Folks on Spokes
Gulf Shores, Alabama

Rally 2018

Our rally made the local papers.

Trail alongside the Erie Canal, beautifully blacktopped and maintained.

Same trail, another beautiful covered bridge. A little wetness but lots of fun.

Now and then an Amish happens along making it a very quaint ride.

Campground housed us very well and treated us perfectly. The weather not so much, some times.

Our meeting room nitely and outdoor pavillion and campfire area served our needs just fine. Dan Back gave a fine presentation on Canal and Riverboats and a another DNR program highlighting Canal History and specifics regarding construction and maintenance of the Canal over the years.

Some of the trail was crushed limestone and some black-topped at areas subject to erosion, turns out a very good method and creates excellent riding conditions, couldn't hardly notice the transitions."

Some, many, visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a reminiscing delight, especially the American Bandstand Exhibit. Triggered memories galore!

A cruise out the Canal, then into Lake Erie, then dinner aboard, 1st class by the way, and finishing the trip in the dark to the beautiful harbor lights. This is Joel and Ales Foos reading for the cruise. About 45 made the trip...... A boat load of fun.

Obviously, many were in good spirits and very hungry waiting for the many course meal to begin, and it was well worth the wait.

This typical Canal barge boat was toured by all. Familys lived on these boats as their home, 5-15 people, plus their animals needed to sustain their inhabitants. No motors on this boat, hence they needed an animal to tow them and housed their tow animals aboard. Pretty cosey living I'd say.

Dinner cruise pictures for your enjoyment.

Cruise pictures.

More cruise pictures.

And more cruise pictures.

And more cruise pictures.

Dan Back tried to take over the boat since he thought the Captain was in need of replacing or at least some guidance since Dan has significant Paddle Wheel experience, but, luckily Dan got him straightened out and we sailed smoothly from that time to trips end......

The beautiful Cruise Ship Nautica Queen. Ready to receive a bunch of FOS.

This is an example of the many perfect transitions from crushed limestome to occasional blacktop (for erosion prevention).

One of our many trailheads for starting and completing a segment of the TOWPATH or Cuyahoga Trail, Cleveland, Ohio.

A canal lock on the Towpath allowing for elevation changes in the Canal, in the "open" position.

A closed lock showing how canal barges (boats) transit large elevation changes. There are many many of these steps along the Towpath as it makes it's way down to Akron and points South from Lake Erie/Cleveland area. This is the "closed" position"

A very informative Guided Tour from a DNR representative was describing the Canal & Towpath history with Lake Erie in the background.

The typical beauty of the Cuyahoga Trail along the Eire Canal. Here we are taking a break every 5 miles or so.

Kim Hudson found a bike that fit her to a T and was ready to ride but eventually noticed it was attached to the step.

This is the total group of FOS enjoying the trail riding the Cuyahoga Trail and Erie Towpath. A whole lot of fun is always expected when these FOS members get together no matter where in the US we Rally, about 45 total.

A pleasant stop at a fine resturaunt along the trail for lunch.

Then a sweet shop stop for icecream to cool down on this hot afternoon.

Same icecream shop, different faces. Notice they are hangin out in the shade.

The whole group assembled for hoping the Cuyahoga train for a 15+/- mile ride.

Several enjoyed a kayak ride in the Cuyahoga River. even when we kayak we need nourishment and tis appears to be a healthy one.

Waiting for the train to take us along the Towpath 15 miles +/_the allowingus ti ride back for a meal at the Winking Lizzard Reaturaunt.

And the train arrives right on time for our large group of bikers, about 45 total. All aboard!

One by one bikes are loaded and it didn't take long. This is a service the train company offers all day long, anywhere along its route for about $5.00/bike, and it follows the Towpath and Cuyahoga Trail for many miles.

We nicely filled a passenger car and had a good time yaking along the route.

Unfortunately Betty wasn't paying attention to her surroundings when she chose her seat. Twas good for many laughs. You're a good sport, Betty.

Off loading was fast and easy and away we biked to explore more of the Towpath and Canal.

Inspecting the old abandoned Eire Canal and the many lift stations along it's path.

A cool picture of all the bikes on racks aboard the train specially outfitted to transport bikers and their bikes along the Cuyahoga River and Erie Towpath. A smooth operation, very impressive and comfortable experience.