Pedaling to Lunch
Stan Purdum
9781931968591
314 pages
University of Akron Press
Overview
Consider a man riding a bicycle. Whoever he is, we can say three things about him. We know he got on the bicycle and started to move. We know that at some point he will stop and get off. Most important of all, we know that if at any point between the beginning and the end of his journey he stops moving and does not get off the bicycle he will fall off it. That is a metaphor for the journey through life. - William Golding, author of Lord of the Files and Rites of Passage Hop on your bicycle, discover Northeast Ohio, and grab a bite to eat along the way. Pedaling to Lunch is your guide to twenty bicycle trips that traverse sixteen counties. You will ride through Burton, Conneaut, Hartville, and Zoar. Pedal past Amish farm land, the vestiges of the Ohio and Erie Canal, the gracious homes of the National Historic Trust, and picturesque covered bridges. Halfway through each ride, you'll have the opportunity to rest and dine at scenic eateries such as the Spread Eagle Tavern, Des Dutch Essenhaus, and the Sunrise Café. The bicycle rides of Pedaling to Lunch take you on an historic journey across the Western Reserve and its unique sights, including the childhood home of Clarence Darrow; the summer resort where Dean Martin got his start; the farthest point north raided by Confederate troops; the town where the barnstorming pitcher, Alta Weiss, grew up; and the restored residence of Daniel McCook of the Fighting McCooks. Even more, you'll pedal past wineries, old mills, and spacious lakes along the back roads and byways where the flow of life is still serene, and the countryside undeveloped. Pedaling to Lunch includes detailed maps, accurate mileage notations, and precise directions. Purdum, an experienced cyclist who has ridden along U.S. Route 62 from Niagara Falls to El Paso adds his whimsical commentaries and editorial verve to the scenes and miles. The book is rich with interesting facts and snippets about Ohio towns, characters, and events both famous and infamous. A book for novice and expert cyclists alike, Pedaling to Lunch invites readers to jump into the saddle and let Stan Purdum serve as guide to the scenic sights in your own backyard. Save some gas and get some exercise, or imagine it all from the comfort of your armchair.
Author Bio
Stan Purdum is a writer, editor, and pastor who has written for both general and religious journals. A long-distance cyclist, Stan is the author of Roll Around Heaven All Day, an account of his cross-nation ride, and Playing in Traffic, which recounts his bicycle journey from Niagara Falls, New York, to El Paso, Texas, on U.S. 62. He has also written a book of short stories, New Mercies I See, and a study of the ministry of Jesus, He Walked in Galilee. He lives in North Canton, Ohio.
