Day 25 (21 June 2014)
Odell, IL to Henry, IL
Day: 57.95 miles, Trip: 1601.77 miles
Started the morning off by waking up for a beautiful sunrise but then went directly back to sleep. Today was another short day so there was no rush. We had breakfast at a local restaurant and luckily it was only 8 of us because one lady was both the waitress and the cook. I really struggled through the morning riding near Michelle and Eric but not really riding together just sometimes ahead and sometimes behind. The weather is hot and the terrain is more corn and soy beans. The rest stop was in the town of Wenona, IL. It was actually a great stop we had shade under a large tree and there was a sweet shop with cheap ice cream. After a brief nap on the grass under the tree I rode on. Again mostly on my own but also with Michelle.
It took me about 7 miles to warm up but after that I was flying. To top it off there was a beautiful decent that put me up to 43 mph. It is so hard to get up to speed in the midwest. Tonight we are camping in the town park of Henry, IL (pop 2500). I didn't see much of town, saw the camp right as I crossed the bridge and went straight there to set up before the rain that we were suppose to get. I also set my hammock up to relax and later made dinner with Richard and Michelle.
Half the group split off to a restaurant or bar, but I opted to relax and rest in my hammock until dinner. The joy of short days are the extra time to relax at camp and catch up on chores, write in the blog or read.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Odell, IL
Day 24 (20 June 2014)
Iroquois, IL to Odell, IL
Day: 62.98 miles, Trip: 1543.82 miles
For breakfast it was back to the Iroquois Cafe. We overwhelmed the place but they kept up and the food was good. Today Ryan's dad came and joined us for the ride. We started heading out and got on the wrong road from the start but luckily it connected to our route saving us about half a mile. Unfortunately the cost was the welcome to Illinois sign. The early group was going to fast for me so I slowed down. I wish I would have continued on the highway due to the lower road quality of the road on the route.
The first rest stop was Ashkum, IL at the gas station and I snacked from the trailer and didn't stick around too long. I started feeling better for the second leg of the day and rode out with Richard. I find this is how it usually is, I need a solid 10 to 15 miles to warm up in the morning. The day is getting really hot and when we rolled into the second stop in Kempton, IL. We ducked into the local tavern for the AC, ice water and a snack. The last leg of the day took us past a wind farm and I got a few good photos of Richard. This gave me a new goal of getting photos of the other riders while riding.
For the night we are staying in Odell, IL (pop 1000). For a small population they have a really nice town park and swimming pool. We are camping in the park and were able to use the pool. Ron and Conner impressed everyone with there skills on the diving board. We even got to toy around with using a gopro off the board. Now I really want to get one of these cameras.
After swimming we headed off to dinner at a place called Rentz Tap Room. The food was very large portioned and affordable. They weren't equipped to handle the size of our group but we are pretty good at being patient. On our way out, the bar tender treated us to a free shot (a naughty girl scout) It tasted like a mint cookie.
Iroquois, IL to Odell, IL
Day: 62.98 miles, Trip: 1543.82 miles
For breakfast it was back to the Iroquois Cafe. We overwhelmed the place but they kept up and the food was good. Today Ryan's dad came and joined us for the ride. We started heading out and got on the wrong road from the start but luckily it connected to our route saving us about half a mile. Unfortunately the cost was the welcome to Illinois sign. The early group was going to fast for me so I slowed down. I wish I would have continued on the highway due to the lower road quality of the road on the route.
The first rest stop was Ashkum, IL at the gas station and I snacked from the trailer and didn't stick around too long. I started feeling better for the second leg of the day and rode out with Richard. I find this is how it usually is, I need a solid 10 to 15 miles to warm up in the morning. The day is getting really hot and when we rolled into the second stop in Kempton, IL. We ducked into the local tavern for the AC, ice water and a snack. The last leg of the day took us past a wind farm and I got a few good photos of Richard. This gave me a new goal of getting photos of the other riders while riding.
For the night we are staying in Odell, IL (pop 1000). For a small population they have a really nice town park and swimming pool. We are camping in the park and were able to use the pool. Ron and Conner impressed everyone with there skills on the diving board. We even got to toy around with using a gopro off the board. Now I really want to get one of these cameras.
After swimming we headed off to dinner at a place called Rentz Tap Room. The food was very large portioned and affordable. They weren't equipped to handle the size of our group but we are pretty good at being patient. On our way out, the bar tender treated us to a free shot (a naughty girl scout) It tasted like a mint cookie.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Iroquois, IL
Day 23 (19 June 2014)
Denver, IN to Iroquois, IL
Day: 96.88 miles, Trip: 1480.84 miles
A group of 6 headed out super early, the rest of us stuck around for breakfast provided by the church. The day started with a short bike trail which was really nice. The temperatures were cool and I rode by myself listening to the rest of my audiobook (1776). We are going through some pretty rural areas of IN so there are not many towns for rest stops. As a result they are typically just side of the road stops. Even when we have a town it often only has a gas station.
Today, as unusual as it is, my legs feel great. I am holding a good average. Shortly after leaving Buffalo, IN I caught up with the 3 amigos (Ron, Mason, and Catherine). I slowed down and enjoyed riding with them. Shortly before the last rest stop I looked in my mirror and Mason and Catherine weren't there. I missed the crash but when I looked back they were on the ground. I rode with Andy for the rest of the day. We made great time making it to Brook, IN. This is another milestone, we crossed over into Central Time.
As we rode into Brook, IN there was some music playing from the speakers on main street, it was weird. It started as a short stop but ended up taking an hour with Richard, Larry, Andy and myself waiting inside the gas station waiting out a thunderstorm. It looked as if it started clearing up so Richard and I pushed on. However, about 4 miles down the road we had to duck for cover under some lady's covered patio for the second wave of the storm.
A Short while later we were on our way again, and again the weather turned hot and humid. We rolled into the small town of Iroquois, IL (pop 200). Another milestone o the day crossing into Illinois and our 8th state. There park has a very large pavilion with a state so instead of camping we all set up shop on the stage, on the picnic tables and in hammocks under the pavilion. After showers it was o to dinner at the Iroquois Cafe which had an amazing burger.
Denver, IN to Iroquois, IL
Day: 96.88 miles, Trip: 1480.84 miles
A group of 6 headed out super early, the rest of us stuck around for breakfast provided by the church. The day started with a short bike trail which was really nice. The temperatures were cool and I rode by myself listening to the rest of my audiobook (1776). We are going through some pretty rural areas of IN so there are not many towns for rest stops. As a result they are typically just side of the road stops. Even when we have a town it often only has a gas station.
Today, as unusual as it is, my legs feel great. I am holding a good average. Shortly after leaving Buffalo, IN I caught up with the 3 amigos (Ron, Mason, and Catherine). I slowed down and enjoyed riding with them. Shortly before the last rest stop I looked in my mirror and Mason and Catherine weren't there. I missed the crash but when I looked back they were on the ground. I rode with Andy for the rest of the day. We made great time making it to Brook, IN. This is another milestone, we crossed over into Central Time.
As we rode into Brook, IN there was some music playing from the speakers on main street, it was weird. It started as a short stop but ended up taking an hour with Richard, Larry, Andy and myself waiting inside the gas station waiting out a thunderstorm. It looked as if it started clearing up so Richard and I pushed on. However, about 4 miles down the road we had to duck for cover under some lady's covered patio for the second wave of the storm.
A Short while later we were on our way again, and again the weather turned hot and humid. We rolled into the small town of Iroquois, IL (pop 200). Another milestone o the day crossing into Illinois and our 8th state. There park has a very large pavilion with a state so instead of camping we all set up shop on the stage, on the picnic tables and in hammocks under the pavilion. After showers it was o to dinner at the Iroquois Cafe which had an amazing burger.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Denver, IN
Day 22 (17 June 2014)
Monroeville, IN - Denver, IN
Day: 82.55 miles, Trip: 1383.96 miles
Up at a decent hour and the majority of us headed over to the Pancake House in town. Due to some confusion I ended up with 1 extra bite, Michelle had ordered the same thing as me but with one difference, and when they brought it out, it came to me instead of Michelle. So I owe her a little food now. After breakfast we formed another pace line to get going.
After the first rest stop, Richard, Kristen and myself decided not to stick with the pace line and road off by ourselves. It worked much better just having the 3 of us and didn't hurt that Kristen did a lot of the pulling. At one point near Salamonie Reservoir I got the idea of swimming in Richards head and he was set to find a place. We rolled into Largo expecting services and found only the gas station open. It provided AC so it was fine with me. The 3 of us pushed on but didn't make it far before we were hit with a heavy thunderstorm. We ducked behind a garage to get out of the sideways blowing wind. I managed to get my rain gear from the Van and Trailer (luckily he wasn't far away).
The storm slowed down and we pushed on. Soon it stopped all together and got hot and humid again. We arrived at the church and apparently a lot of people had ducked into cover to get out of the storm. This is yet another wonderful surprise at the end of the day. We are staying at the church in Denver, IN (pop 500) and we were able to play some games of basketball (horse and knockout) and they provided us with dinner and even did some laundry for us. I was eliminated early from the game of horse but actually managed to win knock out.
Monroeville, IN - Denver, IN
Day: 82.55 miles, Trip: 1383.96 miles
Up at a decent hour and the majority of us headed over to the Pancake House in town. Due to some confusion I ended up with 1 extra bite, Michelle had ordered the same thing as me but with one difference, and when they brought it out, it came to me instead of Michelle. So I owe her a little food now. After breakfast we formed another pace line to get going.
After the first rest stop, Richard, Kristen and myself decided not to stick with the pace line and road off by ourselves. It worked much better just having the 3 of us and didn't hurt that Kristen did a lot of the pulling. At one point near Salamonie Reservoir I got the idea of swimming in Richards head and he was set to find a place. We rolled into Largo expecting services and found only the gas station open. It provided AC so it was fine with me. The 3 of us pushed on but didn't make it far before we were hit with a heavy thunderstorm. We ducked behind a garage to get out of the sideways blowing wind. I managed to get my rain gear from the Van and Trailer (luckily he wasn't far away).
The storm slowed down and we pushed on. Soon it stopped all together and got hot and humid again. We arrived at the church and apparently a lot of people had ducked into cover to get out of the storm. This is yet another wonderful surprise at the end of the day. We are staying at the church in Denver, IN (pop 500) and we were able to play some games of basketball (horse and knockout) and they provided us with dinner and even did some laundry for us. I was eliminated early from the game of horse but actually managed to win knock out.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Monroeville, IN
Day 21 (17 June 2014)
Bowling Green, OH - Monroeville, IN
Day: 85.72 miles, Trip: 1301.41 miles
In the morning our wonderful hosts had breakfast for us when we woke up (donuts, juice, fruit and coffee). That was a great first breakfast. The second breakfast didn't work as well as planned since we missed most of the towns as we headed back to the route. Bethany was not thrilled at all about the long ride to second breakfast. Eventually we rolled into Napolean, OH but struck out and ended up at another donut shop.While having some coffee a donut and some conversation with the locals.
It is proving to be another hot day. I hope this is not a trend that will continue. I know it will. With the heat and the headwinds we have been doing our best to get everybody introduced to the benefit of the pace line. The pace line really does save on energy and help the time pass faster. The downside is it reduces how much of the scenery you actually get to see. In my opinion the pace lines are getting too long. I prefer shorter lines 4-6 people not the 10-12 person groups. As I mentioned, today again its in the 90s. There were several times I really just wanted to knock on somebody's door and ask if I could swim in their pools.
In Paulding, OH a local man treated the whole team to lunch. It was very nice of him since we are such a big group. It was also great having AC in the Three Brothers. Some of us stuck around later than the rest hoping it would cool off and also got to watch another world cup match and enjoy a few ciders. I was still tired from the heat and Beth who road the day with us did almost all of the pulling for the last leg.
Tonight we are staying at the community center/ cyclist hostel in Monroeville, IN (pop 1300). Yes, this means we crossed over into Indiana and our 7th state. The place has everything we need (AC, shower, laundry and a kitchen). I was craving a coca-cola so joined some others at a bar and ended up with some free food as well. After the bar it is was over to get some Ice Cream. Unfortunately not everybody made it in time before it closed, so some missed out on the ice cream. In addition to the 7th state it was also our second mail drop. I received a part I needed to fix the rear rack on my bike and a package from home with way too much food. But considering we are cycling across the country it will all get eaten.
I want to thank Wayne at the Touringstore. This is just one example who how it is important to get your gear from someone who as into the sport as you are. Wayne was great with questions and suggestions before I purchased and has been great with questions even more than a year later.
Bowling Green, OH - Monroeville, IN
Day: 85.72 miles, Trip: 1301.41 miles
In the morning our wonderful hosts had breakfast for us when we woke up (donuts, juice, fruit and coffee). That was a great first breakfast. The second breakfast didn't work as well as planned since we missed most of the towns as we headed back to the route. Bethany was not thrilled at all about the long ride to second breakfast. Eventually we rolled into Napolean, OH but struck out and ended up at another donut shop.While having some coffee a donut and some conversation with the locals.
It is proving to be another hot day. I hope this is not a trend that will continue. I know it will. With the heat and the headwinds we have been doing our best to get everybody introduced to the benefit of the pace line. The pace line really does save on energy and help the time pass faster. The downside is it reduces how much of the scenery you actually get to see. In my opinion the pace lines are getting too long. I prefer shorter lines 4-6 people not the 10-12 person groups. As I mentioned, today again its in the 90s. There were several times I really just wanted to knock on somebody's door and ask if I could swim in their pools.
In Paulding, OH a local man treated the whole team to lunch. It was very nice of him since we are such a big group. It was also great having AC in the Three Brothers. Some of us stuck around later than the rest hoping it would cool off and also got to watch another world cup match and enjoy a few ciders. I was still tired from the heat and Beth who road the day with us did almost all of the pulling for the last leg.
Tonight we are staying at the community center/ cyclist hostel in Monroeville, IN (pop 1300). Yes, this means we crossed over into Indiana and our 7th state. The place has everything we need (AC, shower, laundry and a kitchen). I was craving a coca-cola so joined some others at a bar and ended up with some free food as well. After the bar it is was over to get some Ice Cream. Unfortunately not everybody made it in time before it closed, so some missed out on the ice cream. In addition to the 7th state it was also our second mail drop. I received a part I needed to fix the rear rack on my bike and a package from home with way too much food. But considering we are cycling across the country it will all get eaten.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Bowling Green, OH
Day 20 (16 June 2014)
Vermilion, OH - Bowling Green, OH
Day: 83.07 miles, Trip: 1215.69 miles
I got an early start and planned on stopping for breakfast, that was the plan anyway. Rolled through Huron and Avery and really didn't see anything we wanted. Instead I just ate food I had stored in the trailer. I really need to do that more often I am burning through money too quickly. At the rest stop in Clyde, OH a local bar donated a bucket of cold flavored Red Bull drinks. It is hot day and that was nice. This was followed by another positive which was the paved bike path from Clyde to Fremont.
There was on more stop in Gibsonburg, OH before the final push to Bowling Green, OH (pop 30,000). It is in the low 90s so several of us retreated to the AC of a local coffee shop in Gibsonburg. Tonight we are staying with a couple here in town and decided it would be quicker to deviate from the route. Bethany, Joe, Michelle, and Richard decided to follow with me. It was mostly a pleasant ride.
When we arrived at the house (a few miles further than expected) Matt and Michelle had food, drinks and even showers available. It was a great welcoming. I felt a bit dehydrated so I passed on the beer and stuck to water and gatorade. Eric was especially dehydrated today and was showing it. After a shower and a good meal and drinks though we were all feeling great. After dinner and all the cyclists had set up camp and were clean, Matt set up a little fire to sit around and relax.
Vermilion, OH - Bowling Green, OH
Day: 83.07 miles, Trip: 1215.69 miles
I got an early start and planned on stopping for breakfast, that was the plan anyway. Rolled through Huron and Avery and really didn't see anything we wanted. Instead I just ate food I had stored in the trailer. I really need to do that more often I am burning through money too quickly. At the rest stop in Clyde, OH a local bar donated a bucket of cold flavored Red Bull drinks. It is hot day and that was nice. This was followed by another positive which was the paved bike path from Clyde to Fremont.
There was on more stop in Gibsonburg, OH before the final push to Bowling Green, OH (pop 30,000). It is in the low 90s so several of us retreated to the AC of a local coffee shop in Gibsonburg. Tonight we are staying with a couple here in town and decided it would be quicker to deviate from the route. Bethany, Joe, Michelle, and Richard decided to follow with me. It was mostly a pleasant ride.
When we arrived at the house (a few miles further than expected) Matt and Michelle had food, drinks and even showers available. It was a great welcoming. I felt a bit dehydrated so I passed on the beer and stuck to water and gatorade. Eric was especially dehydrated today and was showing it. After a shower and a good meal and drinks though we were all feeling great. After dinner and all the cyclists had set up camp and were clean, Matt set up a little fire to sit around and relax.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Vermilion, OH
Day 19 (15 June 2014)
Cleveland, OH - Vermilion, OH
Day: 40.20 miles, Trip: 1132.62 miles
Happy Father's Day!!
We got to sleep in today since we were only scheduled to do 40 miles. I slept in till almost 8. I forgot do due my laundry last night so I did it this morning when I woke up. This would delay me but that really wouldn't matter on an easy day like today. I let the hostel around 11:00, my latest start so far.
It wasn't a bad ride out of Cleveland. I was in a different outfit since my kit was drying so I blended in a lot more like a commuter than a touring cyclist. I had a little tailwind so I didn't bother to stop at all during the ride. I rolled into Vermilion, OH (pop 10,600) in time to catch lunch at Quaker Steak and Lube with Richard, Michelle and 2 of Michelle's friends.
It was then a mile ride back to the YMCA where we will be staying for the night. They are basically giving us the run of the place, unfortunately its a Y without a pool. Some people are watching a world cup game on the tv, others are just relaxing or using the wifi. Later I headed over to the store for pints of ice cream with Richard and Michelle. We ate these while watching a bunch of the group playing a game of Ultimate Frisbee. Cassie also came to join us in Cleveland and stayed with us tonight in Vermillion.
Cleveland, OH - Vermilion, OH
Day: 40.20 miles, Trip: 1132.62 miles
Happy Father's Day!!
We got to sleep in today since we were only scheduled to do 40 miles. I slept in till almost 8. I forgot do due my laundry last night so I did it this morning when I woke up. This would delay me but that really wouldn't matter on an easy day like today. I let the hostel around 11:00, my latest start so far.
It wasn't a bad ride out of Cleveland. I was in a different outfit since my kit was drying so I blended in a lot more like a commuter than a touring cyclist. I had a little tailwind so I didn't bother to stop at all during the ride. I rolled into Vermilion, OH (pop 10,600) in time to catch lunch at Quaker Steak and Lube with Richard, Michelle and 2 of Michelle's friends.
It was then a mile ride back to the YMCA where we will be staying for the night. They are basically giving us the run of the place, unfortunately its a Y without a pool. Some people are watching a world cup game on the tv, others are just relaxing or using the wifi. Later I headed over to the store for pints of ice cream with Richard and Michelle. We ate these while watching a bunch of the group playing a game of Ultimate Frisbee. Cassie also came to join us in Cleveland and stayed with us tonight in Vermillion.
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