Thu, Nov 26 2009
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Following the drinking gourd Cyclists on Underground Railroad Tour stop in city By CARL E. FEATHER - Lifestyle Editor - cfeather@starbeacon.comStar Beacon Turnbull said only learned New Zealanders know of the railroad, although most residents have heard of the American Civil War and slavery issues.
The cyclists have, at times on the trip, suffered from knowledge overload. Larry Moormeier of Seattle said the National Underground Railroad Museum was overwhelming in its depth and breadth. Interest in the route and the story it tells appears to be strong. Moormeier said they ran into 40 to 50 other cyclists on the route who were doing it on their own or with other groups. A cyclist from Australia joined up with their group on part of the route and stayed in an Austinburg bed and breakfast Monday. After touring the Hubbard House Tuesday morning, the men were heading to Erie, Pa., where Underground Railroad character actors were to welcome them at Front and Walnut streets, the former site of a free black community called New Jerusalem. As with the Hubbard House and Ashtabula County, the community was known to have harbored freedom seekers on their way to Canada. From Erie, they’ll follow the Lake Erie shore to Niagara Falls, cross into Ontario and end their journey on the shore of Lake Huron June 12. The cyclists plan to ship their bicycles back home from there. Moormeier said they average 55 miles per day but have done up to 80 miles. They covered 78 miles Monday. “Our most memorable experience was sitting in a tornado shelter in Mississippi with the tornado sirens blowing,” Cox said. Online: adventurecycling.org Women cyclists coming through area June 10 Thirty women over the age of 50 are on a 2,000-mile bicycle journey that follows the route many slaves took on their road to freedom in Canada. At least four of the cyclists are in their 70s; the average age is 61. Several are cancer survivors while others are living with heart disease and multiple sclerosis. Some are using the ride as a fund-raiser for their favorite causes. 
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