After our longest and most difficult day on the trail, Day 3 felt like a gift.
We woke up at Turkey Hollow Campground, sore but encouraged. The previous day had stretched us with 83 miles of riding, battery management, and a brutal gravel climb into camp. Thankfully, Day 3 would be much shorter at approximately 50 miles.
The morning started much like every other day on the trip: coffee from Eddie’s AeroPress, oatmeal, and packing up dew-soaked tents. By now, we had settled into a routine. We were usually awake by 5:30 a.m., out of our sleeping bags around 6:00, and rolling by 8:00 or shortly thereafter.
Before leaving, we carefully pushed our loaded bikes back down the steep gravel hill that had been such a challenge the night before. We planned to camp the next night at the primitive site shown above, but heard about an amazing place called the Berry Barn, so we headed there!
Finding Our Touring Rhythm
By the third day, both of us had learned something important about our pace.
For us, the sweet spot on loaded e-bikes seemed to be somewhere between 50 and 60 miles per day. We could certainly ride farther, but once we pushed beyond 60 miles, fatigue became noticeable, and the ride became less enjoyable.
That realization shaped the rest of the trip.
The shorter mileage allowed us to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and spend more time talking with people we met along the way.
A Beautiful Day on the Trail
The riding itself was relatively easy compared to previous days. We passed through beautiful farmland, small towns, and long stretches of peaceful trail.
The OTET continued to impress me with its variety. One moment we would be riding through quiet countryside, and the next we’d find ourselves passing through a small community with restaurants, parks, and local businesses.
There is something refreshing about traveling at bicycle speed. You notice things you would never see from a car.
You hear conversations, smell restaurants before you see them, and have opportunities to stop and talk with people you would otherwise pass by.
Arriving at Mount Liberty Berry Barn
One of the reasons we kept this day shorter was because we had heard such great things about Mount Liberty Berry Barn.
Those recommendations turned out to be absolutely correct.
Mount Liberty Berry Barn is located directly on the Ohio to Erie Trail and has become one of the most cyclist-friendly stops along the route. Sue and her husband have created something special there.
When we arrived in the afternoon, Sue greeted us and got us checked in for the night. Tent camping was only $25, and she offered both dinner and breakfast options for cyclists.
The hospitality was incredible.
An Unexpectedly Great Dinner
One challenge I always face while traveling is finding food that works with my dietary restrictions. Since I avoid gluten, dairy, onions, and brassicas, eating on the road can be difficult at times.
When Sue learned about my allergies, she immediately started figuring out alternatives.
That evening, she prepared a grilled chicken breast, homemade French fries, and coleslaw specifically for me. The meal was excellent and exactly what I needed after several days of riding.
Other cyclists enjoyed the regular meal options, but I appreciated the extra effort she made to accommodate my needs.
It’s amazing how a simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impression.
Free Ice Cream and New Friends
One of the unique traditions at Mount Liberty Berry Barn is the free ice cream offered to cyclists riding the OTET.
Although I couldn’t enjoy the ice cream because of my dairy allergy, it was fun watching the other riders gather around and share stories while enjoying a treat.
The campground quickly became one of the most social places we stayed during the entire trip.
That evening, we met several fascinating people.
Terry
We crossed paths with Terry again, a retired attorney riding an REI Co-op bicycle. Terry was traveling solo and quickly became one of our favorite people on the trail.
The next morning, I noticed him sitting quietly, reading his Bible. As a fellow believer, I appreciated our conversations and enjoyed getting to know him throughout the trip.
Scott
We also met Scott, who had recently retired after a long career in the glass industry. He told us about moving around the country for work and shared stories about his family and retirement.
Chris
Perhaps the most interesting story belonged to Chris.
Chris had recently retired after working as both a university biologist and a software engineer. He was traveling entirely alone and was riding across the United States.
Unlike many long-distance cyclists who push hard each day, Chris planned to take five or six months to complete his journey. He was averaging only 25 to 30 miles per day and simply enjoying the adventure.
There was something admirable about his pace and approach to life.
Eric
We also met a quieter cyclist named Eric who was traveling through the area. While we didn’t talk as much with him, it was another reminder of the wide variety of people you encounter on bicycle tours.
One of the Best Stops on the OTET
Looking back on the trip, Mount Liberty Berry Barn stands out as one of my favorite overnight stops.
The location is excellent, the camping is convenient, and Sue’s hospitality is second to none.
If you’re planning to ride the Ohio to Erie Trail, I would strongly encourage you to spend a night there if your schedule allows.
The combination of good food, friendly people, and a relaxing atmosphere made it one of the highlights of our journey. We had two hot showers in five days. One of them was at the Berry Barn. A hot shower feels amazing after a long day of cycling and a night or two of taking a “bottle bath” with cold hose water.
Day 3 Statistics
- Start: Turkey Hollow Campground
- Finish: Mount Liberty Berry Barn
- Distance: Approximately 50 miles
- Weather: Comfortable riding temperatures
- Trail Conditions: Mostly easy riding with a mix of trail and road sections
- Biggest Challenge: Recovering from the previous day’s 83-mile ride
- Highlight: Meeting fellow cyclists and enjoying Sue’s incredible hospitality
Lessons Learned
- Fifty miles is a very enjoyable day of touring for me.
- Some of the best experiences on a bicycle trip happen after the riding is finished.
- Hospitality can make a campground unforgettable.
- Taking time to talk with fellow travelers often becomes the most memorable part of the journey.
- When possible, schedule occasional shorter mileage days to recover physically and mentally.
Tomorrow we would leave Mount Liberty Berry Barn and head toward London, Ohio, where the battery’s range, warmer temperatures, and a free primitive campground would present new challenges.
Quick Gear Note
Worked well today: I’m getting used to the RIDEwithGPS app.
Needs adjusting: I need to bring a book next year. I usually sleep better when I read instead of looking at my phone right before bed.
Estimated Temperature
- High: 77°F
- Low: 49°F
Toby DeHay 