Our Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride was just a usual ride. Nothing special about it, nor our destination. At least that’s what I first thought.
When asked where we were headed, Jerry said, we haven’t been to New Richmond for a while, let’s ride down there and eat on the River. It seemed a little cool for eating outside, but okay, let’s go.
With eight riders, Jerry lead us out of the UDF onto the back roads, and winding down through Loveland and roads south. I am constantly amazed at the quality of roads to ride in southwestern Ohio. Jerry, seems to know them all.
As we wind down Ohio SR 132 and enter New Richmond, a road sign catches my attention, “Underground Railroad historic sites” straight ahead. Ohio and the Ohio River played a great role in providing freedom to escaping slaves from the south. It’s known as the Freedom Trail.
We cross US 52 and ride three blocks towards the river and turn left. It seems I’m following the signs to the historic sites. Then we pull into The Landing, our destination for breakfast, and in front of the building, a sign reads “Underground Railroad Historic Site!”
It may be the Landing now. But, in the early to mid 1800s, it was the home of the Rev. George C. Light, a Methodist minister and agent of the American Colonization Society founded in 1816. The purpose of the society was to help free slaves return to Africa. The country of Liberia was founded as a result of the society’s efforts. Society members included James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln.
About three doors down is the Dr. John Rogers Home Site. He was the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society in 1836. In all, there are 33 historic underground railroad sites in Clermont County.
Although it was on the cool side, the sun was very warming and breakfast on the terrace was terrific. Two tug boats with barges passed by as we feasted on breakfast and hot coffee. Afterwards, we rode farther east on US 52 along the river before turning north and heading home.
As I rode, I thought about my friend Sharon Hicks Bartlett and her upcoming trip to Ohio to ride throughout the many historic sites of the Freedom Trail. Sharon is going to need more than one week’s vacation.–DBrent
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Great story! How timely! You are so right, a week will do no justice to the long, valiant history of resistance in Ohio! Deciding where to go and what to cut out was almost as hard as giving birth! Thanks for this story and for thinking about me! Your breakfast buds sound great!
Sharon, I hope you can schedule a weekend visit to Cincinnati in your trip. You’re invited to ride with us for breakfast on a Sunday morning. We’ll go back down to New Richmond!.
Brent