Illinois: You have the worst roads we have ridden on...................by far
Today's Ride: Springfield, IL to Champaign, IL: 88 miles; 2,200 feet of climb
The roads are in really rough shape. Bankruptcy and corruption are a tough combo to overcome.
The weather was wonderful today: sunny, 70 and 80s. The wind was a bit finicky, as it moved around the compass as we rode.
A friend took the train down from Chicago last night to join us for today's ride. He is taking the train back tonight. He teasingly tells us how annoying retired people are.
We have definitely moved from fields of wheat to fields of corn. One town we rode through is called CornLand.
We saw our first field of soybeans.
The farms are beautiful to ride by.
Nice to stop at the geographical center of Illinois.
These are our 2 fastest riders. I asked for their picture, as I rarely see them from the front.
Two very kind and humble gentlemen. They add a lot to the ride.
Things happen on this trip, in part due to total exhaustion. The tour group has 2 white dodge caravans and a Penske Box truck that follow us every day. They park at important turns, etc.
One of our riders rode up to a white van and yelled out I can't go any further, pls put my bike on the rack. Unfortunately, it was not a CrossRoads van. The women driver was quite confused. The rider was disappointed.
In the morning we eat, quickly pack, and bring our bags down to load in the van, then head off for the ride.
One rider pulled into the first SAG stop and handed the TV remote from the hotel we just checked out of to the tour director. I guess he got a little to aggressive with his packing and ended up with the remote in the small backpack he wears.
Oliver and Rachel are slated to arrive in 30 minutes. We are so excited to see them.
The roads are in really rough shape. Bankruptcy and corruption are a tough combo to overcome.
The weather was wonderful today: sunny, 70 and 80s. The wind was a bit finicky, as it moved around the compass as we rode.
A friend took the train down from Chicago last night to join us for today's ride. He is taking the train back tonight. He teasingly tells us how annoying retired people are.
We have definitely moved from fields of wheat to fields of corn. One town we rode through is called CornLand.
We saw our first field of soybeans.
The farms are beautiful to ride by.
Nice to stop at the geographical center of Illinois.
These are our 2 fastest riders. I asked for their picture, as I rarely see them from the front.
Things happen on this trip, in part due to total exhaustion. The tour group has 2 white dodge caravans and a Penske Box truck that follow us every day. They park at important turns, etc.
One of our riders rode up to a white van and yelled out I can't go any further, pls put my bike on the rack. Unfortunately, it was not a CrossRoads van. The women driver was quite confused. The rider was disappointed.
In the morning we eat, quickly pack, and bring our bags down to load in the van, then head off for the ride.
One rider pulled into the first SAG stop and handed the TV remote from the hotel we just checked out of to the tour director. I guess he got a little to aggressive with his packing and ended up with the remote in the small backpack he wears.
Oliver and Rachel are slated to arrive in 30 minutes. We are so excited to see them.
I fell quite behind... as in, I had to read the entries from Day 3 onwards just now! So entertaining, though!! Bill's butt, Linda's climbing skills, the constant flats... always an interesting tidbit. Most of all, though, I love all the mentions of ice cream. I don't think I could do this ride, but there's a part of me that's insanely jealous that you both can have all the ice cream you want, every gosh-darn day. :) Have fun with Oliver and Rachel today!! Thanks for blogging. --Laura V.
ReplyDeleteNice seeing and riding with you, Bill and Linda. Enjoy the rest of your ride. Meanwhile i'll be back at work, waiting for the computer to restart as i dream about doing your ride. But, alas, i'm NOT RETIRED!! And quite jealous.
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