The idea to paint quilt squares on barns originated in Adams County, just east of Cincinnati. Quilt patterns are appearing on rural barns throughout the southern Ohio counties of Athens, Brown, Harrison, Highland, Monroe, Morgan, Pike, Scioto and Vinton. The barns form a "Clothesline of Quilts in Appalachia," the name of the regional project. Quilt patterns are also appearing on rural barns in the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Iowa.
We first saw quilt barns in Troy, just north of Dayton, while we were riding the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, and thought they were original to that area. Not so!
Harbor Freight Tools, one of the nation's largest retailers of tools and equipment, plans to open a store in Mason. Items range from home workshop basics such as screwdrivers and hammers for do-it-yourselfers to industrial tools and equipment for professionals. No more long trips to Dayton! Good Golly, Miss Molly!
The 2007 Kroger Brand MS-150 (150 mile bicycle ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and patient programs/services) began at the beautiful Roberts Conference Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. Riders departed at 7:30, except for a small group of five that left about 1/2 an hour earlier.. 
..three of whom could be seen sporting the bright Team CCC jersey. Saturday's route was a challenging 50 miles ending at the University of Dayton. Most riders included the additional 25 mile loop for a total of 75 miles. While Saturday's temperatures were in the very high 80's and sunny, Sunday's temperatures promised to be even hotter. My friend Molly and I opted for the fifty mile return route where we knew, from past years, a fireman would be waiting to shower us with cold water. John brought a tent and chairs for Team CCC to relax while enjoying the after ride festivities at the Family Fun Fest. There were many games for the young and free food and drink for all. We sat in the shade and cheered in the riders. The top 50 fund raisers from 2006, were treated to a "made-just-for-you" banquet of shrimp, pasta, salad, roast beef sandwiches and tables of desserts in the air conditioned comfort of Roberts Convention Center. A treat, indeed! Family, friends, food: what a nice way to end a ride!
Over 950 riders participated in the 2007 MS-150, July 7, 8. Team CCC had 31 members: their fund raising goal is $25,000. The Ohio Valley Chapter has as its goal, $675,000.
