will often use electric tools at English jobsites. They will also use telephones, but not at their own homes – they are generally located at a public area. All part of avoiding the temptation of having convenience too close at hand.
Many Amish communities also recognize that teens/young adults need to satisfy their curiosity about the surrounding English world, so they are given the freedom to choose their own restrictions for a period around ages 17-19 and sometimes live apart from the community. After that time they either choose to rejoin the community as adults (and abide by the restrictions) or leave.
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I’m very impressed with the easy-to-read, colorful signs you photographed. The donuts at Amy’s look like killer donuts!
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