Our First Weekend

On Friday, after realizing that our directions needed modifying due to road construction, we ended up taking a road called Gore Orphanage Rd...creepy, we know. While riding along, we came across a sign reading Golden Horse Farm. I instantly convinced Connor that today was the perfect day to swing our legs over a four legged beauty. Without further discussion, I cycled into the driveway with unusually high expectations for what this adventure would hold. We weren't but two hundred feet from the road when we were happily greeted by a passel of curious pups. Moments later, we were exchanging introductions with the owners of Golden Horse Farm, Barb and Dan. Upon speaking with Barb, we learned that their horses were not open for public rides. Fortunately, Barb and Dan were more than happy to treat us to a farm tour and a meet and greet with their beautiful equine. We happily accepted their invitation and piled into their golf cart for the grand tour. After a healthy lesson on haflingers, driving, stallions, mares, ponies and miniatures, we headed to the house to share a cold beverage over some warm conversation. As we finished up with our Fresca's, we chatted our way back to the bikes and were able to educate them about our own steel ponies. We exchanged cards, telephone numbers, hugs and well wishes, then peddled on our way with a new friendship made on Gore Orphanage Road.

We spent the evening at Findley State Park and weathered our first epic rain storm. After a full morning of drying gear and repacking, we headed out in hopes of making a mid afternoon push for Medina, Ohio. A slight tail wind and open roads made for our fastest riding yet. We were twenty seven miles in when we stumbled across an extremely gorgeous piece of property laundered with a  motocross track, large pond, baseball field and beautiful home. Given the amount of fun features on the land, we found it necessary to meet the owners. As we were approaching the driveway, a white truck followed us in. The man who stepped out, we would shortly learn, was the owner of the home, Kevin. After explaining who we were and why we were there, he generously offered to give us a tour of his property. Little did we know, the road side views were just the tip of the iceberg. There was a tennis court, a basketball court, waterslides, a fire pit, an indoor hockey arena, a guest house and Kevin's business, MGM Landscaping. After giving us a tour, Kevin extended an invitation to stay in his guest house. He was certain that a warm shower and a soft bed would be highly beneficial before another long day of touring. We were so delighted to accept his offer and excited to get to know him better. We situated our belongings in the house, cooked some dinner and stepped outside to shoot some hoops with the ball that LeBron James' son just played with. It turns out, Kevin's incredible personality and home draw many people in--including LeBron and his son. After winning a few rounds of P-I-G, we retired to our guest house. Later that evening, we were able to meet Kevin's youngest son, Ben, and their family friend; we swapped stories into the evening. We had the most restful night's sleep yet followed by a hot shower and breakfast with Kevin and Ben. Following an incredible evening of delightful conversation and unexpected generosity, our thankful hearts bid our new friends adieu and peddled towards Massillon, Ohio.

After thirty seven miles of incline, we are now in Canal Fulton.

The Golden Horse Farm

Barb and Dan

Little Don Juan

Home away from home



Findley State Park



Exploring Kevin's house

Checking out the motocross track

 

Kevin and Ben

Until Next time,

 

Bea