Day 22 – Chillicothe OH to Home

Our last day of the trip started with a late departure of 8:30am. We only had a short 350 miles to travel today across our last 4 states (Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia) and we didn’t need to rush. We continued on US Hwy 50 east as we have since picking it up in western Colorado nearly 1,600 miles ago. Riding along US highways as opposed to the interstates gives you more of a feel of the America you’re crossing since you go through towns along the way. Each one has its own character. Here is McArthur, OH.

We crossed over the Ohio River and into West Virginia at Parkersburg.

The Ohio River, just like just about every waterway we’ve seen since Missouri on our return east, was very full.

We grabbed lunch in Bridgeport, WV after riding about 180 miles. The temperatures were really starting to climb so Michele shed her two jacket liners. The last time she wore her jacket without any liners was on our way out of Phoenix!!

The country side was looking more like home again with the green rolling hills.

And once again, the roads started getting a bit more crooked.

As we drew closer to home, the number of motorcycles heading west increased. These folks were likely on their way home after participating in the Rolling Thunder Demonstration early in the day. The roads were thick with motorcycles today!

We arrived home a little before 6pm and our trip has concluded. We traveled through 20 states, saw 11 National Parks or Monuments, and rode a tad over 6,600 miles in 22 days. We saw devastating flooding and the aftermath of 3 tornados and a wild fire (that had shut down I-40 the day before). We experienced rain, snow, hail, and high winds with elevations ranging from 600 feet to over 11,000 feet. We even had to dodge a few tumble weeds (some as large as bushes) while riding. We saw many different types of animals. Most of all we had a great time experiencing a little bit of America and the wonders she has to offer.

Where will we go next time? Those plans are already underway…