We had a crazy stretch over the past two days. On Friday we did an incredible 118 miles, partially because of a 16-mile detour. We didn't get into Hartford City, IN until about 8 PM, but everybody was so stoked to have completed our first century (and probably drunk with adrenaline) that we really didn't mind. I had a great time pacelining with some folks, so we were able to cut through some rough headwinds across Indiana's country routes while saving some energy. (A paceline is where cyclists line up single-file really close together - about 9-12 inches between tires - and draft off each other.) Overall, I was impressed with how well the entire team made a negative (the detour early in the day and a difficult route change late in the day when we confronted some gravel roads) into a positive. This group has a bunch of impressive individuals by themselves, but when we we are together as a team I feel like we feed off each other's enthusiasm and create a lot of positivity.
We rallied today with 96 more miles, about 2/3's of which came in the rain. It was challenging day, but once you are wet you basically have to accept it and just keep going. I was feeling the solo ride for much of the day, but towards the end of the day I had a good conversation with Erika that passed much of the time. We rode into a church with a really friendly welcoming party waiting for us, so dinner was a treat. We also got to watch the fireworks being shot on the Purdue campus, which helped make the 4th of July seem a little more legit. I was certainly missing my hot dogs though.
We are done in Indiana tomorrow after only two days. I'm still keeping an eye out for a big red barn with a rusty old basketball hoop in a cornfield so I can take a picture as if I'm in the movie Hoosiers (no luck yet...). I'm very tired tonight, but that happens every night and I always wake up with enough energy to pedal another chunk of mileage. Also talked to the parents tonight, thanks for your comments as always!
Talk to you guys soon!
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Have no clue what it's like to go 200 miles in two days on a bike. You guys (& gals) must be getting tough.
ReplyDeleteNo need to feel bad about missing your hot dogs on the 4th as I ate enough for the both of us. Also had brats and buffalo burgers which your mother BBQed on the grill yesterday. We'll cook some special for you when you make it back here.
Hope you have a good rest day in Pontiac! Say hi to Dale & Carol.
Love, Pops
In terms of miles, you guys are already 1/3 of the way across the US! Amazing! We are off to see the Rockies tonight. Enjoy your day off tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom :)