On my bicycles I can easily traverse out to about a 25 mile radius from my home in any direction under my own power. For the time spent in the saddle I can double or even triple this radius by riding the motorcycle. This place called the Indian Mill along the Sandusky River in Wyandot County I pass on my way to the Triumph Dealer in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The Indian Mill built in 1820 is a picturesque piece of early Ohio history tucked away off the beaten path that I may never have stumbled upon had it not been for my motorcycle.
I live in a unique geographical location in Ohio at the point where some rivers flow north towards Lake Erie and others flow south eventually to the Ohio River and on to the Mississippi. The Sandusky is one such river that twists it's way northward. The flow of the water over the low head dam and the shadows cast by the mill and bridge show the orientation of the November midday sun to my left (South) as I shot the photograph.
I live in a unique geographical location in Ohio at the point where some rivers flow north towards Lake Erie and others flow south eventually to the Ohio River and on to the Mississippi. The Sandusky is one such river that twists it's way northward. The flow of the water over the low head dam and the shadows cast by the mill and bridge show the orientation of the November midday sun to my left (South) as I shot the photograph.
Another great weekend in November with the temperature rising into the fifties is just right for any type of cycling. On a bicycle the effort of pedaling keeps one plenty warm on a 50 degree day. A motorcycle jacket and pants along with a full face helmet and gloves wards off the chill nicely on a powered cycle. I've been taking advantage of these last few days until the freezing temperatures brings out the road crews with their salt and brine solutions.
The mill is now a museum operated by the Ohio Historical Society. Not yet opened for the day when I came through, I will make it a point to come back to this point of interest and investigate further.
The mill is now a museum operated by the Ohio Historical Society. Not yet opened for the day when I came through, I will make it a point to come back to this point of interest and investigate further.
My favorite use for a motorcycle besides practical transportation is as a time machine of sorts. My new Triumph Scrambler fills this role perfectly. From highway to farmer's tractor path the Scrambler has already proven itself a worthy adventure platform. Reading books and the Internet are great ways to learn of history and the world at large but nothing beats getting out on two wheels and exploring the back country firsthand. Physical links to our past are plentiful if one takes the time to seek them out. Examples of early American architecture and infrastructure are by nature rural and to find them it's just a quick trip past the urban sprawl and out into the countryside.
A plaque by this display reads:
Millstones
Used by the Wyandots before the Indian Mill was built in 1820. Top stone was turned by means of a wooden bar, and 10 to 12 bu. of raw grain per day could be ground.
Wyandot County Historical Society
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| Sandusky River, Wyandot County, Ohio |
Wonderful pictures. I love the way people and companies used to take the time to sign their work like the plaques on the bridge. It's nice to see when someone feels their labour is worthy of pride just a source of money. Hope you have many more discoveries on both bikes. Two wheels are so much more fun than four.
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