My last early morning on the bike tour! But on Day 27, I didn't throw on my Livestrong cycling gear. No, those were left at home. Instead I wore my first Ohio State piece of clothing ever (sorry, Purdue! Being Miss Ohio is slowly making me a fan of another Big 10 team) and went to Ohio State's campus for the game against Colorado.

We walked all around Ohio State's campus first and stopped by to see a few friends who were also going to the game. Eventually we made our way to a lunch for Ohio State Alumni. Not being an Ohio State grad, I didn't expect to see so many people I knew... But I found that I knew a lot of people there! 

Archie Griffin introduced me to the crowd - which was really sweet! - and we took a bunch of pictures with everyone! It was a very relaxed lunch (made even better knowing that I didn't have to hop on a bicycle once it was done.)

After the lunch, we walked around a little bit more before going to the game. It was Mom and Christina's first Ohio State game experience and we all loved it. Looking around at all of the people in the stadium just gives me goosebumps. Really. The fan base Ohio State has in just incredible. I'm amazed just being in their stadium.


It was really a great day to end the bike tour. Dad and I drove the van and trailer back to Celina and just kept talking about everything that has happened this last 27 days. I'm not sure that I even realize what just happened. I keep saying that one day in 2013, I will call home and say, "Do you know what I did back in September 2011?!"

One day it will hit, but I don't think it will be anytime soon. The impact the children in the hospitals have had on me is indescribable. So even though the cycling part of the tour is over, I know my fundraising for CMNH isn't done. If anything, the fundraising side will only get more intense now. Because I have to do all I can to help these kids.

Thank you to everyone for following this journey! Thank you for the words of encouragement, sending granola bars for energy while riding, and for donating to CMNH. I wouldn't have been able to cycle around the state without all of you - so thank you for making this last month possible!

It was very fitting that my last day of cycling was done in the rain. I haven't gone back to count yet, but I'm pretty sure I rode in more rain then sunshine. Or it sure felt like it...

But the rain really didn't dampen my spirits because (1) it was my last day of cycling (2) it was only 16 miles and (3) Ohio's First Lady was riding with me.

So, Mrs. Kasich, an Ohio State Trooper and I started out on what was to be a short journey from Westerville to Nationwide Children's Hospital. Well, the 16 miles was more like 20. We got lost. Several times. But as Mrs. Kasich and I joked, this last day of cycling is one I will never forget. As we pulled into Nationwide Children's, we were greeted with one of the best receptions ever. Nationwide Children's CEO was there, the PR department and a cup of hot chocolate! Haha!

Mrs. Kasich stayed for the afternoon too and we went to the rehab floor of the hospital. Our lunch with several of the children and then a few room visits were great, but also hard to do. Mostly because there have just been so many kids who have touched my heart on this journey - and I just wish I had the fix to get them better immediately.

From there, I showered (yay!) and went to an Ohio State Alumni Reception. It was a great way to celebrate the end of the cycling part of the bike tour. And so I thought I was done with the day...

We get in the car and they tell me we're just going to the restaurant Champs to eat dinner. I'm thinking it will just be a quick quiet meal, until I turned the corner and saw my AMAZING friends and family waiting for me!!! I honestly was not expecting anything and couldn't believe that everyone came!

I am just so blessed with so much support this month and throughout my entire life. Thank you everyone for following the bike tour and your donations to CMNH!

Remember when I said I was tired yesterday? Well... If I only knew how I would feel tonight! The road life has me nearly drained. I say nearly because I still have 16 miles to ride in the morning.

Today, I hit the 800 mile mark! Which was a huge goal! And I should hit 851 tomorrow if the mileage is what my Dad tells me. So that's incredible to me. That I can actually look at the map tomorrow and say, "I rode my bicycle around the state of Ohio." Wow.

Today was a great day with my Dad! This month together will be a journey we will talk about for years to come... But today, we were at the Little Brown Jug Harness Race in Delaware - and Dad loves harness racing.

I cycled the 22 miles to get there and we spent the afternoon watching races! Dad and I even got to ride in the opening gate. A BIG thank you to Hunter for showing us around and making it a day my Dad and I won't forget!

From there, I rode 16 miles to Westerville. When I was riding, I felt fine. And I really don't have any physical pain or soreness since I got off the bike. But I truly feel drained. Absolutely drained.

I think you can push and push and push, but then one day your body decides that it's going to start turning you off no matter how many more miles you have to ride. Thank goodness I only need to do 16 more in the morning.

Tomorrow will be the last riding day, but I will be celebrating the end of the tour with Ohio State Football activities through Saturday night. I'm really looking forward to the game - a chance to sit and watch someone else workout for a while. Haha!! Just kidding! But I am excited for this weekend! I think there is just enough gas in my tank to make it through. Fingers crossed. :)

Early on during the bike tour, my heart would sink when I heard there was rain in the forecast. Now, I feel like that's just normal. So waking up to it raining and getting a little wet while we rode to Galion in the morning was just routine. Haha!

My riding company was the best too! Ashley came back for a 2nd day (and smelled of "Icy Hot"... But she didn't let her soreness stop her from riding!) and Jim Bishop, a Miss Ohio Stage Crew Manager and an amazing Miss Ohio supporter came too!

We rode 10 miles to Galion where we turned in the RV at Craig Smith's RV. They helped us out with the RV for the trip, so that was a huge help. I've always loved having the RV along on the trip, but was actually ready to see it go. Haha! Mainly because it means that we are one step closer to wrapping up the cycling on the journey!

During lunch, it started pouring down rain and the minute we stepped outside to get on the bicycles, we heard thunder. Well, we all were not about to take the risk (remember: when thunder roars, go indoors!), so we drove to the Galion Hospital for another appearance.

Once the storm passed, Jim and I went back outside to continue the ride, but we heard thunder again. Now if you know my feelings about thunder, you know I would never take the chance to be outside. BUT, it nearly drove me crazy riding 5 - 10 miles in the car!! I was chomping at the bit to be let outside and ride the bicycle again.

And eventually, I got that chance. In fact, Jim and I were able to keep a really good pace and made it all 25 miles to Marion right in time for my appearance at Primrose. There was a reception there with the Mayor, Ms Primrose 2011, and the Primrose Directors. What a great welcome to Marion!

I've been getting more and more tired as this week goes on. I think the hectic pace of this tour is catching up with me! I love being on the road... But wow. It wears you out more quickly than a regular day does. Only 3 more days!

Last night, I woke up at 2 a.m. and couldn't fall back asleep because I was so excited about today! It's been about 5 weeks since I've been in Mansfield and I couldn't wait to get back to see everyone.

We left Wooster this morning with actual really good riding conditions. Little wind, mild temperatures and no rain. The only trouble was with the hills because there were a lot of them.

Today, Ashley Warholic, Miss Mansfield, rode with me! She was a great companion and made the morning 22 mile trip seem so much faster. Our favorite phrase of the day was "Almost... (20 sec. pause) ...there..." which we tried to say as we struggled up the hills.

Our first stop was in Ashland at the Rotary Club Meeting. And the Mayor had a big surprise for the day! He brought Mrs. Ohio Melanie Murphy as his guest for the day. Melanie was Miss Ohio 2006 and is a great mentor to all of us girls who have competed for Miss Ohio.

After my speech at the Rotary Club Meeting, we were back on the road to Mansfield. Aaron Brummitt planned our route and led us the entire way. He was a rock as Ashley and I kept up behind.

There were a few more hills today then I imagined. Honestly, I think there were more hills during today's 50 mile ride then in all of Uhrichsville (which I was thinking would be really hilly!). It was a pretty tough ride, but feels good to accomplish!

Once we arrived in Mansfield, we went to the Wal-Mart where it was a Miss Ohio reunion! I was very very excited to see all of the Miss Ohio chaperones and volunteers again!! It really is a family that comes together, and having the opportunity to seem them throughout this entire year is amazing! I'm just so glad to be back in Mansfield.

It was great to be able to catch up with everyone today: Ashley, Melanie, my Mansfield Family... As we're getting close to the end of the bike tour, I keep thinking about the things I'll miss and the things I can't wait to be done with. It's been a tough month on the road, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. And tonight was such a sweet moment to have during the last week of the tour. Thank you to everyone who came out tonight!

Some days, one shower just isn't enough. And today must have been one of those days. It rained all day - yes all day!

Well, honestly, it poured down raining on us during the morning 24 mile ride. Good news is today I can say "us" because I had company from 4 members of the Orrville Cycling Community. They took me over just a few hills (I say that sarcastically... In this part of the state, it's really not possible to have just a few hills) and we went for a little longer ride to add more miles to my total (615 now!).

They really were a great group to ride with and I learned so much while riding through the Amish Community with them. Like the bus of chickens! (Too much to explain...)

We ended the morning ride at Dairy Queen in Orrville where the Mayor and community officials greeted us with a basket of Orrville products! Think Smuckers products (including apple butter!) and you'll be able to picture the basket. It's great!

30 elementary school students also joined us at Dairy Queen to present a check of more than $300 that they raised for the bike tour! Every day I am so impressed by the elementary schools in Ohio! Everyone was treated to an Oreo Blizzard and I signed autographs for their classrooms. They were so supportive!

Now... the entire time we were in Dairy Queen, it quit raining. The minute we got back on the bicycles... RAIN! Of course! The next 22 miles were good - except for the one truck that about ran us over. Completely terrified me (considering I was hit by a car while on my bicycle about 5 years ago) and I hugged the side of the road from then on. My riding partner was great though and got us to Wal-Mart safely!

When you are soaking wet all day on a bicycle, you begin to appreciate things like hot tea, warm meals, hot showers, dry socks, and a lot more. Pair the hard bicycle riding days with the CMN Hospital visits and I appreciate everything in life just so much more! We are all very lucky when we start to think about it.

Oh, and Dad said the good news today is that next week it's not supposed to rain! Ha. Ha. Right as I end the tour of course. He tells me this after he was completely dry all day!

A beautiful morning to drive back to Akron for the "Walk for Babies" event at the Akron Zoo! It was great to meet and listen to the personal stories of the children who have graduated from the NICU at Akron Children's Hospital.

I've also enjoyed meeting the directors of the Akron Children's Hospital. They truly have welcomed me to their hospital and I'm excited to go back and help with other activities in the future.

From the Akron Zoo, we drove back to Dover so I would be at the same point to continue on with the bike tour.

But before I jumped on the bicycle, I went to my favorite store in Dover, The Grove. The owners, Willie and Jill are big supporters of the Miss Clayland Program, which was my local title this year. We met this spring and they decided to come to see Miss Ohio this year.

Well... They must have been my good luck charm! And now they'll be at Miss America this January too! They are just such great people with incredibly giving hearts. And their fundraiser today was amazing!

It was a "Princess Day" where little girls dressed up as princesses and came to The Grove for photos and autographs! There was a line throughout the shop of girls waiting for a photo. Incredible!

From The Grove, I finally jumped back on my bicycle, which I look so forward to doing these days! It's really neat to see my progress with cycling... I did 19 miles today, and was so disappointed when we arrived at our destination. Really, I honestly was ready to tackle the hill in front of me. What a bummer! But I guess the hill will be waiting for me tomorrow morning now. Hopefully the weather is as ideal as it was today!

Today I was off the bicycle and took a ride in the RV first to Newton Falls for a meet and greet at their Community Center. Thanks to the people there for having a very nice spread of food and people to meet from the community. Best chocolate chip cookie of the entire trip!

We then went on for the Youngstown State Football Game at 4pm. I was thrilled to (1) be at a college football game (2) be singing the National Anthem and (3) watch the game from the suites.

First, we walked around the tailgating area before I did a pre-game radio interview. A crowd gathered as we chatted about being Miss Ohio and the bike tour. 

I then walked on the field to sing the National Anthem before the game. The hardest part about singing in a big stadium is the delay. I tried not to listen to myself and made it through!

Joe then took us up to the suites, where I met the President of Youngstown State and popped in on several other parties. My family, Martha and I really enjoyed our time upstairs today - so thank you to everyone who made that possible!

Between the 3rd and 4th quarters, I went back on the field to be interviewed on TV. Even had my first go at tossing the interview back from the field. Hopefully there will be more of that in the future...

Now, I'm watching the end of the Ohio State game on TV, while following Ball State online. I just don't think it gets any better than a beautiful, chilly day and football. Oh, and Ball State won! Very proud of my alma mater!

It's back on the bicycle tomorrow. Only one more week of the bike tour!

The town I've been really excited to return to on the bike tour has always been Uhrichsville. It was here that I was crowned Miss Clayland, and started the journey to becoming Miss Ohio!

But the town I've also been more worried about biking through has also always been Uhrichsville. For one reason - the hills. The difference between the east side of Ohio to the west is like night and day. Our landscapes are completely different. And I've been mentally preparing myself for this day for weeks now.

I know you won't believe this, but just like the rest of the tour, I physically didn't have any trouble! And since I had been thinking about these hills for months, I think I built them up bigger in my head. There were hills, but they really weren't that bad!

After my morning 25 mile ride, I went to WJER for a radio interview. Then I jumped back on my bicycle and went just a few blocks to where my mouth dropped as I saw the sign Wendy's posted for my arrival! The local newspaper just happened to snap a picture at that moment too. Haha! A big thank you to Wendy's for lunch and a donation to CMNH - and for my new Wendy doll!

From there, I stopped at another radio station, before going to Trenton Elementary School. Not only did the principal there want to wear my sash (and did!), but the students also raised a HUGE box of money! We haven't had it counted yet - but I'll let you know the total soon!

I stopped by the Elks (a Miss Clayland Sponsor) and then went to The Dennison Yard for dinner and to meet and greet with people. And my Mom and sister Christina met up with us there too! They're here for the weekend, which I'm so excited about!

After dinner, we all loaded up to go to the Indian Valley High School football game where I sang the National Anthem. The students there were great and we took several photos!

If I thought yesterday was exhausting, today defiantly topped it. I've loved being back in the area where I became Miss Clayland. It's so great to see the people who have helped me get where I am today! But with the cycling on top of the appearances... I will surely sleep well tonight. More football tomorrow!!!

I talked at my first Lion's Club Meeting Thursday morning in Wadsworth. They were so much fun - especially the job of the "Tail Twister." It was great! I've noticed my speeches are getting easier to do to. The more this bike tour becomes personal, the more I can just speak from the heart.

From Wadsworth, I biked about 15 miles to Northwest Elementary School. And let me tell you, they were so prepared for my visit!! They had an entire program put together. The 2nd grade sang a couple songs, they presented me with books as part of their reading program (where if they read enough, they will get a t-shirt with my face on it! Haha!!), and then I talked to them for a little bit before a planned Q&A session.

Oh, and not to mention that they raised more than $400!!! With just change! More than $400!!! Amazing!

From there, I got back on the bicycle for another 15 miles into downtown Canton. The Chamber of Commerce put us up in the McKinley Hotel, so after a cold day of riding it was so wonderful to have a warm shower.

After I was warm and dry, we walked a couple of blocks north in downtown Canton to attend Vintage Canton. Except for the chilly weather, the event was so great! I even tried chocolate soup. Yep, it was very different, not sweet like you would imagine... But still good!

My days are slowly all mixing together. Week 3 has been great because I know what to expect now with the day-to-day duties on the bike tour, but it's also become tiring because the days are packed with events. My cold is still in full force, but I'm hoping to kick it soon before the end of the tour. Can't be sick in the last week!