Cycling the Underground Railroad--The ACA Map

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Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Route (minus the Detroit Alternative)

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The Underground Railroad, Canada: Day 2

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Along some of our route this morning we saw these signs.  I never saw any Underground Railroad signposts (except once on the Little Miami Trailnear Milford, OH) in the 2,000 miles I cycled on it in the United States! Our morning  "adventure." The detour took us on several miles of gravel roads, which we managed to navigate successfully.  Harvest season in Ontario! The highlight of our day.  An excellent exhibit, including a short video, interpretive displays, outstanding guided tour and restored 19th century buildings. The Dawn settlement (now the town of Dresden, Ontario) was founded by Josiah Henson for the purpose of educating and training those who escaped slavery in the U.S.  Ontario had outlawed slavery in 1793. Josiah Henson was the inspiration for Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin (which was the most read book besides the Bible in the 1800s). Canada has recognized Henson as a significant person in its history.  "Uncle Tom...
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Cycling the Underground Railroad--Part 1

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DAY 19: MOUSETAIL LANDING TO (ALMOST) WAVERLY, TN I AM in the hills of Tennessee! Over 40 miles today on backwoods, backcountry roads.  Not a single gas station, convenience store or eatery the entire way. This was probably my second hardest day of cycling so far.  Had to cross six steep ridges.  The inclines on some were so great I had to push my loaded bike a ways to get over the top.  I'm sure you can identify the "hills" from this profile: What was psychologically difficult was that I could see ahead each mountain I'd have to cross. ANOTHER ridge to cross. But as much as I am complaining about the hills, western Tennessee and the area around the Tennessee River is very eye catching. with contrasts between the woodlands, farms and pastureland.  A relatively flat "holler" among the hills. And then there is (literally in this case) the local color.  Somebody is making the best of their trailer life! Welcome to Mojito Island! (Kind of like Wastin' Away i...
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