I hadn't been there since June, when I did the "Bike Aboard." Yesterday I arrived about 10 minutes after the train departed and was pleased with myself in beating it to Botzum. I thought about going on to Akron and catching the train back, but I decided to make a round trip. (I figured if I became too bonked I could make it to one of the train stops.) I really slowed the last few miles, though, as I had ran out of water (my bike only has braze-ons for one bottle cage). I would have run out sooner, but the people at the farmers' market let me refill from the sink. Anyway, I'm glad I made the trip out.

As for Maple Highlands, I went on the trail south of Middlefield and on to Swine Creek Reservation a couple times last week. I'm still very hesitant to ride on roads with motor vehicles, but I saw a way to avoid the 87 / 608 intersection. And I figured traffic is slow there and most drivers are used to watching for buggies. By the way I saw an alert that the portion from Tare Creek to the fire station is closed for emergency repairs the next few days.