tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74446703403457542622024-02-07T13:39:28.636-08:00John and Amy's PageJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-22758851411134735792008-07-22T18:23:00.000-07:002008-07-23T14:22:00.788-07:00July 22, Day 52July 22, Day 52 THE END!!<br />Manchester to Portsmouth, NH<br />Mileage: 64<br />Weather: Great, but WHO CARES!!<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Our last day. Unbelievable.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz8FcQSfBE-XTzbbQy4NBP2pBQOyiRb3sjaAFvppzIZQ6Le4feTdhCOkwOxejauswBZwEVtHNvkM7etNr3HasDlaOBJzCW9B_lklQeiWszPWBH_IXhV6dL_WOHk4LBXvOcsQ3OTeigLU/s1600-h/Web+P1020463.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226199868102942306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="226" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz8FcQSfBE-XTzbbQy4NBP2pBQOyiRb3sjaAFvppzIZQ6Le4feTdhCOkwOxejauswBZwEVtHNvkM7etNr3HasDlaOBJzCW9B_lklQeiWszPWBH_IXhV6dL_WOHk4LBXvOcsQ3OTeigLU/s320/Web+P1020463.jpg" width="294" border="0" /></a>But before we get to today, we need to tell you about last night. After arriving in Manchester, the final dinner was scheduled as a farewell event. It was quite special. Many of the riders had family there which added both to the festivities and the sense of finality. Awards were presented to each rider but not the type you would expect. There was no“best rider” or “most improved rider” or anything of that nature. Rather the awards were all fun things determined by the staff. In prior reports we forgot to mention that Amy was always looking for Fritos at every SAG stop. As a result she was awarded a large can of the stuff. Because Amy grew to be such a strong rider over the course of the ride and would sometimes be seen riding in front of John, John was awarded bungee cords that could be attached to Amy's bike and John's bike so that Amy could pull John along. It was all in great fun, with every rider getting up and saying a few words about the trip.<br /><br />The overwhelming comments dealt not with the ride or the challenge or the difficulty of some days or the beauty of the landscape. Rather the comments all focused on the friendships that were made and the way that everyone looked out for everyone else. Amy noted that every good thing must come to end and now was the time for this to end. She told everyone that she was glad she and John could experience this adventure together and she ended by saying”I love you all and you will all have a very special place in my heart”. John noted that while lawyers are known to be wordy he would not be tonight and simply commented “I have ridden across the country with my very best friend, Amy, but have gained 40+ new friends. What could be better.” Tears were shed. Strobes from the cameras were flashing all evening. It was a late night. We didn't get to bed until 9:15. As Amy said, “heck this is usually the time I get up for the first time after going to bed to go the bathroom”.<br /><br />This morning everyone appeared for breakfast at 6:00 although many arrived early. We're guessing that given that it was the last day many wanted to make the day even longer. We did. All the riders were wearing their America by Bicycle jerseys and created quite a sight in the breakfast area of the motel. We loaded the van at 6:45 and headed out.<br /><br />The first part of the plan for the day was to ride about 54 miles or so and then gather at a local high school in Portsmouth for a group photo. We rolled out and most of the riders were in no hurry so a bunch of us (probably 12 or 15) just mosied along at a comfortable 16 or 17 mph enjoying each other's company and the fact that we were on a bicycle. We moved up and back in the group so that we could talk to as many of the riders as possible.<br /><br />We arrived at the high school at about 11:00 and by 11:45 all the riders were there. We lined up for a group photo and then a local police officer arrived to lead us, with lights flashing, to the beach, about 4 miles away. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtESPw5VHfuIwRJ_Uj6fiXXMSt12LhfnlcgMhsxM5h5paExOU5-34-lX3DcilEUIEUpHCZro_1INCu505R4o55qPmmLKqANOcf5BGUzgkc4tswiuZ8FlhxOCK-cej-qtrSOd4z8HbNNfk/s1600-h/Web+P1020525.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226187834783730722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="210" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtESPw5VHfuIwRJ_Uj6fiXXMSt12LhfnlcgMhsxM5h5paExOU5-34-lX3DcilEUIEUpHCZro_1INCu505R4o55qPmmLKqANOcf5BGUzgkc4tswiuZ8FlhxOCK-cej-qtrSOd4z8HbNNfk/s320/Web+P1020525.jpg" width="292" border="0" /></a>We had nominated Sarge, from Trinidad, and Steve, from Tasmania, to lead us to the beach. Jose, from LA, and John, from Seattle, joined Sarge and Steve in the first line. We were in the second line with George, from Frisco, CO, and Larry, from Estes Park, CO.<br /><br />And so, off we rode. People on the side of the road applauded as we rode by and from time to time the police car sounded its siren. As we rounded a bend in the road, the Atlantic appeared on our right. John can't speak for others but the sight of the ocean sent shivers up his spine. There was a spontaneous shout from all the riders. We rode along the ocean boulevard with incredible homes on our left and the ocean on our right. You can not imagine the sense of accomplishment and joy we experienced knowing that we were about to complete a transamerican bicycle ride.<br /><br />We rolled into the parking lot of Wallis Sands beach to the applause of many and then headed across the beach to dip our wheels. The realization <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHVb00TRN2d8yUGHp4SeV7-uy3fbSBxKx9qlJ17REBbNpfMB3NHnvuhyphenhyphen3xo9Nr3yzypKXwpV0RyoUc0A6IwVYCGW-uI0ONsk_4UDAmji17Ewn_gwVFVRypmih-JOFi0gvSlKEHst9CtY/s1600-h/Web+P1020533.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226188037883217714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHVb00TRN2d8yUGHp4SeV7-uy3fbSBxKx9qlJ17REBbNpfMB3NHnvuhyphenhyphen3xo9Nr3yzypKXwpV0RyoUc0A6IwVYCGW-uI0ONsk_4UDAmji17Ewn_gwVFVRypmih-JOFi0gvSlKEHst9CtY/s320/Web+P1020533.jpg" width="290" border="0" /></a>of what we had done hit Amy as she rolled her bike into the Atlantic and a tear appeared in her eye.<br /><br />Photographs were taken while curious sunbathers looked on and asked what all the fuss was about. When told, many of them couldn't believe it. John filled the plastic tube with water from the Atlantic to go along with the tube holding water from the Pacific.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnRVejYai_Qsvh86U5ZasJ7HlCIVwDc8oXEhqGFlrA2iESi8uCl27vx7qEMZMwIhg1MDlw4xtMky94gEoiqWeVe6qAJ1kKXCdcjcnpSI8-cC2AEy1S8Rp2xwKiSGLj2D4Gzkrq80uLAo/s1600-h/Web+P1020526.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226187837573189986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="205" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnRVejYai_Qsvh86U5ZasJ7HlCIVwDc8oXEhqGFlrA2iESi8uCl27vx7qEMZMwIhg1MDlw4xtMky94gEoiqWeVe6qAJ1kKXCdcjcnpSI8-cC2AEy1S8Rp2xwKiSGLj2D4Gzkrq80uLAo/s320/Web+P1020526.jpg" width="293" border="0" /></a>We all wandered about shaking hand and giving hugs. What we said to each other differed for each but one memorable comment came from Forest, from Maryland, who whispered to Amy after a hug and a peck on the cheek, “you're my hero”. It was surreal.<br /><br />We left the beach and headed over to the car rental, picked up the car and headed to Madison, CT to see Fred (Amy's brother) and his lovely wife, Margaret, and Susan (Amy's sister) had her terrific husband, Clint. We had a wonderful get together and a delightful dinner. All four of them were so enthusiastic and so willing to listen to our stories. They are terrific!!!<br /><br />In the next couple of days we'll try to publish one final blog with some technical information concerning the adventure so from time to time you might want to check in.<br /><br />Well everyone, the adventure is over. Well, not really. We will relive it over and over in our thoughts and memory. The friends we have made will, we hope, remain friends forever and over the years we hope to see many of them from time to time.<br /><br />We know that the money contributed by many of you for Nardin and Child and Family Services will be put to very good use.<br /><br />And you, our dear family and friends, will always be remembered. Your enthusiasm prior to the trip was wonderful. Despite the fact that some of you thought we were truly nuts, you always provided support and without that support we probably would have thought twice before proceeding.<br />During the trip your continuing interest in the blog, your comments and your excitement made many of the days that were really tough that much better. We knew your were the wind at our backs and the umbrellas over our heads when the weather gods decided that they had to assert their dominance despite your prayers.<br /><br />We wish you all the very best and WE SEND ALL OF YOU OUR GOOD VIBES!!!<br /><br />Love, Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-91280213778537440002008-07-21T14:46:00.000-07:002008-07-21T14:54:15.263-07:00July 21, Day 51July 21, Day 51<br />Brattleboro, VT to Manchester NH<br />Mileage:88<br />Weather: Wet but warm<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Well, today was everything that was advertised. Tough. Really tough. But, as advertised, we were ready for it with 46 days of riding in our legs.<br /><br />The day started innocently enough. We loaded early (6:30) because the staff knew it was going to be a dandy. We were on the road by 7:00 and within a mile the hills began. Unlike Vermont, these hills were both long and steep.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAxNvGB_dQmPW7LnERs1jdMezfxpenCrCdBbn-YikZ6dLpS7p_VxC0GFwkQJ0EJxxya3hgPnRvkSws3UdptBSRs1pg_4EzJ5NHM9163OwpfB_aG8OxYEbpjhw4oh-o0WL6vtwsZucSqA/s1600-h/Web+P1020420.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225587355561021330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAxNvGB_dQmPW7LnERs1jdMezfxpenCrCdBbn-YikZ6dLpS7p_VxC0GFwkQJ0EJxxya3hgPnRvkSws3UdptBSRs1pg_4EzJ5NHM9163OwpfB_aG8OxYEbpjhw4oh-o0WL6vtwsZucSqA/s320/Web+P1020420.jpg" border="0" /></a>Within the first mile of the day we entered our 12th state, NH. We looked at each other and simply said “we can't believe it, 12 states”.<br />For the first 17 miles the hills were doable without using every gear known to man. The riders who have a Garmin GPS and who were riding with us told us that the grade varied between 7% and 9%. Tough but, as we say, doable.<br /><br />We rolled into the cute little town of Keene, NH and after slowly riding down Winchester St. we turned onto Old Concord Road. Then the fun began. That road kicked up to about 12% and went on for a little over 1.5 miles. We thought, “hey, we can handle this.” In fact, the riders we were with all felt the same way. We then turned onto Sullivan St. and the real fun began. The tilted up to what we are told was an average gradient of 15% to 18% with a couple of spots at 22% (according to the Garmins). Now for you who don't ride, 22% isn't just steep, its damn steep. You would have trouble walking up a road with that gradient. Well, we made it. Our heart rates were probably off the chart and Amy was having some difficulty breathing but we made it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxcKcVnhRZADcmszUVH4l9qszcYDKJwL8grIeSUofkBS5AI6Sfw_HU7oPK3OaX-SN-m87EEcS-ditdVa6Jw-yeKLTNMtdBN-i96YLEeE_TX0anQWs9G5vYPyNrJSTfI87LduPnnYGV3A/s1600-h/Web+P1020427.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225587361632988498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxcKcVnhRZADcmszUVH4l9qszcYDKJwL8grIeSUofkBS5AI6Sfw_HU7oPK3OaX-SN-m87EEcS-ditdVa6Jw-yeKLTNMtdBN-i96YLEeE_TX0anQWs9G5vYPyNrJSTfI87LduPnnYGV3A/s320/Web+P1020427.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At the very top of the climb some DOT worker had decided that it would be fun to let both cars and riders know what they had just been through so he stuck up a sign that said “HILL”. This is a guy who really should be a stand up comedian.<br /><br />After Sullivan St., we thought, “OK, what more can they throw at us on our second last day?”. We shouldn't have asked the question.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcjvw1RQKu0-bDvEURANXXk6IczmDzXx8n3yE3bXOECSNftxUSMTJ7KYQQaQb9idxb5Y3xElhYYdWd_Yh6B_Nm2YqiZkv1iB98PLD0cjRfx1Zhg7bM6o_QhIylG8RuspmBO_AfZd4pog/s1600-h/Web+P1020440.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225587679923706242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcjvw1RQKu0-bDvEURANXXk6IczmDzXx8n3yE3bXOECSNftxUSMTJ7KYQQaQb9idxb5Y3xElhYYdWd_Yh6B_Nm2YqiZkv1iB98PLD0cjRfx1Zhg7bM6o_QhIylG8RuspmBO_AfZd4pog/s320/Web+P1020440.jpg" border="0" /></a>At the first SAG stop, there were a bunch of very tired riders but we had only completed 27 miles of an 88 mile day so there was considerable talk about what lay ahead. After the SAG, we attacked Pitchers Mountain. Here the gradient was probably in the 14% range which would normally have led us to turn around and call it a day, but given what the earlier ride had exposed us to, we handled that particular mountain quite well.<br /><br />It was right about then that the weather gods (who had been talking to the gradient gods) decided that they wanted a hand in this day. The skies darkened and before long we were in a steady rain. Not a downpour, just a steady rain. The type that soaks everything and requires windshield wipers on your glasses. However, the temperature gods decided that enough was enough so they played on our team and kept the temperature pleasantly in the mid 70's.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgw8q-G0BDuS9e6QVhI7ygd1jr35NT419k3nrQxXNF5vENICIR1VffiqKuN8MSykKtQI_h5gJnjgnwZrEqPx1L6gKZYyqZScN7KJpJVWzDQP2BA0lfbIFDF3rORtDV0GFFMJdFXrM6kY/s1600-h/Web+P1020428.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225587360803447026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgw8q-G0BDuS9e6QVhI7ygd1jr35NT419k3nrQxXNF5vENICIR1VffiqKuN8MSykKtQI_h5gJnjgnwZrEqPx1L6gKZYyqZScN7KJpJVWzDQP2BA0lfbIFDF3rORtDV0GFFMJdFXrM6kY/s320/Web+P1020428.jpg" border="0" /></a>The scenery was very much like Vermont although given the rain it was hard to see very far and very difficult to take any pictures (sorry). We saw some really beautiful homes nestled in the woods and a couple of really lovely lakes that looked like they could have been in the Adirondacks or for that matter in Algonquin Park, Canada. Really very nice.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb9FbfjFu7JJ1cytxLf1x76GVZchkPgs_34Q7YTiZ_ZrriCa3AhSz3ncpd-FXsS1SyuhQbf_gKd6LJ9NxGXF-pxyD0iPllgAy3zT7BSHmE4uBPl73STAi69K72BP_IvR3tu8ohjqxfqo/s1600-h/Web+P1020433.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225587671660725426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="197" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb9FbfjFu7JJ1cytxLf1x76GVZchkPgs_34Q7YTiZ_ZrriCa3AhSz3ncpd-FXsS1SyuhQbf_gKd6LJ9NxGXF-pxyD0iPllgAy3zT7BSHmE4uBPl73STAi69K72BP_IvR3tu8ohjqxfqo/s320/Web+P1020433.jpg" width="266" border="0" /></a>We stopped in the little town of Greenfield for a sandwich. The town is basically an intersection but we've learned that in little places like this you can usually find a little grocery store that will put together a really great sandwich. We, along with CJ and Dan, sat and had a delightful lunch while the rain let up.<br /><br />Back on the bikes to finish the ride and within about 20 minutes the skies really opened up. The balance of the ride (about 25 miles) had rolling hills (maybe a grade of 7% or so) but with the rain it made the riding a little dicey, particularly the downhills.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWwzfBVp_OX67_qeQsjm-amFBt8eoZ5hPL4uTUR6j5yRkHpevpN4nKjK7uJW89_qhkagUFhARkgQZyh_aeyC_PLvyaqEYhHL-hnYeoFHs0tIPnzh3zdNoB_GMMUWYrbqDVsdzdDrDei8/s1600-h/Web+P1020441.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225587676269243538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWwzfBVp_OX67_qeQsjm-amFBt8eoZ5hPL4uTUR6j5yRkHpevpN4nKjK7uJW89_qhkagUFhARkgQZyh_aeyC_PLvyaqEYhHL-hnYeoFHs0tIPnzh3zdNoB_GMMUWYrbqDVsdzdDrDei8/s320/Web+P1020441.jpg" border="0" /></a>We rolled into the motel and to our surprise Maria Hadley and her husband, David, along with their seven year old daughter, Chelsea, were there to greet us. Maria was an attorney at Phillips Lytle about 8 years ago. She's a great gal and we were delighted that she would take the time to stop by and say hello. Thanks Maria, we loved seeing you.<br /><br />Amy has become a really great rider. Her ability to handle hills and the wind has improved 100% to the point where she finishes the day in the middle of the pack and on many days in the top 1/3rd In addition, her bike handling skills are great. Today, for instance, in the pouring rain she handled downhills with speeds in the mid to high 30 miles per hour.<br /><br />Tonight we have a kind of banquet and it will be a kind of farewell to all since tomorrow, after we dip our wheels in the Atlantic, most of the riders will scatter to the four winds. We expect it to be emotional but fun at the same time.<br /><br />Tomorrow we ride to the Atlantic. And then, it's over!! We'll write about our thoughts tomorrow or perhaps the next day. But, no matter what, your good vibes have been with us each day and have made all the difference.<br /><br />We'll talk to you tomorrow.<br /><br />You've got one more day to send the good vibes. Thanks.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-65989515960285415922008-07-20T12:29:00.000-07:002008-07-20T13:22:26.374-07:00July 20, Day 50July 20, Day 50<br />Latham, NY to Brattleboro, VT<br />Mileage: 80.5<br />Weather: Drizzle and overcast but no real rain<br />Dear All,<br />Well, we started the day knowing that we had today plus two more riding days and our adventure would be over. We also started with a bit of trepidation given the amount of climbing we would have in VT today. <div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1a2qS849bKbJAEPhJjWOeNbU2GFE0VNm17wBDEpFWYuEYheLl2ZJVCYgrF92S_snX09DO2nClTpu1fa9b9mPMTdj54g0MvkAUAIeeSuMYMYn6Lq3itE1agt4Th_JSUi4CEgUFouwCWU/s1600-h/Web+P1020392.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181139488949186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1a2qS849bKbJAEPhJjWOeNbU2GFE0VNm17wBDEpFWYuEYheLl2ZJVCYgrF92S_snX09DO2nClTpu1fa9b9mPMTdj54g0MvkAUAIeeSuMYMYn6Lq3itE1agt4Th_JSUi4CEgUFouwCWU/s320/Web+P1020392.jpg" border="0" /></a>The day started with light rain but not enough to get anyone excited. Within the first 5 miles we were presented with the first of several climbs. This first one was only a mile or so but it was enough to make one use most of one's gears and given that it was only about 45 minutes after breakfast it was not an easy climb. </div><div></div><div>Speaking of breakfast, we don't think we have mentioned what most of the riders eat in the morning. It's funny. Some riders are religious as to their morning diet. The really serious ones will generally have oatmeal with a little sugar. Apparently oatmeal has a high carb count and it releases the carbs slowly over an extended period of time. The less serious riders will have cereal and perhaps biscuits. Those who figure “what the heck, I'll eat whatever and if need be I'll just suffer” will eat eggs and bacon but will almost always go for French toast or pancakes for the carbs. On top of all this a load of coffee is always on the menu.</div><div><br />The route for the first 25 miles had some climbs but not what we knew we would see later in the day. They tested us but didn't make us ask “when does this hill end”. We arrived at the first SAG pretty much no worse for wear and for the first time in 50 days someone had put our dough nuts. They were gone in no time.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9FaOHcDTNwjG8b3CDzPckv_BQgkLLXBBpBAKRgdMXO6vJC1mm8i3XpSPsMlwFaCiO50E6qMdB0SIhEBdVUodKTojpV_RUBzut5Vw80-RCdM21ED0fldbJL768ipd-czuTbUybvqx3NQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020397.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181138747316434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9FaOHcDTNwjG8b3CDzPckv_BQgkLLXBBpBAKRgdMXO6vJC1mm8i3XpSPsMlwFaCiO50E6qMdB0SIhEBdVUodKTojpV_RUBzut5Vw80-RCdM21ED0fldbJL768ipd-czuTbUybvqx3NQ/s320/Web+P1020397.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the SAG, we crossed into our 12th state, Vermont. Looking around we knew we were in the state that's home to the Green Mountains. They were all around. And, they were pretty. And, they looked high.</div><div><br />We rolled into Bennington which is a really cute little city. Along the main drag they have mannequins which appear to be made of wood. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXKzfuT8Fdm2OrNUqRxobPohxHelHPploP20E4DhfGCdgICFVjrn2-tytdhTZh60V-vgXs2Hlun0eOETFYyKZ3SggMxCkf2wxyZ232n-PRkvKiC-8_QuVJdufPsS_4OQc8tTOtQ1Bmow/s1600-h/Web+P1020402.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181138732768338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXKzfuT8Fdm2OrNUqRxobPohxHelHPploP20E4DhfGCdgICFVjrn2-tytdhTZh60V-vgXs2Hlun0eOETFYyKZ3SggMxCkf2wxyZ232n-PRkvKiC-8_QuVJdufPsS_4OQc8tTOtQ1Bmow/s320/Web+P1020402.jpg" border="0" /></a>The picture shows one of them. They added a little flavor to the town. Of course the Bennington monument overshadows the town and you can see if for several miles both as you enter the town and as you leave.</div><div><br />Right after leaving Bennington, we came to the real tester climb of the day. We have no idea what the name of the mountain is (or if it has a name), but the climb went on for about 8 miles and the grade was pretty stiff. All the gears we had paid for when buying the bikes many years ago were used and at times we were looking for additional gears. One pedal stroke after the next. It seemed to go on forever.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nSLy4epNOglGAjbrNlzcQB_5r6t5BnY_dU1aksi0k475I_P-tLtZ1MZWxkmv51m2EPZC5Ixh2dlp2X1V9VsH9TwecQyX3PtISIvY0qHrVAUeX2jfxmERnJFQ45YBI6S78cgR1U-NL5c/s1600-h/Web+P1020403.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181142710332594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nSLy4epNOglGAjbrNlzcQB_5r6t5BnY_dU1aksi0k475I_P-tLtZ1MZWxkmv51m2EPZC5Ixh2dlp2X1V9VsH9TwecQyX3PtISIvY0qHrVAUeX2jfxmERnJFQ45YBI6S78cgR1U-NL5c/s320/Web+P1020403.jpg" border="0" /></a> However, as we climbed the views were really great. The mountains were all around and while they were not as dramatic as the Rockies or even the Sierra Nevadas they were, nonetheless, very pretty in their own way. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOt9rAaluGdvrye5ppdIKp8ZOh6Y7cG08Xb28RAOUnv1NVaKdk1V_W8N0Bw7_ozYlqBIq18w5x3n8ZSjupr-8Vonyl7ItX3JlXyjM_ZBM0CPx_Tvsja1xeis3zyTQBxTczvqV28VSGpg/s1600-h/Web+P1020406.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181366670179026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOt9rAaluGdvrye5ppdIKp8ZOh6Y7cG08Xb28RAOUnv1NVaKdk1V_W8N0Bw7_ozYlqBIq18w5x3n8ZSjupr-8Vonyl7ItX3JlXyjM_ZBM0CPx_Tvsja1xeis3zyTQBxTczvqV28VSGpg/s320/Web+P1020406.jpg" width="279" border="0" /></a>There was a mist hanging over the mountains perhaps from the rain which added a kind of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime9qmPSpH3cPK9b1bpTIQYcVel-nfXZVRS74YneD4gpeq1MLb-MCM2jTBC6ZfxfSdr1Ofm-Kly9q7_8awFbOAYk33OkMNC6_iWydlCUrgO6573IZ1cfX-huyg1t3Buq5aOb238kQzutk/s1600-h/Web+P1020417.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181372580996498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime9qmPSpH3cPK9b1bpTIQYcVel-nfXZVRS74YneD4gpeq1MLb-MCM2jTBC6ZfxfSdr1Ofm-Kly9q7_8awFbOAYk33OkMNC6_iWydlCUrgO6573IZ1cfX-huyg1t3Buq5aOb238kQzutk/s320/Web+P1020417.jpg" width="284" border="0" /></a>mystery to them as if they were hiding something from us. </div><div><br />Finally we reached the top of the first climb and had a welcome downhill for a couple of miles into the second SAG at about the 55 mile mark. We decided on a hot dog at a little stand. Turns out it wasn't a Ted's but rather a steamed dog which left something to be desired. Ah well, it was fuel.</div><div><br />We left the SAG knowing that we had one more climb to the top of Hogback Mountain. This climb wasn't as long but just about as steep. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIziji0dxqscvQYp2osZUwOZtsTml1_HzPP9TvhrJVvaFutKegcRqStByJhjRsCaFNgGovqpWTzWW8BxJmrVICVimcrHcgYZuy22OHksfSevHU9WE7yZnsICuw4cB2_y-2ruWY-aK1J8/s1600-h/Web+P1020413.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181370450492898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIziji0dxqscvQYp2osZUwOZtsTml1_HzPP9TvhrJVvaFutKegcRqStByJhjRsCaFNgGovqpWTzWW8BxJmrVICVimcrHcgYZuy22OHksfSevHU9WE7yZnsICuw4cB2_y-2ruWY-aK1J8/s320/Web+P1020413.jpg" width="268" border="0" /></a>Upon reaching the top we had a spectacular view which on a clear day allows one to see about 100 miles. Today was not very clear, but the view was still pretty super. We stopped at the store at the top and chatted with an elderly couple who, like most of the people we talk to, were aghast after they asked where we started and we told them San Francisco. It's funny but when we left from San Francisco and we were asked about the trip we would always say we were going to Portsmouth, NH. Now when we are asked we don't say where we are going but where we started.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBRaB6qpTofP2xWmbaM0HN120U04M_jqo2_HoKhJje29ptOGHyVuGpvUncpYuJdjAxCQIHBCXTI4rrRDSHXp_Yu9Hj-aGzEqS8HIfUbSX8gV6P00nyp674RBTZ2C5rNN6D7aroE7JwJE/s1600-h/Web+P1020415.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181370249867682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBRaB6qpTofP2xWmbaM0HN120U04M_jqo2_HoKhJje29ptOGHyVuGpvUncpYuJdjAxCQIHBCXTI4rrRDSHXp_Yu9Hj-aGzEqS8HIfUbSX8gV6P00nyp674RBTZ2C5rNN6D7aroE7JwJE/s320/Web+P1020415.jpg" width="269" border="0" /></a>After climbing to the top of Mount Hogback and chatting with some folks we started what was pretty much (but not entirely) a downhill into Brattleboro. About ½ mile from the motel Amy spotted a Friendly's (remember she's the one who can always spot ice cream within a couple of miles of the motel) so we stopped and had some.</div><div><br />Tomorrow we are told the climbs will be tougher than today. Yikes!! We'll need good vibes from all of you. </div><div><br />Tomorrow will be a different kind of day. We'll ride knowing that at the end of the day there will be only one day left. It's a strange feeling. There is pride in knowing that we're close to our goal and that we will soon be home. But, we will be saying good-bye to some new and wonderful friends and we'll miss them and the riding (despite the fact that some of the days were hard). We'll let you know how we feel tomorrow night with only one day left.</div><div><br />Say a prayer to the weather gods for the next two days. Your comments are always welcome.</div><div><br />Take careand send the good vibes.</div><div></div><div>Amy and John</div></div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-78052979110092628522008-07-19T13:40:00.000-07:002008-07-19T13:49:20.501-07:00July 19, Day 49July 19, Day 49<br />Little Falls to Latham, NY<br />Mileage: 79.2<br />Weather: Muggy but no rain<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Our fourth last day on the road and it was beautiful. NY never looked so good and our lovely high humidity was at its best.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSktCm2tVhPlanSuxBxsaRPHXTev2QDQnxxIMBmzUSc1zryV-sD0H8wEX019VZWx_j-0uhZNEU29gMKOPDaqRlP8dy9cbh5PXKeRIYGIfTaM5HPtYpwXmgXDF6_a2ARHxt9NKbonpSUw/s1600-h/Web+P1020356.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828283279430194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="206" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSktCm2tVhPlanSuxBxsaRPHXTev2QDQnxxIMBmzUSc1zryV-sD0H8wEX019VZWx_j-0uhZNEU29gMKOPDaqRlP8dy9cbh5PXKeRIYGIfTaM5HPtYpwXmgXDF6_a2ARHxt9NKbonpSUw/s320/Web+P1020356.jpg" width="278" border="0" /></a>We left the little town of Little Falls at about 7:30 and within no time at all, we hooked up with Rick, from Richmond, VA, who is a wonderful guy, and a young man, Dan, from Sarasota, who is riding the section from Indianapolis to the coast with his grandfather. We essentially rode on Rt. 5 which has a great shoulder and for miles and miles we had the Mohawk River on our right.<br /><br />Some of the vistas were really lovely <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3M8OCoN47uGXQ9XWhRMgnVMa4C8vxNHJ1vrF8S0IktvV3lbyYtDL9mqvdA28IspLIYESDzdu9gRguglUHdWQK0amRmVlZEMTKcnqzlVumNoCBM39SgmyWiNadgVuyknaIArJAaDWNxY8/s1600-h/Web+P1020362.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828289659934114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="210" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3M8OCoN47uGXQ9XWhRMgnVMa4C8vxNHJ1vrF8S0IktvV3lbyYtDL9mqvdA28IspLIYESDzdu9gRguglUHdWQK0amRmVlZEMTKcnqzlVumNoCBM39SgmyWiNadgVuyknaIArJAaDWNxY8/s320/Web+P1020362.jpg" width="286" border="0" /></a>especially in the morning with the mist hanging over the landscape. We began to feel the elevation changes that we know we will experience tomorrow and the next day when we ride into Vermont.<br /><br />Amy was incredibly strong today as she was yesterday. With John and Rick pulling, Amy and with Dan (age 17), hanging out next to Amy, we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmcfqya8ast6vsvEwd8hJZvw1-DhQHoFyDqmKhbeafRm9FlikOyEYDFDaHtE_iG-URTanmueuyBwk3kUpAPdNQSbrj9epIlMH8CMsxD9jSzOI10hYthj8OQhVzGXD9JOf9_Sa6bTin8E/s1600-h/Web+P1020360.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828290258110050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="201" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmcfqya8ast6vsvEwd8hJZvw1-DhQHoFyDqmKhbeafRm9FlikOyEYDFDaHtE_iG-URTanmueuyBwk3kUpAPdNQSbrj9epIlMH8CMsxD9jSzOI10hYthj8OQhVzGXD9JOf9_Sa6bTin8E/s320/Web+P1020360.jpg" width="280" border="0" /></a>motored along at an average speed of about 18 mph for over 34 miles. Despite the speed, we had plenty of time to chat and marvel at how pretty the Mohawk Valley is. We had only seen it in the past from the Thruway, but from Rt. 5 and at 18 mph it takes on a whole new look. A look that we recommend to all of you.<br /><br />At the first SAG we had a wonderful vista over the Valley and saw how some riders “hang” their bikes during a break. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJJkWFMXXt_jax5Fl6aMrj3MGH2FXti9S2MMSmYxjBmdrFcMxKPl2VIH7PYsm3eVzNsAqtTtumi9cNqd5atd-f6NL6J-NpXrroMBtsOxspcmfZ4rlUU2YeNPvlu7OyVx33hUi2GjhGZU/s1600-h/Web+P1020366.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828288126098066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJJkWFMXXt_jax5Fl6aMrj3MGH2FXti9S2MMSmYxjBmdrFcMxKPl2VIH7PYsm3eVzNsAqtTtumi9cNqd5atd-f6NL6J-NpXrroMBtsOxspcmfZ4rlUU2YeNPvlu7OyVx33hUi2GjhGZU/s320/Web+P1020366.jpg" border="0" /></a>When hung in a tree one does not have to worry much about the bike falling over and damaging either the paint or the dérailleur.<br /><br />After a break we headed out and continued the same pace, but always willing to stop and look at the River. The second stop was at Jumpin Jacks Drive In which had the feel of a Ted's Hot dogs. The specialty was hamburger with all the grease you could eat. GREAT! Probably not what our doctor would suggest for a healthy lunch but boy did it taste good. No milkshakes, however, since, with almost another 20 miles to go, milk isn't such a good idea particularly since it was hot with humidity that had to be 140%.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWH5GhorwcnwdnSBTxqUQjfe07zdMYGPuRtDXJnNp2SpPUelcqmsE2gX3RMQGBjMDU_RmTYtLRQOkSPhbMTCBhVFn3_i8HZB89k-76d-vRuKJmOClalFsz8vNxFsvaOcsPXeQcbOeuis/s1600-h/Web+P1020387.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828639174186482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWH5GhorwcnwdnSBTxqUQjfe07zdMYGPuRtDXJnNp2SpPUelcqmsE2gX3RMQGBjMDU_RmTYtLRQOkSPhbMTCBhVFn3_i8HZB89k-76d-vRuKJmOClalFsz8vNxFsvaOcsPXeQcbOeuis/s320/Web+P1020387.jpg" width="276" border="0" /></a>Off we went with CJ, from Sarasota, along with us. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrUNn1DAndcqoCAnbhVS2ajtZ0jczXef6oW88mOFiA5cxgbj9LVDO0DGuB_Kkk3CJQPcHgqr7mqx2DEQPScFW-dxy1OS1BI2hvlTvWBR8rgxRw4TNTElu65xLQLe8-1tN_PFOHxuK4fQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020379.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828635151097602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrUNn1DAndcqoCAnbhVS2ajtZ0jczXef6oW88mOFiA5cxgbj9LVDO0DGuB_Kkk3CJQPcHgqr7mqx2DEQPScFW-dxy1OS1BI2hvlTvWBR8rgxRw4TNTElu65xLQLe8-1tN_PFOHxuK4fQ/s320/Web+P1020379.jpg" width="271" border="0" /></a>At about the 61 mile mark we picked up a great bike path that went on forever. Most of it was in pretty good shape although some if was in need of a bit of blacktop repair. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP0Y3cnZDoYKwcKmOzE4lCFwqhcWE4L42rGor4SjkcjhfWfMVza77kYqXIYsaH_GBTThBduO0x-m73Zvv9ehvoB3b8VyD_64KWBioVSAeVrR6nJ47mlX7zX3tLMoZz5NT0DmZTXsYugo/s1600-h/Web+P1020371.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828638773434594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="197" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP0Y3cnZDoYKwcKmOzE4lCFwqhcWE4L42rGor4SjkcjhfWfMVza77kYqXIYsaH_GBTThBduO0x-m73Zvv9ehvoB3b8VyD_64KWBioVSAeVrR6nJ47mlX7zX3tLMoZz5NT0DmZTXsYugo/s320/Web+P1020371.jpg" width="286" border="0" /></a>For miles we rode along side the River in the shade of wonderful old trees. Except for our speed it was what one would expect for a pleasant Saturday bike ride at home. Delightful.<br /><br />We rolled into the motel a bit tired from the speed of the ride, but happy to have had such a pretty ride. New York around this area really is an undiscovered treasure. If you get a chance you should experience it.<br /><br />We have three riding days left. The next two will be the toughest of the entire ride we are told. The Green Mountains aren't as high as the Rockies but they are much more difficult to ride. Tomorrow for instance we believe we will experience 12% to 16% grade climbs for up to a couple of miles. As a comparison, the ride up Monarch Pass in CO was over 8 miles long but it was about a 6% or 7% grade. As you who rider know, a 12% or greater grade will require every gear we have and then some. Our hope is that our legs are ready for it although we both commented this morning that after 44 days in the saddle these two bodies are beginning to suggest that they are getting just a bit tired. It will be interesting.<br /><br />Say a prayer or two that the rain holds off and don't give up on the vibes. We still need those good vibes.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-72449079270739893402008-07-18T12:40:00.000-07:002008-07-18T13:00:31.194-07:00July 18, Day 48July 18, Day 48<br />Liverpool to Little Falls, NY<br />Mileage: 79<br />Weather: Cloudy (no rain) and hot<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Well, we've got four more days of riding. Hard to believe. We are told that the riding on Sunday and Monday will be hard and to be prepared for them. We guess we are.<br /><br />This morning dawned with a bit of an overcast but very warm temperature.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhLPctqbK3TOw9srguWOGnFya2PHjpbMrrUJ4HaNXGI04W049A9cmJkURoK4ifpuyXqHVXQ-SIEUjc93r0lomAubFMOjjADl_l4tKVmC-p5554x6lAl2R5xvmbcJ675cJDsSyTNUjqZo/s1600-h/Web+P1020341.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224442147086693458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhLPctqbK3TOw9srguWOGnFya2PHjpbMrrUJ4HaNXGI04W049A9cmJkURoK4ifpuyXqHVXQ-SIEUjc93r0lomAubFMOjjADl_l4tKVmC-p5554x6lAl2R5xvmbcJ675cJDsSyTNUjqZo/s320/Web+P1020341.jpg" border="0" /></a> Before departing we spent a little time looking at some of the hot rods that were in the motel parking lot. As we said yesterday, Liverpool has a huge car show starting today and a number of the car owners were staying at the same Super 8.<br /><br />We started out a little after 7:00 with really nice roads. They were mostly small country roads with only little rolls to test the legs from time to time. We hooked up with Fred, Allan, Skip, CJ, and Don and kept up a pretty good pace (around 19.5 mph). Amy's legs were good today and she was flying. The country side remained as in the last couple of days, but today it really looked more like rural residential than rural business. Just a house here and there and open fields that weren't cultivated. A very pleasant ride. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr6jCY0V6-CLk0E7jaX-MjU_0ez8XR6eAijSmvBvJYduRX4Qf_D4LY5i80I0V817e_n1yqtMWMDS3RAguIGQFZNn5wl2tIfbkvHK6MZL1zmzX0wO1W7payoQcJQzCYSgo0sO5lbi9AM4/s1600-h/Web+P1020345.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224442151493784738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr6jCY0V6-CLk0E7jaX-MjU_0ez8XR6eAijSmvBvJYduRX4Qf_D4LY5i80I0V817e_n1yqtMWMDS3RAguIGQFZNn5wl2tIfbkvHK6MZL1zmzX0wO1W7payoQcJQzCYSgo0sO5lbi9AM4/s320/Web+P1020345.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The first SAG came quickly and we enjoyed our typical fare. We haven't mentioned what is available at the SAG so maybe now is a good time to do so.<br /><br />When we stop, the staff has opened the van so that everyone can (and MUST) use handiwipes before touching anything. You can't even refill a water bottle without first using the handiwipes The food available is usually cut up oranges and apples along with bananas, granola bars, nut and salty bars and trail mix.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMNOejdTIbesjoATBlKph4JonQrhvtgXKf5c3zRE_YKANE0VQOn8NOSi20-NNSzrYC8G_x4Z-ap9v9X1TLGS4Xq9Z19lyHCoOCnqSqlS7ivs6JHRvJvnqwNJIbWDFAIs-VB7hXVjbqpQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020346.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224442152516509202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMNOejdTIbesjoATBlKph4JonQrhvtgXKf5c3zRE_YKANE0VQOn8NOSi20-NNSzrYC8G_x4Z-ap9v9X1TLGS4Xq9Z19lyHCoOCnqSqlS7ivs6JHRvJvnqwNJIbWDFAIs-VB7hXVjbqpQ/s320/Web+P1020346.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fig newtons make the hit list from time to time as do sugar cookies. In addition to water there is powdered gatoraid to be added to the water bottles. If one is having a mechanical problem there are some tools along with chain lube. Most riders spend anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes at the SAG stop depending on how long the day will be. The longer the day, the shorter the stop.<br /><br />John's sister, Peppy, asked what John carries in his bike bag. First you should know that most of the bikers don't carry a large bike bag at all. Most carry a simple little seat bag that fits more or less under the seat. They carry only an extra tube, a multi tool, and a tire iron. John's bag carries much more than that. Since only John has a bag, it hasat least two tubes for his bike and two for Amy's bike which is required since Amy's wheels are a different size than John's. In addition, to what other riders carry, John's bag carries both wallets, a multitude of snacks in case we get hungry between SAG stops, our non sunglasses, a number of CO2 cartridges to inflate tires and John's rain shirt.<br /><div><br />Back to the day. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWCN0wFTFjRdzeqb0eAzepPodWzdUNWr6ibKvLWPTLWJvtNIXzQzxv3cziJ5dk0mx9Tcdd6KpvzhMhfId2obUgOtN2MorGICompadM2CgAyGRd18CJwDO0dSVe76vpNMQ4-Hd5kJpzag/s1600-h/Web+P1020350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224442355496509650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWCN0wFTFjRdzeqb0eAzepPodWzdUNWr6ibKvLWPTLWJvtNIXzQzxv3cziJ5dk0mx9Tcdd6KpvzhMhfId2obUgOtN2MorGICompadM2CgAyGRd18CJwDO0dSVe76vpNMQ4-Hd5kJpzag/s320/Web+P1020350.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>After the first SAG we joined up with CJ, and motored on. There really wasn't much to look at except that from time to time we rode along side the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN1L4IO5BdPiz2cM5BDATjYm3qyqwmYgjzJEfYcrL95apMvEEbq8Qnwt29x49sKKk2Q2GG-wKU9XJXxb87BLJQqR0IFKL1ePJuX4kvOGjkiUz-gi_85oRISMJkmiKUXdhpbivQXqCT8g/s1600-h/Web+P1020349.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224442156664042818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN1L4IO5BdPiz2cM5BDATjYm3qyqwmYgjzJEfYcrL95apMvEEbq8Qnwt29x49sKKk2Q2GG-wKU9XJXxb87BLJQqR0IFKL1ePJuX4kvOGjkiUz-gi_85oRISMJkmiKUXdhpbivQXqCT8g/s320/Web+P1020349.jpg" border="0" /></a>Erie Canal which was fun. </div><div>We arrived at the second SAG and thought about lunch,but after hanging around a bit we decided that maybe we would get lucky and find something different than a Subway up the road. Amy seems to be able to not only locate DQ's when necessary but also find some pretty cute little places for a bit to eat on days when we think we'll have time for lunch. Today was one of those days. So, we're pedaling along in a kind of wasteland with not much around when all of a sudden, up pops the cutest little spot run by two elderly ladies. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0RDa7rrCGD2tR3aHd8fCgruud_8-nfy6XJTcKfehlkWAhVUNfvm9k9noaDUnfq0tqAKmC4e87gNPzHB4pIcrIZpTJES_8GEcUU_L4qjrtAwXSLNHRo2CSmQDNCOCYLsAiO18ZlvpWsQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020354.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224442355247077058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0RDa7rrCGD2tR3aHd8fCgruud_8-nfy6XJTcKfehlkWAhVUNfvm9k9noaDUnfq0tqAKmC4e87gNPzHB4pIcrIZpTJES_8GEcUU_L4qjrtAwXSLNHRo2CSmQDNCOCYLsAiO18ZlvpWsQ/s320/Web+P1020354.jpg" border="0" /></a>It wasn't much to look at but the sandwiches were delicious. There were a total of 4 tables and there was air conditioning which was very much welcome. CJ ordered a ½ size sub. The thing was huge. The ½ size was at least the size of a full size Subway and the cost was a whole $4.00. </div><div><br />After lunch we headed into Little Falls. We commented on the fact that we have seen Little Falls from the Thruway but had never actually driven into town. It seems like a nice little place although it probably has seen better economic times. </div><div><br />There was a laundromat across the street from the Knights Inn so we decided that since we are never sure when a motel will have laundry facilities we had better do the laundry while we had the chance. We have spent a little time in laundromats over the term of this trip and most of them are quite nice. The one thing they really lack is air conditioning. They are HOT. We mean HOT. So we usually sit outside on a curb or if we're lucky on a bench, read a book or work on the blog. </div><div><br />Tomorrow we head to Latham, NY. We're hoping that the road continues to follows the Erie Canal which means that it won't have a lot of hills. </div><div>After tomorrow we'll be heading into Vermont and the Green Mountains.</div><div><br />Thanks for reading. Keep chatting with the weather gods and, as always, send the good vibes. </div><div><br />Amy and John</div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-76722820864698162112008-07-17T13:54:00.001-07:002008-07-17T14:05:06.266-07:00July 17, Day 47July 17, Day 47<br />Canadaigua to Liverpool, NY<br />Mileage: 70.5<br />Weather: Rain and then lovely sunshine<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Today was to be an easy day with only 70 miles with some hills but nothing to get to worried about. As Amy loaded our luggage, John pumped up the tires. As he was pumping up Amy's front tire, there was a load bang and again Amy had a flat. John put in a new tube, we both crossed our fingers and off we went. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9DSBAW1XkIlrNWP5BR662cmWqPpVHpIivEh4_Rkd1g0QtxlJspB_RrWyU4TGtdxGcRMC1YuD-2MIgsg0UHCuQDTsUbErPh5Rz-c9xr7US1bh6OhCenoouspSrsz_6JuPiu5VmlBGeLI/s1600-h/Web+P1020320.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224089695071728002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="201" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9DSBAW1XkIlrNWP5BR662cmWqPpVHpIivEh4_Rkd1g0QtxlJspB_RrWyU4TGtdxGcRMC1YuD-2MIgsg0UHCuQDTsUbErPh5Rz-c9xr7US1bh6OhCenoouspSrsz_6JuPiu5VmlBGeLI/s320/Web+P1020320.jpg" width="270" border="0" /></a>Prior to leaving we spoke with an elderly guy (elderly, of course, is in the eye of the beholder) who was driving his Model T to Michigan. As you know that particular car could be purchased with any color the owner desired so long as it was black. John spent a little time chatting with the owner and learned that the average speed for the trip would be about 35 mph (just about double our speed down the road).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbI-ey5DhI0FUI-fn_kPMJ8HHdHwkGo__BfMAXCOcTNjMwWrNPhxB2ck6RSlujxIVGNCh0mE6yIo8sJf56vF-Y_ooG19LB3FrxGOpGa4vH2gOIDTUKh9jlliYpRVIWqMQiV4rW5RTYMY/s1600-h/Web+P1020328.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224089702918969362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="215" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbI-ey5DhI0FUI-fn_kPMJ8HHdHwkGo__BfMAXCOcTNjMwWrNPhxB2ck6RSlujxIVGNCh0mE6yIo8sJf56vF-Y_ooG19LB3FrxGOpGa4vH2gOIDTUKh9jlliYpRVIWqMQiV4rW5RTYMY/s320/Web+P1020328.jpg" width="284" border="0" /></a>The countryside was the same as yesterday except we had the pleasure of seeing Lake Seneca up close as we pedaled thru Geneva. We passed by early in the morning and it looked lovely. The riders from out west and from oversees where really impressed not only with Lake Seneca but with all of the Finger Lake region. As we have always said, the Finger Lakes is really a well kept secret. Most people speak of the Adirondacks as the only really great spot, but the Finger Lakes are, in our view, equally impressive.<br /><br />We passed thru Waterloo which is the birthplace of Memorial Day and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGKx5tJRsFCf3uUNvaaburXkmUq7j9reOcvYaPpdCZfW6PHBg-N0QukxgpjcspR17k0DBaRv4lpSZk7VmB4CmSySuJ0QwSInT4bgdLAUKA2XMqF-oCrd8720SHwvCbvjcRwyPweT1fDA/s1600-h/Web+P1020323.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224089698656131010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="211" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGKx5tJRsFCf3uUNvaaburXkmUq7j9reOcvYaPpdCZfW6PHBg-N0QukxgpjcspR17k0DBaRv4lpSZk7VmB4CmSySuJ0QwSInT4bgdLAUKA2XMqF-oCrd8720SHwvCbvjcRwyPweT1fDA/s320/Web+P1020323.jpg" width="279" border="0" /></a>Seneca Falls which, of course, is the birth place of women's rights.<br /><br />As we rolled into the first SAG stop at about the 30 mile mark, the clouds to the north began to look pretty impressive and threatening. Off we went and within a few miles it became clear that we were in for some serious weather. As the rain started we found a house (which looked like no one was home) and sat under three of the biggest trees you have ever seen.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq22Ory5mMk2eIRoXSbI8_RaBFkbmA8Fm0vxn8hasMvxs9_JtP8xKiCDNr4gGqCRPSNlv29-hUf1BiZfk0_b8Lcn2xvb52IC5_4OD8sXWiOLrCPqf2NhDOknQK7BSDKo2EI4MmRz4jvZg/s1600-h/Web+P1020329.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224090047046974066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="220" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq22Ory5mMk2eIRoXSbI8_RaBFkbmA8Fm0vxn8hasMvxs9_JtP8xKiCDNr4gGqCRPSNlv29-hUf1BiZfk0_b8Lcn2xvb52IC5_4OD8sXWiOLrCPqf2NhDOknQK7BSDKo2EI4MmRz4jvZg/s320/Web+P1020329.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a> It was like having a real roof over our heads. The rain came down pretty seriously for about 20 minutes and then we figured, what the heck, lets go. We got a little damp but the heavy stuff had pretty much stopped.<br /><br />A little further up the road while it was still raining we stopped at the Red and White Creamery Cafe which was housed in a building that was constructed prior to 1840. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xvf0aWAf5-DZb6JwFSrZ5QTwPmmjczuPD871qh8bbeMae5PQ6mKjvXHa2RN19MEAIaXhTfHm0pndStH3BQ7ffbpL0G8SNrSmimngToFficPSIb-utTHuPpayKCYRwUioiIJn5ZglDBI/s1600-h/Web+P1020334.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224090053930993650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="214" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xvf0aWAf5-DZb6JwFSrZ5QTwPmmjczuPD871qh8bbeMae5PQ6mKjvXHa2RN19MEAIaXhTfHm0pndStH3BQ7ffbpL0G8SNrSmimngToFficPSIb-utTHuPpayKCYRwUioiIJn5ZglDBI/s320/Web+P1020334.jpg" width="290" border="0" /></a>It was a great spot with homemade bread and the biggest sandwiches you have ever seen. We ordered one sandwich which we split and even at that we didn't eat all of it. There was some homemade chocolate cream pie that looked absolutely spectacular. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aQYNQ6w1Uq83f649bkfIMEXq4Fdvt_d49mVGUKkT6w96NtCtw7TTHskrevt7YmPxLYraheduANBTyyStiSluW63HIT0Nzrlrx57IXnbNcDuD2Cbhn8x3EWxeZYBBXm-fPsbLZEZjP9Q/s1600-h/Web+P1020331.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224090054745592274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="214" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aQYNQ6w1Uq83f649bkfIMEXq4Fdvt_d49mVGUKkT6w96NtCtw7TTHskrevt7YmPxLYraheduANBTyyStiSluW63HIT0Nzrlrx57IXnbNcDuD2Cbhn8x3EWxeZYBBXm-fPsbLZEZjP9Q/s320/Web+P1020331.jpg" width="280" border="0" /></a>We toyed with the idea of a piece, but figured that with over 35 miles to go, it really wasn't a great idea. Someday we're going back and have a piece.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFb3D92CTwsaMJTlUUqZN54_mDadxrlpBJLzgFT5fbWXTDtisrWLfx_8TpaCwkf0_NIF4n_jZ_SpfIh-LqdTxXLj5rZIMltzUc-gjYI52MyjfnZdZv89gfnjaO_lfQQdtxRlt8lxNdJg/s1600-h/Web+P1020322.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224089701494800914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFb3D92CTwsaMJTlUUqZN54_mDadxrlpBJLzgFT5fbWXTDtisrWLfx_8TpaCwkf0_NIF4n_jZ_SpfIh-LqdTxXLj5rZIMltzUc-gjYI52MyjfnZdZv89gfnjaO_lfQQdtxRlt8lxNdJg/s320/Web+P1020322.jpg" width="287" border="0" /></a>In one of the small towns (we can't remember the name) we found Amy's<br /><div>Checkered Flag. John asked Amy when she had had time to open a little store and only received a mischievous smile in return. </div><div><br />We rolled into Liverpool and as you might expect, Amy spotted a nice little ice cream spot just a mile or two from the motel. We asked the owner if they had sugar free soft ice cream, and he took one look at Amy and said, “are you kidding, the last thing you need to worry about is sugar”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77vWwWGmrxNf42fza1lkmArmqpRqXmRfzlHH-76mk5tYyTblxiQ8SgGlTm0c_w6LK88v6U8xCbTxVruY8kfJmpZGCZ90p-b0rw3e4ae7BG11ctKPwko9sQVw1nwwB01jf2U86oiQJ7BM/s1600-h/Web+P1020340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224090055870102082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="200" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77vWwWGmrxNf42fza1lkmArmqpRqXmRfzlHH-76mk5tYyTblxiQ8SgGlTm0c_w6LK88v6U8xCbTxVruY8kfJmpZGCZ90p-b0rw3e4ae7BG11ctKPwko9sQVw1nwwB01jf2U86oiQJ7BM/s320/Web+P1020340.jpg" width="269" border="0" /></a>So we indulged and had a delicious vanilla cone and sat and watched some hot rods drive by on their way to a local park where a car show is scheduled for the weekend. </div><div><br />Tomorrow is an 85 or so mile day and we're told hills will be present. </div><div><br />Say a prayer to the weather gods and keep the good vibes coming. </div><div><br />Amy and John</div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-92115945217495184612008-07-16T17:08:00.000-07:002008-07-16T17:20:06.502-07:00July 16, Day 46July 16, Day 46<br />Hamburg to Canandaigua, NY<br />Mileage: 98.1<br />Weather: Warm and wet<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />We awoke still thinking about how nice it was to have had family and friends welcome and visit with us yesterday afternoon and evening. It was wonderful.<br /><br />We awoke at the more or less usual time of 5:40 and were on the road by 7:00. Prior to leaving and as we were loading our luggage, Amy felt a hand on her shoulder, turned to see our friend, Tom Barney, Jr. He was on his way to work and guessed as to what motel we might be in. It was wonderful of him to think of us and it really touched us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDrUg3cjfBB49KU541cL8XC0dHMn6BU4foELFC041cLL14GYnvJfasgAyPtKiR5x3cdfodPrN66MOEcr2UKds4Qn65D6bZKUBEbeUGdTsnRt2TGhkjLZ7GIRPt_kikvx1zRwWSPDJLos/s1600-h/Web+P1020299.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223769088557610338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="200" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDrUg3cjfBB49KU541cL8XC0dHMn6BU4foELFC041cLL14GYnvJfasgAyPtKiR5x3cdfodPrN66MOEcr2UKds4Qn65D6bZKUBEbeUGdTsnRt2TGhkjLZ7GIRPt_kikvx1zRwWSPDJLos/s320/Web+P1020299.jpg" width="275" border="0" /></a>We headed out and proceeded to get lost with all the other riders but found our way to the Bicycle Museum in Orchard Park. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmoeJ2PJE3wjOmnocd47Ref8LuSHpCZ5kmuzm3ROcioeoNm7ZeF9F3IW8V73eSi_ggjqcc_1UPdACt-1oW92L1h8uSvohTKsa4yZSDuxhnHxrN3UhqxN-_sejMu5mZL8R9z4rs2ob1yw/s1600-h/Web+P1020306.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223769119478618530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmoeJ2PJE3wjOmnocd47Ref8LuSHpCZ5kmuzm3ROcioeoNm7ZeF9F3IW8V73eSi_ggjqcc_1UPdACt-1oW92L1h8uSvohTKsa4yZSDuxhnHxrN3UhqxN-_sejMu5mZL8R9z4rs2ob1yw/s320/Web+P1020306.jpg" border="0" /></a>What a great place. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjqSIEIOSbGQJO0bYUZB6U04sVOmIOmPyWZn84mi-TyN3Sy3caOncwOwQhUTVrXyAFVdnDjn8Qd7TpgPLoiz9uMWzmPAWdCi-FtsL7OLV4G9Y3d-y2SOcF2q4v9Z7VpStwQjHfiHx3qM/s1600-h/Web+P1020310.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223769128797087298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjqSIEIOSbGQJO0bYUZB6U04sVOmIOmPyWZn84mi-TyN3Sy3caOncwOwQhUTVrXyAFVdnDjn8Qd7TpgPLoiz9uMWzmPAWdCi-FtsL7OLV4G9Y3d-y2SOcF2q4v9Z7VpStwQjHfiHx3qM/s320/Web+P1020310.jpg" border="0" /></a>For those of you who haven't been there, you should go. This is true even if you are not an active biker. It is a fun and informative place.<br /><br />We finally departed the Museum at about 8:30 and since it was going to be a long day, we knew we had to hustle. As we proceeded toward the first SAG stop at the 30 mile mark, the clouds began to gather and in the distance the thunder began to rumble. Within a mile of the SAG stop, the lightning was all around us and very close. Just as the skies opened, we made it to the SAG stop at a gas station so we were able to find some shelter. Many of the riders did not have rain shirts with them since the forecast did not call for rain. Guess that just goes to show that weather forecasting is more of an art than a science.<br /><br />After a little wait the rain slackened off and we took to the road. However, prior to leaving the gas station, a rather rotund fellow from the local Dept. of Public Works, stopped us and asked where we were riding to. He kept looking at us in a funny way and finally said, “Didn't I see you on TV last night?” We answered that he probably did and he then ran to get his camera from his car and took our picture. I guess this qualified as our “20 seconds of fame”.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu3jvvi4it9PgXKr9oKBS_BlqYyBm5jse1Jc0ZeBZOqK2_E5VPF6LK67lQJDERSJynjja0igDpWp1Sb8cE_AG3dQKLJR-ac5f_YjxfxvB4SNyaDAtprnC7vDu1OLkA6XoK01HOqv_lU8/s1600-h/Web+P1020314.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223769413985929266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="199" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu3jvvi4it9PgXKr9oKBS_BlqYyBm5jse1Jc0ZeBZOqK2_E5VPF6LK67lQJDERSJynjja0igDpWp1Sb8cE_AG3dQKLJR-ac5f_YjxfxvB4SNyaDAtprnC7vDu1OLkA6XoK01HOqv_lU8/s320/Web+P1020314.jpg" width="277" border="0" /></a>Down the road we pedaled. Within a few miles, Amy experienced her first flat tire of the day. There were more to come. John spent some time fixing the flat and off we went again,. Within a couple of miles, Amy had flat #2. This was turning what was going to be a relatively long day into a longer day.<br /><br />After fixing the second flat, we rode on experiencing hills that weren't quite MO like, but far more than the easy rollers we had yesterday. The vineyards had given way to fields of corn reminiscent of IL, IN, and OH.<br /><br />We rolled into the second SAG stop at 68 miles at about 1:30. The question was whether to eat lunch or just keep going. The decision was to eat a banana or two and press on. Within another 10 miles, Amy had her 3rd flat. By now, we were out of tubes so we waited for the SAG van to roll by and picked up a couple (one for a reserve). In the process of fixing the flat, John noticed that Amy's relatively new tire had a pretty good gouge in it. John put in a new tube and off we went in hopes of making it to the hotel without another flat. Success! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJo11dKYqkYZfdP07ldh1I9VOiTudNtzCZerjWjNq5ozKmhReeHPWwCzJVmv9ikO5mXITTAHOfhm3og0narHn7E-Yexv5tFfz7YN0Kkh74aTfaukM7lA4ZPBGBobB1pjtvPDqN01lx4g/s1600-h/Web+P1020318.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223769415881226178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="194" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJo11dKYqkYZfdP07ldh1I9VOiTudNtzCZerjWjNq5ozKmhReeHPWwCzJVmv9ikO5mXITTAHOfhm3og0narHn7E-Yexv5tFfz7YN0Kkh74aTfaukM7lA4ZPBGBobB1pjtvPDqN01lx4g/s320/Web+P1020318.jpg" width="270" border="0" /></a>You can see from the picture we barely missed our second storm of the day which was just ahead of us.<br /><br />After arriving at the hotel, John spent an hour cleaning the bikes and replacing both of Amy's tires.<br /><br />The day was long but interesting. NY is a beautiful state and we should all be appreciative of where we live.<br /><br />Tomorrow we head to Liverpool. The rain gods seem to have become somewhat displeased with us. We can't recall saying or thinking anything negative, but if we did we apologize. Perhaps you could all intervene on our behalf.<br /><br />Keep sending the good vibes.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-3492446611214665482008-07-15T17:16:00.000-07:002008-07-16T03:02:27.230-07:00July 15, Day 45July 15, Day 45<br />Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY<br />Mileage: 84.2<br />Weather: Couldn't have been better <div></div><div>Dear All,</div><br /><div>Well, today we returned home in a sense given that we ended up a mear 20 minutes (by car) from home. </div><br /><div>After a nice rest day in Erie we started out at a respectful hour (7:30 am) and effectively rode the entire day on Rt. 20 and Rt. 5. The weather started out great and got better by the mile. What a wonderful way to introduce all of our fellow riders to our neck of the woods.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPSkNp_1vry44yvwkMw5Ij-RbovtNFif5WvxpQDFaVsHGvULAH41XQcQgDicfI4S6mTFOWZuZG5e5eJuNGL3uq3kFfD_0wLrFncgUk0ANnaGgg3zVWcGT9V2kMV3_RySQL06sqTnGLB0/s1600-h/Web+P1020287.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223400046656576674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPSkNp_1vry44yvwkMw5Ij-RbovtNFif5WvxpQDFaVsHGvULAH41XQcQgDicfI4S6mTFOWZuZG5e5eJuNGL3uq3kFfD_0wLrFncgUk0ANnaGgg3zVWcGT9V2kMV3_RySQL06sqTnGLB0/s320/Web+P1020287.jpg" border="0" /></a> After about 15 miles or so, the Lake was visible on our left and as Amy said “it looks like lake linoleum”. There was only a slight breeze which was from the East but not enough to really make things tough. Route 5 and 20 are delightful with gentle hills and a wonderful shoulder. </div><br /><div><br />As we rode we started seeing signs for places like Ripley and Dunkirk which seemed strange after 44 days of reading signs for places we have never heard of. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFmV2t8p_VjtgxIW4Z3mtYxNrprzK15gYtQFBFspEIQfKGjdIa0Od-lOqu_mFmSv9XVhZkS0SYSjnkyT9nHUPJT70HeN_H0Bd4xCTZ5avz7RdJ0ZCvzr0GpH5HA3n7iRu5L88TYiwD5w/s1600-h/Web+P1020285.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223400039949442226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFmV2t8p_VjtgxIW4Z3mtYxNrprzK15gYtQFBFspEIQfKGjdIa0Od-lOqu_mFmSv9XVhZkS0SYSjnkyT9nHUPJT70HeN_H0Bd4xCTZ5avz7RdJ0ZCvzr0GpH5HA3n7iRu5L88TYiwD5w/s320/Web+P1020285.jpg" border="0" /></a>The vineyards were always on our left and right with the Lake in the distance. At one point we saw a machine working the vineyards and Gary, from CA, who has a couple of acres of grapes at home described what the machine did. We still didn't quite understand, but it was interesting to watch it work. It was a great way to show off our area to all of our new found friends. For some reason we felt responsible for the area and were delighted that we could show it in all its splendor. We're not sure any of the riders are ready to move to the area but at least they all seemed impressed. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBZXuCsGMTLz6YTfQh6O9Zq5WKCMPHXpX2_YlC2lDbhsFWSng8a0IxTOe7kER0d34n70ciyiPtUV8MYx0d-cn3ocgCe1WuOK9vSzcYbiqc6rXhYvOg8h-xr4Tl77ROmNiR-TEwBBRdck/s1600-h/Web+P1020286.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223400040722131362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBZXuCsGMTLz6YTfQh6O9Zq5WKCMPHXpX2_YlC2lDbhsFWSng8a0IxTOe7kER0d34n70ciyiPtUV8MYx0d-cn3ocgCe1WuOK9vSzcYbiqc6rXhYvOg8h-xr4Tl77ROmNiR-TEwBBRdck/s320/Web+P1020286.jpg" border="0" /></a>At the 20 mile mark we officially entered the Empire State, our 11th state.</div><div><br />At about the 60 mile mark we were met by our neighbor, Mark Mahoney, who had ridden from Hamburg to meet us. T<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnS5oTSMMkRRPbwty4JKwl1mCrVQXaxKRpcp-CPDnZfWz54iyW94HUaUyx6aDRCMpDD1NUo9Yo6lFAQBzxisfmr2xV4d0D5Oca8CWfrsj-rOmOQFKd497RypdK8Ki94mE5h3yXFYQ4p4/s1600-h/Web+P1020294.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223400048149548626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnS5oTSMMkRRPbwty4JKwl1mCrVQXaxKRpcp-CPDnZfWz54iyW94HUaUyx6aDRCMpDD1NUo9Yo6lFAQBzxisfmr2xV4d0D5Oca8CWfrsj-rOmOQFKd497RypdK8Ki94mE5h3yXFYQ4p4/s320/Web+P1020294.jpg" border="0" /></a>he three of us rode the rest of the way together with Mark taking us on a slightly different route than planned. It was really a delight to ride with Mark.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkigA756dVOd0Ig4BGdE6LdPiOmOqVdDU5VCz-hcg5mKzSDcxX3r_KKLEdE0_U3XKHvtourEWL0srt-VjlvmAThjMNU3bcDYkl4biFWJo5yvP1iAWrP2j5cIWVEYSkz-h4lHu2ncac2I/s1600-h/Web+P1020292.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223400050603497058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkigA756dVOd0Ig4BGdE6LdPiOmOqVdDU5VCz-hcg5mKzSDcxX3r_KKLEdE0_U3XKHvtourEWL0srt-VjlvmAThjMNU3bcDYkl4biFWJo5yvP1iAWrP2j5cIWVEYSkz-h4lHu2ncac2I/s320/Web+P1020292.jpg" border="0" /></a>As we rode into the hotel, waiting for us were everyone from John's department at Phillips Lytle. That was really special for both of us. We chatted and had a great time. They even had put together a poster which you should be able to make out in the picture. Later, others from the office arrived to wish us well. We really can't express our gratitude to all of them for taking the time to come visit It means a great deal to both of us.</div><div><br />As if seeing our friends from John's office wasn't enough, the office arranged for the Buffalo News, The Law Journal and Channel 4 to come out and interview us. It all made us feel very special.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHse-gAl37858nvEt0lIb1QLTEAau2k-uprWuIT0mr9btCVnEQn3GztjobTMnK470UBBIIpUc34a7VKgT8R_XaWpR8Y-g4bMxPZBT1VoyZlImfusNHwc4Q0uG5ZV_VLZeE2ZYmHPt6ko/s1600-h/Web+P1020297.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223405027523643986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHse-gAl37858nvEt0lIb1QLTEAau2k-uprWuIT0mr9btCVnEQn3GztjobTMnK470UBBIIpUc34a7VKgT8R_XaWpR8Y-g4bMxPZBT1VoyZlImfusNHwc4Q0uG5ZV_VLZeE2ZYmHPt6ko/s320/Web+P1020297.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then, to top it all off, our daughter, Meg, and John's sister, Peppy, and John's brother-in-law, Hugh, arrived. Hugs were shared by all. They stayed for route rap and for dinner. That was the icing on the cake. </div><br /><br /><div><br />Thanks to all for a really great day. It really was terrific.</div><br /><br /><div><br />Tomorrow we continue our journey and head to Canandaigua. It's a long ride (95 miles) so we're certainly praying for a westerly wind. Your assistance with prayers to the appropriate gods will be appreciated.</div><br /><br /><div><br />Today was a really special day (among many special days) which both of us will always remember. Thanks to all.</div><br /><br /><div><br />Keep up the good vibes.</div><br /><br /><div><br />Amy and John</div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-11425310979742437122008-07-14T16:15:00.000-07:002008-07-14T16:24:31.228-07:00July 14, Day44<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJf9DIta6khSHa45d-wBkaKl9etwMQ6lbMbWcomeCJC4ClBD7ReT3JnXcIMl02Ut7hKUaIhkm3McI8dbNEqVyf3gyPcOw8-ShjTYVau_tVC8RKmR9ef1Ee-6knaUcR8c8fASfzJCsJ_s/s1600-h/Web+P1020266.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223014045842276402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJf9DIta6khSHa45d-wBkaKl9etwMQ6lbMbWcomeCJC4ClBD7ReT3JnXcIMl02Ut7hKUaIhkm3McI8dbNEqVyf3gyPcOw8-ShjTYVau_tVC8RKmR9ef1Ee-6knaUcR8c8fASfzJCsJ_s/s320/Web+P1020266.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>July 14, Day 44<br />Rest Day in Erie, PA<br />Mileage: none<br />Weather: nice day<br /><br />Dear All, </div><br /><div>We have recovered from the rainstorm of yesterday after sleeping in to almost 7:30 am. We had breakfast and then cleaned the bikes. John rode his bike to the local bike store in hopes that they could repair his bike computer. But, at the end of the day,all he could do was buy a simple replacement which provides distance and speed. Hopefully, it will last for the next 700 miles. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zyT0K9IfATRWHKTOAm-qVYLdhLg6Jn_drfJmJJbjoFbyRxWMAhoKyfSnQF7ATODRvCPMjyrmpZfsqccTNBBEh9t_-vIdzMdr9jKFDnfqFdw4hKl_VcKKoNCLyYSh_foEy03PqVo_b7Q/s1600-h/Web+P1020266.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223013322485937778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zyT0K9IfATRWHKTOAm-qVYLdhLg6Jn_drfJmJJbjoFbyRxWMAhoKyfSnQF7ATODRvCPMjyrmpZfsqccTNBBEh9t_-vIdzMdr9jKFDnfqFdw4hKl_VcKKoNCLyYSh_foEy03PqVo_b7Q/s320/Web+P1020266.jpg" border="0" /></a>We strolled down to the waterfront and had a lovely lunch at Smugglers Wharf. We toured the Maritime Museum and learned a considerable amount about the War of 1812 and Admiral Perry. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtW55_T2GCDFR99c3s9h-1ziK1FhdsBf2dn9yukOJGWcQTw0sUPUwHycnwGbF_b9ZJ40XSQJpvWSopig1yQl27_fCwt-F-P0SWW_KSc-Rg1xZzw2k8glF2H_swS_JRbgrbkHF1bckk9U/s1600-h/Web+P1020278.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223013331420253794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtW55_T2GCDFR99c3s9h-1ziK1FhdsBf2dn9yukOJGWcQTw0sUPUwHycnwGbF_b9ZJ40XSQJpvWSopig1yQl27_fCwt-F-P0SWW_KSc-Rg1xZzw2k8glF2H_swS_JRbgrbkHF1bckk9U/s320/Web+P1020278.jpg" border="0" /></a>We took a partial tour of the brig, Niagara, which was interesting but a tad long. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjAb1ENS5gv9zKJb6984WSvC1ABqT8VRJrWqJTZrgXN8ejtr6oZYMxEafBIsMlSPC1CfXt4YNaLaV6luivBf37Juk-gK8sNA9NY47cRhNhhIVuRvE5dtFXMnJ_yyLvMhG9Bna44KYECQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020271.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223013328193855410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjAb1ENS5gv9zKJb6984WSvC1ABqT8VRJrWqJTZrgXN8ejtr6oZYMxEafBIsMlSPC1CfXt4YNaLaV6luivBf37Juk-gK8sNA9NY47cRhNhhIVuRvE5dtFXMnJ_yyLvMhG9Bna44KYECQ/s320/Web+P1020271.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>We attempted to log on at the hotel but they are unable to get their WiFi up and running so we went to the local Starbucks and tried to log on there. They made it so difficult that we finally simply gave up. </div><br /><div>Finally at 7:00 pm John was able to use the hotel computer and log on. So, for those of you who have been reading regularly you will probably want to go back to the July 13, Day 43 posting after reading this one. </div><br /><div>Tomorrow we head to Hamburg. We expect that John's sister, Peppy, and our daughter, Meg, will be able to join us for dinner. That will be really nice. </div><br /><div>We are down to only about 8 days of riding left to get us to the Atlantic. We've been very fortunate with the weather to date and, of course, fortunate with respect to illness or injury. As we get closer to the end of the ride we hope all of those good things will stay with us to the end. Your prayers and good wishes are appreciated. And, of course, good vibes are always welcome. </div><br /><div>Amy and John </div></div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-23699444396802297262008-07-14T16:03:00.000-07:002008-07-14T16:14:44.254-07:00July 13, Day 43July 13, Day 43<br />Youngstown to Erie, PA<br />Mileage: 98.1<br />Weather: Very wet in the AM, beautiful afternoon.<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dqKOB3x2trsMISCA6VLfHC9ST3uTmMLzxlMO6vbN-JRYRqqTnQ3eiHSSjKfye4E2NCQz6QaryJwY5Wi6fp5Jvd9KBXcMn2Gods2eDpSKQUGhI-ImSQTOshK0dKlddRRza7PRtlVYW0o/s1600-h/Web+P1020232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223010136771478866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dqKOB3x2trsMISCA6VLfHC9ST3uTmMLzxlMO6vbN-JRYRqqTnQ3eiHSSjKfye4E2NCQz6QaryJwY5Wi6fp5Jvd9KBXcMn2Gods2eDpSKQUGhI-ImSQTOshK0dKlddRRza7PRtlVYW0o/s320/Web+P1020232.jpg" border="0" /></a>Last night we stayed in Niles, OH rather than Youngstown. As the sign indicates, Niles is the home of President McKinley.<br /><br />We know you have been praying to the weather gods and for more than 99.9 percent of the last 42 days, you have been successful, at least with respect to the rain gods. From time to time you have fallen short with respect to the wind gods. As some pointof course, the rain gods had to assert their authority and this morning they did so with a vengeance. This was going to be our 4th very long day. As we rolled out of the motel there was kind of a mist and the humidity must have been 150 percent. By the time we hit the 6 mile mark the skies opened. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKSg7cUinqlQbL3z7rcr30i8VWCtVOUsjVn8KtaHOzJ20sQW6CgpNs3NLc36J5S28e2bnY8pbd0vpGd_9StuuHkiwiBUOgBuSStgfaMaBuS4cxU6mapGbTptFuVR7QTNj7E0G2XDuYes/s1600-h/Web+P1020237.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223010141106740546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKSg7cUinqlQbL3z7rcr30i8VWCtVOUsjVn8KtaHOzJ20sQW6CgpNs3NLc36J5S28e2bnY8pbd0vpGd_9StuuHkiwiBUOgBuSStgfaMaBuS4cxU6mapGbTptFuVR7QTNj7E0G2XDuYes/s320/Web+P1020237.jpg" border="0" /></a>We put on our rain shirts but they really didn't help much.<br /><br />We rode with Rick and Jay in a nice pace line through the heaviest rain. Riding in a pace line in the rain can be a little dicey. If you are right on the wheel of the rider in front the rooster tail off his rear wheel effectively blinds you so you need to ride a foot or so to the left or right. And, you need to be very, very vigilant. We arrived at the first SAG at the 33 mile mark unable to have taken any pictures because of the rain. The SAG was at a little cafe so many of us went in and ordered coffee for warmth.<br /><br />We waited a respectable amount of time but the rain did not let up so off we went again. Within about 4 miles of the first SAG the skies really opened and we took shelter on the porch of a very pleasant gentlemen by the name of Mr. Dillon. He and his lovely white cat entertained us for about 10 minutes when the downpour lessened slightly and off we went. By about the 45 mile mark, the rain had stopped and slowly but surely the sky lightened.<br /><br />As the rain let up we were able to see the changes in the landscape from prior days. We saw our first vineyards, and we don't think we saw any corn or soy. The road was relatively flat and the landscape was very green. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpro1CxsEjmC4Kq9NPPlNuRs5DIvMwsdYw3rMs_F5Fj2Taz2aLfT7w5RW4mVToZhaKaNsYqqmG-17oppa7WNjImjJi0LKA9VgWqi7r0KB6qYhT2h8Y9syuI3ZCDdGE297b56TILmI-XYo/s1600-h/Web+P1020238.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223010143698733266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpro1CxsEjmC4Kq9NPPlNuRs5DIvMwsdYw3rMs_F5Fj2Taz2aLfT7w5RW4mVToZhaKaNsYqqmG-17oppa7WNjImjJi0LKA9VgWqi7r0KB6qYhT2h8Y9syuI3ZCDdGE297b56TILmI-XYo/s320/Web+P1020238.jpg" border="0" /></a>We saw our first covered bridge. We are told there are many in this area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiOV3ofgq2qP9Bpl7WUa_3jhMVmUEbiyvsB5c1_aawygeEIGOSAq76L5Zskk-uKGC8JbbBmEvUuz9C3A4p6YRHmIgAWwKJp2xEiCJmD4YNu0JwWj7vK-TAjDHWfZ4P0ipm1diJSGjb4M/s1600-h/Web+P1020251.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223010435973672770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiOV3ofgq2qP9Bpl7WUa_3jhMVmUEbiyvsB5c1_aawygeEIGOSAq76L5Zskk-uKGC8JbbBmEvUuz9C3A4p6YRHmIgAWwKJp2xEiCJmD4YNu0JwWj7vK-TAjDHWfZ4P0ipm1diJSGjb4M/s320/Web+P1020251.jpg" width="265" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We pulled into the second SAG at about 69 miles to lovely sunshine and warming temperatures. This SAG stop was at a root beer stand that had the best shredded turkey sandwiches. The sandwich, along with a root beer, made everything seem right.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmxoAytrC1AYMrijqOoba4LEd5xUm2dSaRTcj9yCz3_dpE__XFT3Uh9TpKG3rwgBQYYUxAa0tuFqXN7Df7NZ5JrKwlvVDCqym6Gdejk-BNMF0jHvEPLdxZSD6kFZ3xhtG0-bhqRDkURA/s1600-h/Web+P1020253.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223010440171990402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmxoAytrC1AYMrijqOoba4LEd5xUm2dSaRTcj9yCz3_dpE__XFT3Uh9TpKG3rwgBQYYUxAa0tuFqXN7Df7NZ5JrKwlvVDCqym6Gdejk-BNMF0jHvEPLdxZSD6kFZ3xhtG0-bhqRDkURA/s320/Web+P1020253.jpg" border="0" /></a>A mile or two down the road we crossed into <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnLgqEHN6R8OC1Ntp-X737K1PnFWyM2uhg4qOU8yLRwG1_rz6cWU45PuXkzzJMNlvKVUOzI9CtF9vbplL7PjRDnOypq8gWCj5q8Bl9x9x8s5BVdhU-3OEf0yk3XMickj4gIOf9_D2pkk/s1600-h/Web+P1020254.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223010440504251682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnLgqEHN6R8OC1Ntp-X737K1PnFWyM2uhg4qOU8yLRwG1_rz6cWU45PuXkzzJMNlvKVUOzI9CtF9vbplL7PjRDnOypq8gWCj5q8Bl9x9x8s5BVdhU-3OEf0yk3XMickj4gIOf9_D2pkk/s320/Web+P1020254.jpg" border="0" /></a>PA, our 10th state. By now we had wonderful tail winds which pushed us along at around 20 mph as we “flew” toward Erie. The road was flat and we saw more vineyards.<br />We arrived in Erie dirty from the morning ride and ready for a shower. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KTrJWMGoZ5tdxdu8hQwTPoC5mcIVlCrBiJg9eDL5xXkR96S-bPNcutlW7EogqfK5vz-HNI0fQt_xKydkUlAcJLH3zmA7f2T845BBKiKlZSNitJQCd3qHNc-g2hqRRFrBcyVmISfrU3U/s1600-h/Web+P1020255.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223010443561191602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KTrJWMGoZ5tdxdu8hQwTPoC5mcIVlCrBiJg9eDL5xXkR96S-bPNcutlW7EogqfK5vz-HNI0fQt_xKydkUlAcJLH3zmA7f2T845BBKiKlZSNitJQCd3qHNc-g2hqRRFrBcyVmISfrU3U/s320/Web+P1020255.jpg" border="0" /></a>We walked down to Lake Erie and felt somewhat strange. For 43 days we have been along way from home, or at least it felt like a long way from home. As we gazed at the Lake, we felt for the first time close to home and that this adventure was slowly but surely coming to an end. It felt strange.<br /><br />Tomorrow is a rest day. As always, it will include laundry, bike cleaning an a nap or two.<br /><br />Thanks for reading. We really do welcome your comments. Keep the good vibes coming.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-13413050189254730112008-07-12T16:29:00.000-07:002008-07-13T03:00:22.058-07:00July 12, Day 42July 12, Day 42<br />Wooster to Youngstown, OH<br />Mileage: 95.1<br />Weather: Warm and windy<br /><div><br />Dear All, </div><br /><div><br />Over 95 miles today on top of 2 centuries over the last two days made this a somewhat difficult day. The weather was lovely with the wind coming from the south most of the day which didn't help but also didn't hurt. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>By the way, we have now climbed over 101,000 feet during the course of this ride. That's more than three times up Mount Everest (from sea level). There are times our legs feel every foot.</div><br /><div><br />John has concluded that yesterday's hill climbing resulted from OH borrowing the hills of MO and then increasing their steepness. It is his view that OH should return the hills to MO so that they all stay together. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzNBzs_k-03SuIJrdlmJcmSJ2oCNrKhmoZFoQXJGX64f_JW5CxiP94nQLEAtHj4QHnVGlch8zZ0em4YS5A95DvYzqkmMNYCRjPyf_VnXVh4og0hMgseWkwTmRtFJiDuVT-1OgF9M0dAg/s1600-h/Web+P1020221.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222274146727947506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzNBzs_k-03SuIJrdlmJcmSJ2oCNrKhmoZFoQXJGX64f_JW5CxiP94nQLEAtHj4QHnVGlch8zZ0em4YS5A95DvYzqkmMNYCRjPyf_VnXVh4og0hMgseWkwTmRtFJiDuVT-1OgF9M0dAg/s320/Web+P1020221.jpg" width="277" border="0" /></a>The beginning of our ride today had some pretty good hills but as the day progressed, they slackened in their difficulty making the second half of the ride easier than the first. OH continues to impress us with its perfect small farms and lovely homes maintained impeccably. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5qqEzZXq4xQuD8BAtRCD3nnovd-z5jw788HgKXyHXAAXYgyDxVUtTdeI6ONYyruRrnItF58sBL0DZ8beK6CTVUrr6EGe2fKg8EzRjDpF6kpf5vTu7Tar9ff5jtvPuQ-MGmf0SXTkY90/s1600-h/Web+P1020222.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222274149059541778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="215" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5qqEzZXq4xQuD8BAtRCD3nnovd-z5jw788HgKXyHXAAXYgyDxVUtTdeI6ONYyruRrnItF58sBL0DZ8beK6CTVUrr6EGe2fKg8EzRjDpF6kpf5vTu7Tar9ff5jtvPuQ-MGmf0SXTkY90/s320/Web+P1020222.jpg" width="282" border="0" /></a>We rolled into several small towns one of which had a scheduled parade of some sort since there were lawn chairs neatly placed along the curb for several blocks. Like the farms and homes, the lawn chairs were in perfect rows. </div><br /><div><br />Again today we had to go around a road closed sign. It turns out that some of the later riders were stopped by the local police and told that under no circumstances could they use the closed road. As a result, they had to ride the detour route. Sometimes one is just lucky and other times not quite so.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPNBRFR6ltiUzlY5KHgTemzzCL1WKM_y7PTGB6wbCsG6Dqd_KtFn55UW9l0NaIWovHCM7qLFYzK5rlhH1p-eTHSqJSTXg33jZr8lsr9HoSYsaxk2cNIGaPAhsJP1hP7nqwvLeZ0g8asM/s1600-h/Web+P1020224.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222274147153588498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="197" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPNBRFR6ltiUzlY5KHgTemzzCL1WKM_y7PTGB6wbCsG6Dqd_KtFn55UW9l0NaIWovHCM7qLFYzK5rlhH1p-eTHSqJSTXg33jZr8lsr9HoSYsaxk2cNIGaPAhsJP1hP7nqwvLeZ0g8asM/s320/Web+P1020224.jpg" width="276" border="0" /></a><br />With the day almost done, Amy used her incredible sense of smell and located an ice cream parlor within a mile of the end of the ride. She seems to have developed this capacity to spot ice cream stands at just the right moment. This particular stand was particularly unique in that it sold dozens of sugar free flavors. It was a welcome respite. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYwQ66xtSKIdkBksjm15kxd6QU3gR4FyYCqAqhWXt7HQ8T-SUWzMBlP_BQNUy29_C3MmjgFeHmdJqFbADXFVLOyYralaJbzyqBkj9kIBe54hvZfhv1Etz_SRBfc2bqqqs32zI1WBlid4/s1600-h/Web+P1020230.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222280992839747922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" height="318" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYwQ66xtSKIdkBksjm15kxd6QU3gR4FyYCqAqhWXt7HQ8T-SUWzMBlP_BQNUy29_C3MmjgFeHmdJqFbADXFVLOyYralaJbzyqBkj9kIBe54hvZfhv1Etz_SRBfc2bqqqs32zI1WBlid4/s320/Web+P1020230.jpg" width="246" border="0" /></a>As we rolled into the motel, awaiting our arrival were Amy's father, Bob, and her step-mom, Thelma. Bob and Thelma are on route to Chautauqua and stopped in Youngstown for the night to visit with us. They came to route rap and, like John's sister, Ellen, the night before, were introduced to many of the riders. They both look wonderful and it was great seeing them. We had a delightful dinner with just the 4 of us. </div><br /><div><br />Tomorrow is one more hard day of over 90 miles. As we said in an earlier blog, these last 4 days of 2 centuries and 2 almost centuries are making the legs tired. </div><br /><div><br />There is talk of rain tomorrow, but it is our hope that as a result of your prayers to the weather gods, any such rain will be light and of no consequence.</div><br /><div><br />Thanks for reading. We welcome your comments. Above all, keep sending the good vibes. </div><br /><div><br />Amy and John </div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-80514566802053222442008-07-11T16:47:00.000-07:002008-07-12T03:09:23.079-07:00July 11, Day 41July 11, 2008<br />Marysville to Wooster, OH<br />Mileage: 105.2<br />Weather: Very nice with a bit of a tailwind<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />A second century in two days and this one had some hills that OH must have imported from MO. More on that later.<br /><br />The day started out as all of them do with our awakening about 5:30 followed by breakfast and then loading luggage. We were rolling down the road by 7:00. John needed a rain shirt since the one he has was both cheap and was much like riding inside a sauna. Luckily one of the staff was aware of a nice bike shop in Delaware, OH and the owner was willing to open the place really early at about 8:00 just as we rolled into town. It really was a great bike shop and he was most accommodating. John found just the light jacket he was looking for. This little detour added a couple of miles to what was already a very long day.<br /><br />As we rode thru this part of OH the only word we could come up to describe the area was “neat”. Ads we suggested in our report yesterday, the rural folk in OH must take incredible pride in their home and farm ownership. The pictures we took cannot fully show how painstakingly caring these people are with their land. There are gardens that would make any magazine and they grow right up next to the beginning of the corn field. Any pone of Jack Nicholas' championship gold courses would be proud to have fairways as meticulously maintained as the front lawns of the houses we rode past. It really is, at least so far, a very pretty state.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOjpJKk7OseYvi6Gp4lKjs9yPxlNRKvIhZjXEOyJpIW20m-8wCcctVnN0r9ZKIOVA-IZVG8rDece7VRueIsKpZweJ4Iap1hG2OD2BqfFALz5bB8zUaG6cT0qvi8JXTMr7mZy92fdiBOg/s1600-h/Web+P1020182.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221907526620434466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="193" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOjpJKk7OseYvi6Gp4lKjs9yPxlNRKvIhZjXEOyJpIW20m-8wCcctVnN0r9ZKIOVA-IZVG8rDece7VRueIsKpZweJ4Iap1hG2OD2BqfFALz5bB8zUaG6cT0qvi8JXTMr7mZy92fdiBOg/s320/Web+P1020182.jpg" width="258" border="0" /></a>As we were riding along John decided that you, our friends and family, might be interested in knowing how it is we can figure out when to take a left or a right. As a result, John took a picture of his handle bars and ads you can see there is a calculator on the right, the route in the center and a bell on the left (the bell thanks too mark Mahoney). You may be able to see in the route the left hand column shows the distance between turns, the next column shows the total distance at each turn, the next column indicates right, left or ST (straight through). The final column gives you the road name and sometimes the direction and whether or not there is a stop sign, a stop light or a T intersection.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljpciyOlgLwfpEI9dgFX2ZCb5KNmaMldaK67U2BFuVGhxWRJSw5A7NbFICwPlxWPQ2WJ017l2ccgeJN6lWFm0bcxuIyjs_6JITwXuaI8ufdKKYxaTwnDeNoaPNnrgsqeeWS1o6It-Ic/s1600-h/Web+P1020191.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222066015773892754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="282" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljpciyOlgLwfpEI9dgFX2ZCb5KNmaMldaK67U2BFuVGhxWRJSw5A7NbFICwPlxWPQ2WJ017l2ccgeJN6lWFm0bcxuIyjs_6JITwXuaI8ufdKKYxaTwnDeNoaPNnrgsqeeWS1o6It-Ic/s320/Web+P1020191.jpg" width="264" border="0" /></a>At one point along todays ride we encountered a bridge closed to all traffic. However, we were told to ignore such a sign and proceed. No, we did not have to swim across or wade. Rather we carried our bikes over some chains <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggtG28w7c_ECZgWBFCWkRC680lql2YrHWIWexJRmGDE3ouYX2dpXAeNOG3RrvdGVnznd8Bx46yyhsz8WQzwvM5SRcdpkVn4wDnLLDmylsubenbnEPfg-37Ym0IgsLbv8Vtk_vyRTnOv4/s1600-h/Web+P1020202.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222066175875955922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="203" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggtG28w7c_ECZgWBFCWkRC680lql2YrHWIWexJRmGDE3ouYX2dpXAeNOG3RrvdGVnznd8Bx46yyhsz8WQzwvM5SRcdpkVn4wDnLLDmylsubenbnEPfg-37Ym0IgsLbv8Vtk_vyRTnOv4/s320/Web+P1020202.jpg" width="271" border="0" /></a>It was shortly after the bridge that we discovered that, many years ago, OH imported hills from MO . No only did OH import the hills, they decided to steepen them. These things went straight up! No picture can show what these look like but they put the fear of God in us as we approached them. The hills went on mile after mile. But, for the last ten miles, softened ever so slightly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tdamBeRyQeYs1KMNz3C02TCJx-c5cNR35XT1lFOInGTRfK8AYiNgxuNKIuaPxcm_-QCiuWXoLuD79x6b3RTRCKHXC-19tOcg4m_v5sHEypEY8yekl-DyiQ5uMdII6SxAu-7SvCE6MOE/s1600-h/Web+P1020196.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222065897304299986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tdamBeRyQeYs1KMNz3C02TCJx-c5cNR35XT1lFOInGTRfK8AYiNgxuNKIuaPxcm_-QCiuWXoLuD79x6b3RTRCKHXC-19tOcg4m_v5sHEypEY8yekl-DyiQ5uMdII6SxAu-7SvCE6MOE/s320/Web+P1020196.jpg" width="276" border="0" /></a>We were unaware that Amy's brother, had at one point in his life, visited OH. We are betting that his family doesn't even know it. How then, you might ask, did we discover this fact? Fred left a sign.<br /><br />Tonight, John sister, Ellen, drove from her home in Bay Village, OH to Wooster and had dinner with us and the other riders. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_ETnnx0zFtUHNZgMEoLIGf1heeEPyMptdHVaSdDEMLgu9_NM-EOGs37ZdWH-Zy4UqbViDDNDP8bvYIcUhrrWtGO2b9Fy5mMX2CQtYWNGgo5PLiLOmAoXclUFarjkcPraBY0L5b7zoxg/s1600-h/Web+P1020215.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222066615930253618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="205" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_ETnnx0zFtUHNZgMEoLIGf1heeEPyMptdHVaSdDEMLgu9_NM-EOGs37ZdWH-Zy4UqbViDDNDP8bvYIcUhrrWtGO2b9Fy5mMX2CQtYWNGgo5PLiLOmAoXclUFarjkcPraBY0L5b7zoxg/s320/Web+P1020215.jpg" width="278" border="0" /></a>It was a delight to see her and we appreciate her visit.<br /><br />Tomorrow is another long one-92 miles. Keep saying prayers for those winds and as always, keep the good vibes coming.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-2689295351908346692008-07-10T16:22:00.000-07:002008-07-10T16:34:23.590-07:00July 10, Day 40July 10, Day 40<br />Richmond, IN to Marysville, OH<br />Mileage: 106.44<br />Weather: Beautiful<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />All things being equal by the end of tomorrow, we will have broken the 3000 mark. That's a lot of pedal revolutions.<br /><br />Today started out with lovely temperatures, and because of your good prayers, still winds.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDu7z2bnahjLz92U3ZHAapNAcXvOSBSNU_nFeHpSp7RDHJWi4fLZSxoN6KAHEpr4H8DkQH7thGv5bF6jnf18Ki2CqGQPYULP_AS4SIX-9-guPOguyocahkcsnX-dret63rlSB3JbMgdg/s1600-h/Web+P1020142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221530070745393298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDu7z2bnahjLz92U3ZHAapNAcXvOSBSNU_nFeHpSp7RDHJWi4fLZSxoN6KAHEpr4H8DkQH7thGv5bF6jnf18Ki2CqGQPYULP_AS4SIX-9-guPOguyocahkcsnX-dret63rlSB3JbMgdg/s320/Web+P1020142.jpg" border="0" /></a>Within three miles of our start, we crossed into Ohio, our 9th state. It may not be hard for you to believe, but it is hard for us to believe that we are into our 9th state.<br /><br />At least the western part of Ohio, along the route we took today, is lovely. Unlike MO, the hills are gentle rolls that require only modest effort and the back roads are lovely. For virtually all of the 106 miles today, we saw very neat farms and homes that are well kept with manicured lawns. There were sheep and goats and corn and horses and soy all along the route. Unlike the western states there were no long distances without any sign of civilization. It's pleasant to ride and chat about this house or that farm. As the day wears on, being able to focus on something other than those portions of your anatomy which are beginning to scream “get off the bike”, is a real blessing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUpKfVBiV19DT9nncq-Iiwu4-5MI1C4F1DzvU-X-gbFeXIWCdOSsYvPb9rwInZ6xRMOyPqzOAwJMwXM5CDBpH7J9TDO4BLN_n_7BXwi-2OUj7SC5-ivvwM-GrzQmQ48NdNUuXjsEgJfM/s1600-h/Web+P1020161.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221530210038623762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUpKfVBiV19DT9nncq-Iiwu4-5MI1C4F1DzvU-X-gbFeXIWCdOSsYvPb9rwInZ6xRMOyPqzOAwJMwXM5CDBpH7J9TDO4BLN_n_7BXwi-2OUj7SC5-ivvwM-GrzQmQ48NdNUuXjsEgJfM/s320/Web+P1020161.jpg" border="0" /></a>We rode for a time with John, from Seattle. John is 69 and is a wonderful guy. He rides at his own pace which is a little slower than our pace, but when we have the opportunity to ride with him for a while we really enjoy it. And, on a day like this when we are in the saddle for many, many hours it's a lot of fun riding with different people. Again, it takes ones mind off one's anatomy.<br /><br />As we pedaled thru the little town of Covington we passed a house with a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-CSrSK3mbsyMVO7lhqCdJhNuB0S7yUNxDnvfywG7cOp0mW-cZ2yABrXiqQT6MH3_3xoPEmPvzaGwdPHP9ydxksu4el2cDHQqPUrdYpeiUVOs7RFCDb107wx1sMQlYMsCTdRjB0ym6xo/s1600-h/Web+P1020168.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221530378977352386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="220" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-CSrSK3mbsyMVO7lhqCdJhNuB0S7yUNxDnvfywG7cOp0mW-cZ2yABrXiqQT6MH3_3xoPEmPvzaGwdPHP9ydxksu4el2cDHQqPUrdYpeiUVOs7RFCDb107wx1sMQlYMsCTdRjB0ym6xo/s320/Web+P1020168.jpg" width="281" border="0" /></a>father sitting on the porch and his two little kids holding a sign saying “Covington Welcomes America by Bicycle”. We stopped and spoke to them for a while. Dad can't wait for the day that he can join in on a ride across the country.<br /><br />At the second SAG stop we had a PB&J sandwich and noted that the prior cyclists that had been thru the stop had properly decided to assist the local bird population with a treat. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECW8S6bq-aQpxsERmzJILnl85M3Kz9BIaaubWj88jimCVyKyDq-q1mFyUmXASUkK4SeVA84VKkDH42qfmNHzrgaBKFF5I66JP2_odT3n2VZPNH7MOn0CqQmm7UvFBItjQYzGgAyIiYfo/s1600-h/Web+P1020176.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221530500641055346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECW8S6bq-aQpxsERmzJILnl85M3Kz9BIaaubWj88jimCVyKyDq-q1mFyUmXASUkK4SeVA84VKkDH42qfmNHzrgaBKFF5I66JP2_odT3n2VZPNH7MOn0CqQmm7UvFBItjQYzGgAyIiYfo/s320/Web+P1020176.jpg" border="0" /></a>Never let it be said that cyclists aren't kindly folks.<br /><br />The day ended a little later than normal and our legs were a bit more tired than most days. As we have said before, a century ride is a tad hard. At “route rap” (when we learn of the next day's route) we found out that tomorrow's 103 mile ride would have over 3,000 feet of climbing. So, again, a short prayer to the weather gods asking that there be winds with a W in it would be appreciated.<br /><br />As always, thanks for the good vibes.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-70793815744082046792008-07-09T15:38:00.000-07:002008-07-09T15:47:13.816-07:00July 9, Day 39July 9, Day 39<br />Indianapolis to Richmond, IN<br />Mileage: 78.3<br />Weather: Mist and drizzle in the morning with broken clouds in the afternoon<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />As Willy Nelson sang, “On the road again: Goin places that I've never been; Seein things that I may never see again; And I can't wait to get on the road again”. So, we too are on the road again after a delightful rest day in Indianapolis. Portions of our anatomy have recovered so the saddle didn't seem quite as hard as a couple of days ago (although that may change in the next few days).<br /><br />Overnight we had the mother of all thunderstorms. We awoke to wet pavement and very threatening skies but we never really suffered much other than mist and a slight drizzle. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQxI8nqjW-umZdhWUx1xg6cvUaZ7-He5126PJlFY5TJsMID_3SIVWHSgzM6kgmLvL3aoI9zXgah9ZYGQ6mAx4bxawxCpPHx2saS9CsqzwzSaLGNXjUqZW5DQSr0ariRTHR92UFPIhSm8/s1600-h/Web+P1020116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221147708265101250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQxI8nqjW-umZdhWUx1xg6cvUaZ7-He5126PJlFY5TJsMID_3SIVWHSgzM6kgmLvL3aoI9zXgah9ZYGQ6mAx4bxawxCpPHx2saS9CsqzwzSaLGNXjUqZW5DQSr0ariRTHR92UFPIhSm8/s320/Web+P1020116.jpg" border="0" /></a>Enough wetness to make your glasses drip which in turn made keeping an eye on the pavement a bit challenging but never enough to make us really uncomfortable.<br /><br />Rather than take the prescribed route we and a few other riders followed Skip, a great guy from Las Vegas, who grew up in Indianapolis. Skip decided it would be fun to take a peek at his old home and in the process we had an interesting tour of some of the residential areas of the city. It added several miles to the day but was fun, nonetheless.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnKRal0QVWDRP89Rdb0m1lBj-N46Ff1mPqErMnrv3NnevO4qXEf0YklvYog_ey-8ca91O5KISlh-OiCKvqD4u-xpO23BOjyU18hu5Q2WrVTn8ISIXGgwKZcjdNNRF3w4X5CJQtAQaLHw/s1600-h/Web+P1020137.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221148177622329650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnKRal0QVWDRP89Rdb0m1lBj-N46Ff1mPqErMnrv3NnevO4qXEf0YklvYog_ey-8ca91O5KISlh-OiCKvqD4u-xpO23BOjyU18hu5Q2WrVTn8ISIXGgwKZcjdNNRF3w4X5CJQtAQaLHw/s320/Web+P1020137.jpg" border="0" /></a>This part of IN is very much like one would expect of the east. You ride from town to town and in many cases you can't tell when you are out of one town and into another one except for the sign telling you that you're in a new spot. We rode on Rt 40 which has been around a long, long time and as a result there are all sorts of residential and commercial establishments along the way to look at. Every few miles you see a corn field but nothing like we're used to.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUI8F3fEgQbIRo-S5uQwLCqiMDEQFv-eZj4Dy9QFWoGOu33bA-Q6aw8YAOaPFD87x1mbnghWvpD_geTPcS_3LNXB-csyn-EVRvF450CeCko3wi6t1loPa1Jj4fi9-DlZm__s0fHZbpxA/s1600-h/Web+P1020118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221147909625688290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUI8F3fEgQbIRo-S5uQwLCqiMDEQFv-eZj4Dy9QFWoGOu33bA-Q6aw8YAOaPFD87x1mbnghWvpD_geTPcS_3LNXB-csyn-EVRvF450CeCko3wi6t1loPa1Jj4fi9-DlZm__s0fHZbpxA/s320/Web+P1020118.jpg" border="0" /></a>About 35 miles into the ride we rolled into Knightstown which in and of itself is just a very pretty little town. But for that you would simply roll on through.. BUT, it is also the very spot that the movie Hoosiers was filmed. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the gym where the movie was shot so we took a left of the main road and proceeded a few blocks and there we were. John had to pick up a basketball and give it try. He is convinced that in IN they have raised the height of the basket from where it is in NY. He's convinced of this because it took him about 5 tries before he could sink the ball. Someone suggested that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSv4K6T1Bq9s6-yOciSUKTeXA7wA-U_0Udst-P7nqAsE8kye07iXSh3XZfdZirQbLJsQAiDkR5gt59JKNve-UWhIFC8S294xH9Shjoroq5fM7J4lWdt7P47jMfbnIpblKaOhS0_5QSQLI/s1600-h/Web+P1020126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221148044620822594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="187" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSv4K6T1Bq9s6-yOciSUKTeXA7wA-U_0Udst-P7nqAsE8kye07iXSh3XZfdZirQbLJsQAiDkR5gt59JKNve-UWhIFC8S294xH9Shjoroq5fM7J4lWdt7P47jMfbnIpblKaOhS0_5QSQLI/s320/Web+P1020126.jpg" width="274" border="0" /></a>it might have something to do with the fact that John didn't have a clue as to how to shot a basketball. Who knows, that someone might just have been correct.<br /><br />We stopped for a Subway at about noon with Sarge, a rider from Trinidad, and Steve, from Tasmania. Sarge has purchased what Amy refers to as a “boy toy”. It is the shape of a water bottle that fits in the water bottle cage, but it houses an ipod which has a bluetooth wireless operation to a controller on the handlebars. Sarge was riding to the Beetles all day and you could hear him for half a mile. It was neat.<br /><br />As we approached Richmond (which is the city where Glen Miller was first recorded) we stopped at DQ (Dairy Queen) for a little ice cream and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOMFq40xA6k5g9Kew9jjA74747s9MjrIfo5_IVe0wTRQuyD9m3t5OUHnyX8uu5_hhF6dDuI_l1IjOUdbY-1XbVBelJe6sGjLqSB3tdlzFCtf1d3vNP_422PUCcbG6rFibxMs82pEFvI8/s1600-h/Web+P1020139.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221148283052151906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="201" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOMFq40xA6k5g9Kew9jjA74747s9MjrIfo5_IVe0wTRQuyD9m3t5OUHnyX8uu5_hhF6dDuI_l1IjOUdbY-1XbVBelJe6sGjLqSB3tdlzFCtf1d3vNP_422PUCcbG6rFibxMs82pEFvI8/s320/Web+P1020139.jpg" width="270" border="0" /></a>then went off route thru Glen Miller park which was delightful.<br /><br />As the day ended, John took a look at the tires on the bikes and it was clear that the rear tires were finished. On John's bike we could see the underlying thread below the rubber. Time for a change. Those tires did well. Through thick and thin and some pretty tough roads these tires held up awfully well.<br /><br />For the next four days we're going to be working hard, really hard. The days are 105, 104, 91 and 96. For all practical purposes that's four straight centuries. That's work. Unfortunately, the weather news is showing the E word when describing the wind direction. So, good friends and family, we would certainly appreciate your intervention with the wind gods. Who knows, unless you try you never know what you can accomplish so say a couple of prayers. Oh, and don't forget the good vibes. Thanks also for reading.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-19462984373953502242008-07-08T11:48:00.000-07:002008-07-08T11:55:52.674-07:00July 8, Day 38July 8, Day 38<br />Rest Day, Indianapolis, IN<br />Dear All,<br /><br />This will be a short report.<br /><br />We spent the day washing bikes and clothes and then taking a walk around the center of downtown near <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVAANWQQ6nwyO2ccW5DIQ6QvGXjy76rfPN89SjNNY89BnV_6wwCujWkTLTzBRdaodCHU372BBvjxPXJ-rIA69KDPTj2j5SsBg1vX2AwTcOMTmaN9UBtELObGRrTQZkLvdszhMqjuFVcU/s1600-h/Web+P1020108.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220717971365475890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVAANWQQ6nwyO2ccW5DIQ6QvGXjy76rfPN89SjNNY89BnV_6wwCujWkTLTzBRdaodCHU372BBvjxPXJ-rIA69KDPTj2j5SsBg1vX2AwTcOMTmaN9UBtELObGRrTQZkLvdszhMqjuFVcU/s320/Web+P1020108.jpg" border="0" /></a>Monument Circle. It really is a very nice area with plenty of shopping and many, many cute little places to eat.<br /><br /> For a good portion of the time downtown we were with a really great guy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1vMrHHwctalb4VPNnvwNOx96PVjeQPMlix-EHGCiYCP9dzRNkcbJenExbUIsAR_hZl7odYk9Yl6mg-bizm5oBZy_Lb8MWeu-h1p6ekyNHCoMHi3OCbNKHFxqA4atgvNFGntHVX8oTO8/s1600-h/Web+P1020101.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220717723973626914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1vMrHHwctalb4VPNnvwNOx96PVjeQPMlix-EHGCiYCP9dzRNkcbJenExbUIsAR_hZl7odYk9Yl6mg-bizm5oBZy_Lb8MWeu-h1p6ekyNHCoMHi3OCbNKHFxqA4atgvNFGntHVX8oTO8/s320/Web+P1020101.jpg" border="0" /></a>“Sarge” from Trinidad.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A nap was fit in during the day as well.<br /><br />Tonight we'll look for a nice spot for an early dinner and then prepare for tomorrow when we pedal to Richmond.<br /><br />Take care all and thanks for the good vibes.<br /><br />John and AmyJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-49429766959264042272008-07-08T08:23:00.000-07:002008-07-08T11:56:43.139-07:00July 7, Day 37July 7, Day 37<br />Crawsfordsville to Indianapolis, IN<br />Mileage: 64.2<br />Weather: Rainy in the AM: not so bad in the PM<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Amy's Birthday. So far, we have ridden 2, 735 (give or take) miles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAZ8nVvjJqhyphenhyphenh1LwwIi_iEUxN_EZspetNZiOhE3qouT2VBLlyo7GFj_CcPDSdSiXePIpPgLEDvMxxnt6mXM5mibtiuT4HRux5hc8wmmy721YMbtTZIl4YeBOgjEK2sOxKPMwwVIl8BXQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220664417076213202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAZ8nVvjJqhyphenhyphenh1LwwIi_iEUxN_EZspetNZiOhE3qouT2VBLlyo7GFj_CcPDSdSiXePIpPgLEDvMxxnt6mXM5mibtiuT4HRux5hc8wmmy721YMbtTZIl4YeBOgjEK2sOxKPMwwVIl8BXQ/s320/Web+P1020037.jpg" border="0" /></a>We awoke to a thunder lightning storm and rain that would have fit perfectly as a jungle downpour. It was coming down in buckets. The staff was doubtful as to whether or not we would be able to ride at all. In addition, we have a meteorologist in the group who suggested that the weather patterns indicated that it was likely to be an all day event. As a result, a sizable number of riders decided to scrap the day and were SAGed by van to Indianapolis. We decided to hold out a while and see if the weather cleared. Our choice was the lucky choice.<br /><br />By 10 am, the belly washer had been reduced to a light rain and about 11 of us started out. Within 45 minutes the rain had stopped although it remained cloudy. Since we had a late start there was some question as to whether we would be able to accomplish all the neat things that were on our schedule for the day. But, it all worked out perfectly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdbONZOjQPvOpHhb14FA_t5V4UWLkxKHdmZ3mS1gnfRsRmzr8QGr0Cpo2ZqsnX8f6kBQ6s5kd0jP6R7oUCsFDbEeDaGIbJAo85j1htUY-puEAPYrulpzlIorjOzHhw_3w2tgyWDUHQK8/s1600-h/Web+P1020045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220665032905941938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdbONZOjQPvOpHhb14FA_t5V4UWLkxKHdmZ3mS1gnfRsRmzr8QGr0Cpo2ZqsnX8f6kBQ6s5kd0jP6R7oUCsFDbEeDaGIbJAo85j1htUY-puEAPYrulpzlIorjOzHhw_3w2tgyWDUHQK8/s320/Web+P1020045.jpg" border="0" /></a>At about the 33 mile mark, we pulled into the Roark Bike Factory. This specialty bike company makes parts for many of the sophisticated jet fighters in the US arsenal but has a tiny side line of making the most beautiful titanium bicycles you would ever want to see. Two and three men hand craft about 100 frames a year. You could buy a very nice used car for the price of one of these bikes. They are really gorgeous bikes.<br /><br />After the tour of the bike factory, we pedaled another 20 miles or so and pulled into the Indianapolis Speedway. Our great friend,Tom Barney, had told us for years about the speedway and we had always hoped to see a race, perhaps even with Tom and Marge. That didn't happen but as we rolled into the speedway we couldn't help but think of Tom.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRIEejuRA3JWcXOkBeWWNrf_uenYtYRB0aKDU3oZ2GmAhil_fhZP34qD7tk0q1YfdQUW7otFAp6AQ8tbaFGs6xtmrVSBc8YfpSTv4YPQ-pW7fk6KPSi22OK2Sme-Y3n8ZUw2TJB0kCEQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220664555890021570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="187" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRIEejuRA3JWcXOkBeWWNrf_uenYtYRB0aKDU3oZ2GmAhil_fhZP34qD7tk0q1YfdQUW7otFAp6AQ8tbaFGs6xtmrVSBc8YfpSTv4YPQ-pW7fk6KPSi22OK2Sme-Y3n8ZUw2TJB0kCEQ/s320/Web+P1020050.jpg" width="250" border="0" /></a>The speedway is HUGE. Inside the oval there are four holes of an 18 hole golf course and god knows what else. We took a tour around the old brickyard and it was really fascinating. Someday, we'll be back to see the race.<br /><br />From the speedway we journeyed to the Major Taylor Velodrome. For the unitiated, a velodrome is a high banked oval that one races bicycles around. You will be able to see some of this really great racing this summer as part of the Summer Olympics. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj62Wt9Cr0eD9F6TT16CbJOs_VUN2UlWvA452tj2gIKZzk_G2dwYCvjEZzmKH3ccHk5j9YvJxcPbQJL22tPIClAtKsRGGQWv5-zpy9oFf0u7svQI0uVbJFyTdNgFRf9z1VKfWbZ6eyIU/s1600-h/Web+P1020074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220664680316944146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="228" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj62Wt9Cr0eD9F6TT16CbJOs_VUN2UlWvA452tj2gIKZzk_G2dwYCvjEZzmKH3ccHk5j9YvJxcPbQJL22tPIClAtKsRGGQWv5-zpy9oFf0u7svQI0uVbJFyTdNgFRf9z1VKfWbZ6eyIU/s320/Web+P1020074.jpg" width="258" border="0" /></a>In any event, a number of us arrived at the veleodome and stood around watching. John decided “what the heck” and walked over and asked the folks in charge if we could ride it. We had been told by staff that we should be able to ride it although because of the rain delay, we were a good four hours past when we were supposed to have been there. In any event, the fellow in charge asked about a waiver and John simple responded that he was giving them his verbal waiver of liability (probably not worth a thing) and the head honcho said “go ahead, give it a try”. It was a HOOT!! After John had finished a couple of laps the other riders in our group figured if he could do, they would ask as well. Before long everyone was taking laps including Amy who actually went far higher on the banked track than John did. A great birthday present.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTQlJ4rX_2DGU8v5hgLJB_HlEpHkNti2QRlDFKJQeruuBpy0BDyXKBc0ka0G8DqjAgaoZ7rYdRVI4OVm35DC6iQxAVMS91Bfk5zcu3DOcqEPtw2zsnalaoz5a7C_q9i_HoTvM4nc9oe4/s1600-h/Web+P1020087.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220664780381514082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="213" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTQlJ4rX_2DGU8v5hgLJB_HlEpHkNti2QRlDFKJQeruuBpy0BDyXKBc0ka0G8DqjAgaoZ7rYdRVI4OVm35DC6iQxAVMS91Bfk5zcu3DOcqEPtw2zsnalaoz5a7C_q9i_HoTvM4nc9oe4/s320/Web+P1020087.jpg" width="251" border="0" /></a> Amy was smiling from ear to ear.<br /><br />We left the velodrome and proceeded to follow pretty complex instructions into the city. As is not uncommon, we quickly were lost but lost on a wonderful canal that ran thru the downtown. Bikes weren't apparently allowed but on we rode. It was great.<br /><br />Very late in the day (around 5:30) we finally pulled into the motel. Amy indicated that it was, without doubt, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5W00kK_HVSmhB_eRWsi7AfFT9fSysAJQKbNU6AUOMEkwVZwuHo1MZw15J-muw1oP5mIB3I2ntoNW-Qveoq3kcm_-cYVSBFPsm3m7ZtK6_xZ0OJMMdPcY3WPH3Pi8gbpKQhFQXn3N-CQ/s1600-h/Web+P1020094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220664940799404898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="227" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5W00kK_HVSmhB_eRWsi7AfFT9fSysAJQKbNU6AUOMEkwVZwuHo1MZw15J-muw1oP5mIB3I2ntoNW-Qveoq3kcm_-cYVSBFPsm3m7ZtK6_xZ0OJMMdPcY3WPH3Pi8gbpKQhFQXn3N-CQ/s320/Web+P1020094.jpg" width="256" border="0" /></a>one of the most unique birthdays she had every had.<br /><br />Tomorrow is a well deserved rest day. We hope to see some of the downtown area since for once our hotel is within walking distance of the downtown area. Then, of course, there is laundry and cleaning bikes that are required.<br /><br />Thanks, as always for the good vibes. Keep praying to those weather gods.<br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-85017391766115573122008-07-06T13:27:00.000-07:002008-07-06T13:41:22.136-07:00July 6, Day 36July 6, Day 36<br />Champaign to Crawfordsville, IN<br />Mileage: 84.3<br />Weather: Again, another lovely day. (Thank you, weather gods!)<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />We woke at the appointed hour, 5:40, and again your prayers to the weather gods had been answered. It was a beautiful, clear, and most importantly, still morning. Breakfast was in the hotel where John had the good fortune of spilling a whole box of Frosted Flakes all over the floor. This engendered some comments concerning his dexterity but mostly it caused laughter.<br /><br />This was going to be an 82 mile day. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEtYW0ceaCWhP4TC95q5r3lj5dokzys9ZOjOevrj2R2GQCsPDvZGzsdFzT8m3ow0QBiY_Xryw0orqlu_ZJ1t-eWYHh8YAso73BnK1Zp-oK2_BsWeOWMI2Nsm9tImpr6jhuXWKope_xJs/s1600-h/Web+P1020021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220000648073967474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEtYW0ceaCWhP4TC95q5r3lj5dokzys9ZOjOevrj2R2GQCsPDvZGzsdFzT8m3ow0QBiY_Xryw0orqlu_ZJ1t-eWYHh8YAso73BnK1Zp-oK2_BsWeOWMI2Nsm9tImpr6jhuXWKope_xJs/s320/Web+P1020021.jpg" border="0" /></a>Within the first 3 miles, we came to a railroad track with the guard rails down and the red lights blinking. The slowest, and we mean slowest, freight train known to man was inching its way across the intersection. This train looked to be a mile long. It proceeded 200 yards up the track and stopped.<br />This created a collective groan from the riders. It then decided to back up 100 yards and stop. There was some discussion about crawling under but wiser heads prevailed and we proceeded to follow the directions of a local truck driver that took us a bit out of the way but under the railroad tracks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU9jjTHZsoRCindEvC8x8uzQZUBL9uDcGXiyA8yYEW9-VxJ3GDDNCgapJhba0WpH9F8DjXtu5lGTx2MU6t_MUkCQJtCbauZDNSTNlcJYbN5OtWq1wbD6CkoB5zxR3wlCONeBJDbpZ_HA/s1600-h/Web+P1020035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220001494026998002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU9jjTHZsoRCindEvC8x8uzQZUBL9uDcGXiyA8yYEW9-VxJ3GDDNCgapJhba0WpH9F8DjXtu5lGTx2MU6t_MUkCQJtCbauZDNSTNlcJYbN5OtWq1wbD6CkoB5zxR3wlCONeBJDbpZ_HA/s320/Web+P1020035.jpg" border="0" /></a>Back on route, three of the very nicest guys and best riders in the group, Wayne from Wales, Steve from Australia and Al from Germany invited us to join them. You should understand that these guys generally motor at well over 20 mph all day and can leave anyone, with the exception of perhaps George and Larry, in their dust. Amy refers to them as the “hot shots”, a phrase she uses with real respect for them and their riding ability . We rode with them all 83 miles. It was a delight. As you might expect, John was full of questions about government, culture and sport. It took Wayne and Steve a good 30 miles of patient (perhaps the patience of Job!?) explanation of the game of Cricket before John finally saw the light. Now we need to find a TV station so John can watch a game. Thanks guys!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsgVJS-gDyHPBkEZx0r16Akz9xV_T-O7ji0YWdKV8-ynjmbKR2EIiPMGByD11ciRTjyE1uw4h7t_pwVB-XsOnNdFLcAT_-A8jv5sjRIPyXiUbfQ-jOVE-7UaE0o426cFCAi3906Ix4ck/s1600-h/Web+P1020029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220000792809904850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="200" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsgVJS-gDyHPBkEZx0r16Akz9xV_T-O7ji0YWdKV8-ynjmbKR2EIiPMGByD11ciRTjyE1uw4h7t_pwVB-XsOnNdFLcAT_-A8jv5sjRIPyXiUbfQ-jOVE-7UaE0o426cFCAi3906Ix4ck/s320/Web+P1020029.jpg" width="267" border="0" /></a>After the first SAG stop, we, the foreign contingent, and Sue who joined us, rolled into our 8th state, Indiana. It seems that everyone is claiming good ole Abe as their patron. Back in Springfield, IL, you couldn't go a block without seeing an Abe historic marker. We enter IL with immediate reference to this state being Abe's childhood home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRtlfa6rlDIOimEBmz3DeTa2rJXN5_ie6N3zDDg5V3zYmZivoX0Ej_M-rKCZY_z8EQsMPBx12ZmYAqavhxazT9LHiHGfo7Ha1_z2LubZOCrGoGpfP8NJk5vvhhHJIHqL9W9bsj5UQfqo/s1600-h/Web+P1020032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220000927643695346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRtlfa6rlDIOimEBmz3DeTa2rJXN5_ie6N3zDDg5V3zYmZivoX0Ej_M-rKCZY_z8EQsMPBx12ZmYAqavhxazT9LHiHGfo7Ha1_z2LubZOCrGoGpfP8NJk5vvhhHJIHqL9W9bsj5UQfqo/s320/Web+P1020032.jpg" border="0" /></a>The people of Indiana must have a great sense of humor. Where else would you enter a town with a sign such as the one depicted here. As we rode through town we tried to find where the soreheads lived, but they were not immediately obvious. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11KwwK02CF-6AzLbjw0ElNfji1p303TtFsgKFUBjh45F1DG4u4fWNpw_rbhH3rDeWZyy47FJtxDfMt6QHPu5m2N9glHF9VaUDI7-I_HcDcy-GvZeHBf99TwOYGTEcAbxLCcOeMn5M9ZU/s1600-h/Web+P1020033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220001065755959250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="201" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11KwwK02CF-6AzLbjw0ElNfji1p303TtFsgKFUBjh45F1DG4u4fWNpw_rbhH3rDeWZyy47FJtxDfMt6QHPu5m2N9glHF9VaUDI7-I_HcDcy-GvZeHBf99TwOYGTEcAbxLCcOeMn5M9ZU/s320/Web+P1020033.jpg" width="269" border="0" /></a>A little further up the road, we discovered what Indiana residents do with old bicycles. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XzVlkZSiFvvlFKhB9C4SCfrds6jGx-f40_oT7BkGXF2r7w30KB7BiZqNKJITxdbK9IBWqwkm0WGu0i3jLD8WcuHub_ENiANik5Ot6QeaGTsXBGLiGUCzo6wMA4UWfpG5mGABMpFEbh4/s1600-h/Web+P1020034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220001316641125490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XzVlkZSiFvvlFKhB9C4SCfrds6jGx-f40_oT7BkGXF2r7w30KB7BiZqNKJITxdbK9IBWqwkm0WGu0i3jLD8WcuHub_ENiANik5Ot6QeaGTsXBGLiGUCzo6wMA4UWfpG5mGABMpFEbh4/s320/Web+P1020034.jpg" border="0" /></a>They plant them on the sides of buildings.<br /><br />Nearer the end of the ride,Wayne, who you will recall is from Wales, discovered that the good folks of IN decided to name a town after him. At the very least, it was a Kodak moment.<br />Well folks. We have passed through all the time zones in the continental US and today have set our watches to the same time as it is in Buffalo. That's a lot of miles on two wheels under our own power.<br /><br />One more day of riding before a rest day. As we enter Indianapolis tomorrow we hope we have an opportunity to see the “brick yard” (the Indy speedway). Last year the riders on this trip had the opportunity to ride their bikes around the track but this year we do not believe it will be possible. We hope to at least visit the speedway.<br /><br />You all have been doing a marvelous job in your prayers to the weather gods and your sending of good vibes. We feel your good vibes each day and appreciate them. When the days are long and all we want to do is get out of the saddle, we feel your good wishes and continue on. Thanks.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-49494236741487621932008-07-05T14:59:00.000-07:002008-07-05T17:23:24.639-07:00July 5, Day 35July 5, Day 35<br />Springfield to Champaign, IL<br />Mileage: 98.2<br />Weather: Another lovely day<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Today was another long one, just shy of a century.<br /><br />We started out with breakfast at Bob Evans. Now you would expect that everyone would know of Bob Evans. You would be wrong. Many of the riders including not only those from overseas but many from the US as well had never heard of Bob Evans. It might also be of interest (probably very little interest) that we saw for the first time a Dunkin Donuts. We guess that is evidence that we really are moving east.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5eUX17LuXg2Ei_oVyzMS1i4yTA97z-Wl_DFKAMBTEPB-uU1tqHw-44ChMhtpkcSfOO1mAtOdpSVwYnQeuPQFqJI6nAjOcCRp13tYBzDR1y33MsboBjnLY7Stv9he0U7b9UIVa7_nWno/s1600-h/Web+P1010997.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219653243552862418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5eUX17LuXg2Ei_oVyzMS1i4yTA97z-Wl_DFKAMBTEPB-uU1tqHw-44ChMhtpkcSfOO1mAtOdpSVwYnQeuPQFqJI6nAjOcCRp13tYBzDR1y33MsboBjnLY7Stv9he0U7b9UIVa7_nWno/s320/Web+P1010997.jpg" border="0" /></a>The day started dead calm as you can see from the smoke stack. As we are fond of saying, if the wind can't help us we ask that it at least be neutral, particularly on hard days. And today, neutral it was.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-poqZPjZ627pjTEZkiyqHO6e_VN3LUSlOxcHqKQIEt2qhm8u_wQ6HU-prK9KZdjn1u5r3n6IgV9h7pw6MtEvFOCilvLAA-_Sl3NaLbAvpKMGXLLzOw1Su5e6o1Vd0UNnwDcQN0kyIn0/s1600-h/Web+P1010999.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219653404496751778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-poqZPjZ627pjTEZkiyqHO6e_VN3LUSlOxcHqKQIEt2qhm8u_wQ6HU-prK9KZdjn1u5r3n6IgV9h7pw6MtEvFOCilvLAA-_Sl3NaLbAvpKMGXLLzOw1Su5e6o1Vd0UNnwDcQN0kyIn0/s320/Web+P1010999.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Within the first 5 miles, a group of about 11 riders hooked up and we ran a beautiful pace line until the first SAG stop at 31 miles. More on pace line later.<br /><br />The first SAG was at an historic Lincoln spot. Apparently there was a cabin that Lincoln lived in but it was 600 yards into the woods and given that we had over 65 miles to go, no one decided to hike to see it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO677lRvYhUvTxYEB0hHY9QUTmYJgBePYDMeDwPK7nDsB03td5Fv4Wu_lBYJl-o8HXd-mTkF040rejVHJ7pbOQ6v0hpKYGbaPCW9NLg2EHVr55WWN1KjYYehStOSORSrU8yNV7F9UFaeM/s1600-h/Web+P1020005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219653515333243842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO677lRvYhUvTxYEB0hHY9QUTmYJgBePYDMeDwPK7nDsB03td5Fv4Wu_lBYJl-o8HXd-mTkF040rejVHJ7pbOQ6v0hpKYGbaPCW9NLg2EHVr55WWN1KjYYehStOSORSrU8yNV7F9UFaeM/s320/Web+P1020005.jpg" width="279" border="0" /></a>We rolled out of the SAG and continued through flat farm land that really is incredible to see. The corn goes on forever. And when it is not corn to the horizon, it's soy to the horizon. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6lHPFaomqQ8IZ7TLaTz2ojqHK7HMwq4T3WBDNUM4LqlgsamwL5xbdQ6L67b_bDFrBX7PoeWBjYnVC9y2m51Fq0WA0b3Kqvfvce0MBH2wzsmUGqy9jYcaEXs0olXzsBGf6DjR3FM-bqE/s1600-h/Web+P1020010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219653799202368402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6lHPFaomqQ8IZ7TLaTz2ojqHK7HMwq4T3WBDNUM4LqlgsamwL5xbdQ6L67b_bDFrBX7PoeWBjYnVC9y2m51Fq0WA0b3Kqvfvce0MBH2wzsmUGqy9jYcaEXs0olXzsBGf6DjR3FM-bqE/s320/Web+P1020010.jpg" border="0" /></a>At one point, Amy took a hike into the field to see just what was growing. She's probably guilty of a IL felony, but she got away with it. It is truly amazing the fertility of this land. Now you would expect most people to ask questions concerning the number of people an acre of corn or soy can feed. And yes, we are curious about that. But in today's world, one also has to ask how far will an acre of corn take an SUV?<br /><br />From the first SAG stop to the second SAG stop, our resident, virtual professional rider, George, from Frisco, Co., tried to organize a Tour de France type pace line. Such a pace line would have a lead rider “pull” for no more than 15 seconds and then move slightly to the left allowing the next rider in the line on his right to pull while the first rider slowed enough to come in at the back of the right hand line of riders. Think of it as an oblong, vertical clock rotating slowly counterclockwise. When done properly, it is poetry in motion. Since many of the riders had never been involved in such a pace line, George was having a difficult time setting it up. In fact, he said it was a little like herding chickens. Amy loved it. Many of the other riders were having difficulty with the system, but not Amy. In the words of the Spitzmillers, she thought it was a hoot.<br /><br />We reached the second SAG stop at 62 miles in no time flat. After that stop, just the two of us peddled the final 36 miles on delightful back roads many of which were only one and half car widths wide. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOO2sqBFaaUw_0j-5L60IeL60Ce3ZpALImtXNeMCiUDxFCcWh2GnQw6VxVt-YsEF6jdeQeNA3FR17yGwZtnBxDOtyughbhS98lcw1fQtR9be8Qwry9hyphenhypheniPGIHO4y7hgKjocnDBbV8SXk/s1600-h/Web+P1020014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219653696492536802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOO2sqBFaaUw_0j-5L60IeL60Ce3ZpALImtXNeMCiUDxFCcWh2GnQw6VxVt-YsEF6jdeQeNA3FR17yGwZtnBxDOtyughbhS98lcw1fQtR9be8Qwry9hyphenhypheniPGIHO4y7hgKjocnDBbV8SXk/s320/Web+P1020014.jpg" border="0" /></a>We took a short break by some sewer pipes and Amy decided it wasn't a bad spot to get some shade.<br /><br />Given that the day was 98 miles long, some of the riders rode an extra 2 miles so they could call it a century ride. We pulled into the motel figuring 98 miles was enough and that no one (including you, our dear readers) cared whether it was a full century.<br /><br />When we arrived we heard that another rider, Rob, went down. We don't have all the details, but apparently his wheel came in contact with another rider's rear wheel and he was down in an instant. Apparently his shoulder was dislocated and he was taken to the hospital. We wish him the best. We don't know if his head it the pavement, but nonetheless please dear friends keep wearing your helmet. This is a fun thing we're doing but, like anything, it has risk.<br /><br />Two more days until we get a rest day. Given the miles over the last 5 days, the rest will be well deserved.<br /><br />Finally, we continue to give thanks for your good vibes and in fact were reminded of those good vibes within a mile of our destination today, as <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIg0cAGTLgYuaRcrtgNnYi2YRpW7FdygJYD8aTQkKVhAxTMvfOd7pP3p4K8kbHDM_R9cV0MexSK2ocPI12K3k3N6QbVgDVl4miVh6JPxDgE7HAOZQUoulNBb8Sx6qtcGpnyz0SgBKqxw/s1600-h/Web+P1020015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219653939653881410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIg0cAGTLgYuaRcrtgNnYi2YRpW7FdygJYD8aTQkKVhAxTMvfOd7pP3p4K8kbHDM_R9cV0MexSK2ocPI12K3k3N6QbVgDVl4miVh6JPxDgE7HAOZQUoulNBb8Sx6qtcGpnyz0SgBKqxw/s320/Web+P1020015.jpg" border="0" /></a>the picture shows.<br /><br />Prayers to the west wind gods will continue to be appreciated.<br /><br />John and AmyJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-68698441601490676972008-07-04T17:24:00.001-07:002008-07-05T15:11:39.043-07:00July 4, Day 34July 4 Day 34<br />Quincy to Springfield, IL<br />Mileage: 106.8<br />Weather: Lovely with a slight but not unbearable headwind.<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Happy Fourth of July! It is fitting that on the 4th of July we cycle to Abe Lincoln's home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BS2eUOE29DB1UNhI8e-HpRN9eG0P6Gt1lVpRycFNZBc0SR_fgq1WfHc6t2eiJxvAZbHbFQ1Z0Cd94QfolS3jA4VbGWmtn_Dotjjy29oe-p2HnSVwrFSXUcs7NZLYoaoLF0RHAEmejaw/s1600-h/Web+P1010965.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219319365433925490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BS2eUOE29DB1UNhI8e-HpRN9eG0P6Gt1lVpRycFNZBc0SR_fgq1WfHc6t2eiJxvAZbHbFQ1Z0Cd94QfolS3jA4VbGWmtn_Dotjjy29oe-p2HnSVwrFSXUcs7NZLYoaoLF0RHAEmejaw/s320/Web+P1010965.jpg" border="0" /></a>The group as a contest on the 4th of July to see who can dress up their bike or themselves in the most festive manner. We had no intention of participating except that a couple of days ago as we rolled in to some town we spotted a Dollar General and pulled in. Our bikes simply had an American flag attached however, we decided to decorate ourselves for the occasion. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkc2TMGo360wm_xRY8HGGcfZWAvZ2d2n1LaTnF0GexUrrwtbp4GooGbNS5LEWkmeIRsXAWNKyZnOfU2cO54J8DBB1ZdOoAb2juTf8qVaDLVbo06U5Wj_AaV7X69_0kpcmMlJfjUUVy7Y/s1600-h/Web+P1010966.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219319482192419218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkc2TMGo360wm_xRY8HGGcfZWAvZ2d2n1LaTnF0GexUrrwtbp4GooGbNS5LEWkmeIRsXAWNKyZnOfU2cO54J8DBB1ZdOoAb2juTf8qVaDLVbo06U5Wj_AaV7X69_0kpcmMlJfjUUVy7Y/s320/Web+P1010966.jpg" border="0" /></a>As you can see, helmet covers, face decal, flag vest and in John's case, borrowed American flag underwear were donned. Others, such as Richard, from Ireland, wore an American Flag cape and Steve, from Tasmania, and Sarge, from Trinidad, decorated their bikes to perfection. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSJDIL3wyuDNGk7zToLBOMKaeBNoyo6IKVLa8Bcr64q19cLuLD-dOccxlJPkUP-1sWNLkbkPj1P0T9lQakgllWnNpFdP-06uq2LjpLSLQrWXj-_ZaUz5j89rsEAi2Yb_YzzU0qKW3AEs/s1600-h/Web+P1010967.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219319588209539554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSJDIL3wyuDNGk7zToLBOMKaeBNoyo6IKVLa8Bcr64q19cLuLD-dOccxlJPkUP-1sWNLkbkPj1P0T9lQakgllWnNpFdP-06uq2LjpLSLQrWXj-_ZaUz5j89rsEAi2Yb_YzzU0qKW3AEs/s320/Web+P1010967.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was all in good fun. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CoCafbXm67Lt2W-Sj9KsTSpIUmgcLPrK_uPswCbmMP0L2emZeKTcK62QZvio4bPikAy2UsUdhBNLpsgBfPmeDPzzvA5EAOlz3rZNskxGLYBnW1iBcVhZhvvTprPLKoUQzv9c4jRQYII/s1600-h/Web+P1010969.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219319707127905474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CoCafbXm67Lt2W-Sj9KsTSpIUmgcLPrK_uPswCbmMP0L2emZeKTcK62QZvio4bPikAy2UsUdhBNLpsgBfPmeDPzzvA5EAOlz3rZNskxGLYBnW1iBcVhZhvvTprPLKoUQzv9c4jRQYII/s320/Web+P1010969.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today was another century. We really have lost count on how many 100 miles days we have ridden but it is a pretty good number.<br /><br />Illinois is really a beautiful state. We started the day with hills that were not as steep as MO but added a lovely variety to the riding. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTMc4p1-tuqBRPwcIsfTaD2V95NZRs2553qIvTOgWACXqA7OO7usbioyXu0rpKWZJE3bAAFBq4p2sXxMwcmoZXQyI7tx0vd2gd7nzkbjjbHyJT7iRqA65Tt1jU5wFx4B6jcK2sb3NFuY/s1600-h/Web+P1010973.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219319830541350498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="222" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTMc4p1-tuqBRPwcIsfTaD2V95NZRs2553qIvTOgWACXqA7OO7usbioyXu0rpKWZJE3bAAFBq4p2sXxMwcmoZXQyI7tx0vd2gd7nzkbjjbHyJT7iRqA65Tt1jU5wFx4B6jcK2sb3NFuY/s320/Web+P1010973.jpg" width="266" border="0" /></a>We rolled through little towns including one called, Liberty. Again, appropriate for the day.<br /><br />Back in MO, we saw corn fields but not like we saw today. After the first SAG stop, the road straightened out and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ym7GI02vR0G2nnTMcefcEmG6C3zawMW54bd5mtqxGqmaHZHlnMLtJV82ABULioDtjmJO8LHeX96011kTFTAZTNw-fNMD6LwpcMDlcIbd58K3Lx5qqxW0EZCFPnP1WK36b29yRRnjNOs/s1600-h/Web+P1010988.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219320046721766178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ym7GI02vR0G2nnTMcefcEmG6C3zawMW54bd5mtqxGqmaHZHlnMLtJV82ABULioDtjmJO8LHeX96011kTFTAZTNw-fNMD6LwpcMDlcIbd58K3Lx5qqxW0EZCFPnP1WK36b29yRRnjNOs/s320/Web+P1010988.jpg" border="0" /></a>we crossed the Illinois River. It's big. Not like the the Big Muddy but big none the less. The road leveled out and the corn became king. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rw0ot-zN-xT4P0NL1ign82QNgxYH_flGBuw8tQWtwg-fuWu4mzhVvizPknUX4il0V_offi7JIwg6wCylBwsSPL-tvZ_hgBdzi4L-yfd2eQsmP1x1nmATMbjTpM-vMtxEt4ISjNhjqZ0/s1600-h/Web+P1010983.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219319931749048162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rw0ot-zN-xT4P0NL1ign82QNgxYH_flGBuw8tQWtwg-fuWu4mzhVvizPknUX4il0V_offi7JIwg6wCylBwsSPL-tvZ_hgBdzi4L-yfd2eQsmP1x1nmATMbjTpM-vMtxEt4ISjNhjqZ0/s320/Web+P1010983.jpg" border="0" /></a>As you can see in the picture of Amy riding along side Don, from Las Vegas, corn was everywhere. At one point, Amy got off her bike in an effort to see if there were any ears of corn on the stalks. She found none. Obviously, not being farmers, we are a tad curious as to how you can have a corn stalk over 6 feet high with no ears of corn on it. If we can stay awake past 8:00 pm we will try to find the answer on the net.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir84RniiDo9JrVaFezieaYW7SL0AuyYzoYr_24Yy5fv6UMZRkZ6dWler_vQKGajZnKJ_-MCj2HzhT473U4sT6KbnXcgVcalSLcC7Bp-ZOZA_XgRLuyqBoIGmzaLrMdvdgX8qa2SsaAgtU/s1600-h/Web+P1010994.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219320156797460562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir84RniiDo9JrVaFezieaYW7SL0AuyYzoYr_24Yy5fv6UMZRkZ6dWler_vQKGajZnKJ_-MCj2HzhT473U4sT6KbnXcgVcalSLcC7Bp-ZOZA_XgRLuyqBoIGmzaLrMdvdgX8qa2SsaAgtU/s320/Web+P1010994.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the middle of all this corn, we did come across a rather curious sign. We're guessing you all know what it means.<br /><br />At about 70 miles out, both of us begin to hurt in various ways and on various parts of our anatomy. The last 20 miles of the century days always seem like 40. At about the 80 mile mark today, we simply stopped, parked our bikes, sat on the local church front steps and ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich which John had been carrying in his bike bag all day. We chatted and watched the locals mowing their lawn. The simply pleasures of bike riding.<br /><br />We rolled into Lincoln's hometown, rode past the capital, and into our motel. It was a long day but a nice one.<br /><br />By the way, Ed (our son), spent some time in this town after medical school and despite our visits during these years, nothing we saw today was familiar. We either rode through a different part of town or our aged memories are failing. We arrived too late to do any Lincoln sightseeing.<br /><br />Tomorrow is another century. They seem to be common place now a days although they are still long days. IL is a pretty state so far and we hope it continues.<br /><br />Keep praying to the west wind gods and as always we appreciate your continuing good vibes.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-1556662475227476612008-07-03T17:55:00.000-07:002008-07-03T18:09:16.956-07:00July 3, Day 33July 3 Day 33<br />Kirks ville, MO to Quincy, IL<br />Mileage: 87.2<br />Weather:Heavy rain in the AM with plenty of wind<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Today Amy's three best friends showed up: wind, rain and hills!!!<br /><br />We awoke to very heavy rain but no lightning or thunder. The weather gods have been good to us for 32 days so we guess we can give them a break for one day. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs2G7Z8eZmvH_lu3Ux2h-SXNAHAZ9rQTRDFl8wgPq8ebnzHmft1DXL1ZfQW5wm-WCwFdU4lA4qrlzZP1B6apDM5WihyphenhyphenVe3HUgaWax05X5RvfIC3YnbChGTR2YeMc9ZMNW6EJxCItmmzc/s1600-h/Web+P1010926.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218956361392209938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="209" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs2G7Z8eZmvH_lu3Ux2h-SXNAHAZ9rQTRDFl8wgPq8ebnzHmft1DXL1ZfQW5wm-WCwFdU4lA4qrlzZP1B6apDM5WihyphenhyphenVe3HUgaWax05X5RvfIC3YnbChGTR2YeMc9ZMNW6EJxCItmmzc/s320/Web+P1010926.jpg" width="286" border="0" /></a>As you can see, we did our best to insulate ourselves from their ravages. We rolled into the rain about 7:00 am and within no time at all, the the hills of MO made their presence felt. Since everything we had was in John's bike bag, including the camera, we didn't get a lot of pictures for the first couple of hours.<br /><br />It's interesting that the manufacturers of rain gear suggest that it is breathable. Well, John doesn't mean to disagree but he was as wet inside his rain shirt from sweat as he would have been if he had gone without rain protection. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z4GxrXhoivXOnEh1L6Lmo6JoROo4zbWkfbtZxwlNGuF7SRRIg3-CV-FGdjKu-EaOT7wLupXik9YHM3bUvoU_-65vg0kIxcmJuqxGWfINKqfu99wToBlUyM1TD2GHw3BUt7s4yipbvRc/s1600-h/Web+P1010935.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218956459214528098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="213" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z4GxrXhoivXOnEh1L6Lmo6JoROo4zbWkfbtZxwlNGuF7SRRIg3-CV-FGdjKu-EaOT7wLupXik9YHM3bUvoU_-65vg0kIxcmJuqxGWfINKqfu99wToBlUyM1TD2GHw3BUt7s4yipbvRc/s320/Web+P1010935.jpg" width="287" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At one point along the way, we saw a quaint church and Amy said a short prayer to the weather gods and lo and behold, it worked. We think, however, that her prayer only involved rain since as it quit the wind increased, directly in our faces. The hills continued.<br /><br />As we rolled closer to the Mississippi, we began to recognize that flooding is a recurrent problem. In Buffalo, we test the amount of rain by inches. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBds-SfDTsnAOyy6J2eJ8xP0CKUaT7wtlWJoGdb0po5Op9lBKSwzwZ_DzDNRnTUfPlVKfUs3JTk4R8PyVbL3vSHLH7AnQgAqrhR5BCKej4Fve0rN4p4cZON_r5pPpWzRDypHesSIUXOH0/s1600-h/Web+P1010938.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218956579497416402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBds-SfDTsnAOyy6J2eJ8xP0CKUaT7wtlWJoGdb0po5Op9lBKSwzwZ_DzDNRnTUfPlVKfUs3JTk4R8PyVbL3vSHLH7AnQgAqrhR5BCKej4Fve0rN4p4cZON_r5pPpWzRDypHesSIUXOH0/s320/Web+P1010938.jpg" width="294" border="0" /></a>Around here, they have rain gauges along the side of the road measuring feet.<br /><br />Because of all the flooding, it was impossible for us to cross the Mississippi by ferry as originally planned. Rather, the staff scouted out a new route which got us close to the only bridge that was opened for miles in either direction. It has no shoulder or any available way to get bicycles across. As a result, we went across the Mississippi in the SAG wagon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBi0nuakRF9csiuo6yH-d7LcQg1llAwu8t8Hh_Ym_RFMFuswL4Zo_-LDE0Sx_FyzbAsav5tLFyYY-gVveIUftmeN8VVv06IP1-fJKdnJh2BQ7Va8BS6znQuIGtD1Kkd2zuQ8srnqxqps/s1600-h/Web+P1010947.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218956692312178770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="217" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBi0nuakRF9csiuo6yH-d7LcQg1llAwu8t8Hh_Ym_RFMFuswL4Zo_-LDE0Sx_FyzbAsav5tLFyYY-gVveIUftmeN8VVv06IP1-fJKdnJh2BQ7Va8BS6znQuIGtD1Kkd2zuQ8srnqxqps/s320/Web+P1010947.jpg" width="293" border="0" /></a>Prior to crossing, we saw substantial sandbagging as evidence of the recent flooding.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlPZj-KeYBUR5ElHYadQhy-_5u5cPfiD4nDa5zUpnopFl6tUJ4DnL-mF0aUSG3_ku4nqSA5VVhIAKtTIYPrVY24OjxCsJHMGIqDQHepjRD4GZlHSn0gwCASYEloicrPqTIZYJhNxHxFQ/s1600-h/Web+P1010952.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218956784319442210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="215" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlPZj-KeYBUR5ElHYadQhy-_5u5cPfiD4nDa5zUpnopFl6tUJ4DnL-mF0aUSG3_ku4nqSA5VVhIAKtTIYPrVY24OjxCsJHMGIqDQHepjRD4GZlHSn0gwCASYEloicrPqTIZYJhNxHxFQ/s320/Web+P1010952.jpg" width="287" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYKBnyx683dhsCW25xm-_A68bslOKEGCmKeTZGfJy7c0sQ80_AFJdV-gKoj6GZn_uvx7LNKW-v1L_MlmLgcVax4_r-clgr2JK705lCghnEjmPfhfLu5s_DOUROiC7J2bKoS6a0yjzirE/s1600-h/Web+P1010956.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218956907261417826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYKBnyx683dhsCW25xm-_A68bslOKEGCmKeTZGfJy7c0sQ80_AFJdV-gKoj6GZn_uvx7LNKW-v1L_MlmLgcVax4_r-clgr2JK705lCghnEjmPfhfLu5s_DOUROiC7J2bKoS6a0yjzirE/s320/Web+P1010956.jpg" border="0" /></a>As we crossed the mighty Mississippi, we entered our 7th state which, we are told, will be substantially less hilly then MO.<br /><br />Friday and Saturday we do a century each day. These could be tough days but we are hoping to see IL in all its glory.<br /><br />Prayers to the west wind gods would be appreciated and of course, good vibes.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-21638114301861614562008-07-02T14:34:00.001-07:002008-07-02T14:48:47.470-07:00July 2, Day 31July 2, Day 32<br />Chillicothe to Kirksville, MO<br />Mileage: 81.6<br />Weather: Wet for about half the way.<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Well, the weather gods decided to ignore your prayers today, but all in all it wasn't too bad. We had been warned that the day would be difficult given the hills so we were on the road early at 6:30. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyFx8LHKeNxMi1Ys0FBEbDKL9ad7mDyFbXU1uPkDekHBfH0UjxUr9t99VMLV2jCB4qBLNRW8puxeaCLz50C8jdTjodoJvnyctMBc9KUH25YaHO1kvUNEhQbidhgJPUOY_B51nA6Nxh_I/s1600-h/Web+P1010889.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218533508506205266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyFx8LHKeNxMi1Ys0FBEbDKL9ad7mDyFbXU1uPkDekHBfH0UjxUr9t99VMLV2jCB4qBLNRW8puxeaCLz50C8jdTjodoJvnyctMBc9KUH25YaHO1kvUNEhQbidhgJPUOY_B51nA6Nxh_I/s320/Web+P1010889.jpg" border="0" /></a>The skies were threatening and for the first time the rain actually fell on our parade. Luckily the temperature was comfortable so although we were reasonably wet we didn't feel all that cold. The thunder and lightning hung out just to the west of us for hours with some pretty impressive flashes of lightning but nothing came close enough for us to get terribly worried.<br /><br />We had been told that the first twenty-five miles were going to be relatively flat and then the hills would present themselves in all their glory. We were told correctly. Right about 25 miles the hills started. Some of them were mighty steep requiring that we use every gear that Tom at Tom's Bicycle Shop had installed. Amy suggested that a couple of additional ones might have been helpful. Apparently, there were a total of 99 hills in the last 50 miles. The total elevation gain was over 4000 feet. Riding these hills in the rain was exciting particularly on the downhills as the water on the road flew off the tires.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOOIASFFG6SScUz3uznEPpwp1WhtOBhIQFOXdt8vPQdMAW90JJ-0FfT_1s09tgsfI93D_q2nE2GrlfzW35Vh5cvwKlQrG8hWNB8bDPamz0YUfSq9yPZQJEZwQkwb4KYOHpfuH5MsVXxM/s1600-h/Web+P1010891.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218533606086410898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOOIASFFG6SScUz3uznEPpwp1WhtOBhIQFOXdt8vPQdMAW90JJ-0FfT_1s09tgsfI93D_q2nE2GrlfzW35Vh5cvwKlQrG8hWNB8bDPamz0YUfSq9yPZQJEZwQkwb4KYOHpfuH5MsVXxM/s320/Web+P1010891.jpg" border="0" /></a>As we rode, we crossed any number of narrow bridges with signs announcing that cars going in our direction were to yield. John thinks he recalls looking over his shoulder and seeing signs suggesting traffic in the other direction was also to yield. This could, it seems to us, lead to an interesting situation.<br /><br />Signs of the recent flood are becoming more obvious including deep mud along the side of the road <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQujdF_P_iahHzH3YKNvIzUAe3LJqdV90bBy4TuV0zA_pv65lmtjjq8aZE-Wma1oBCzOR8It_Jnaei3TbnsNBEPw5m1FMXMy-itZCeHd0jRbsO2tKDfFCdGNaZiKvHzO0vml3V1dT1n4I/s1600-h/Web+P1010892.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218533717555269250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQujdF_P_iahHzH3YKNvIzUAe3LJqdV90bBy4TuV0zA_pv65lmtjjq8aZE-Wma1oBCzOR8It_Jnaei3TbnsNBEPw5m1FMXMy-itZCeHd0jRbsO2tKDfFCdGNaZiKvHzO0vml3V1dT1n4I/s320/Web+P1010892.jpg" border="0" /></a>and open fields that look like small lakes.<br /><br />The second SAG stop was suppose to be at 54 miles, but because the group was so spread out, it as canceled. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnja5Dt0ViZjjB_n400AnUI9QHB7f1E4APvcPqbQQOIeSHyS8o6y4BoY82LdfnzEmz7KeD7gI1qPG_dbMbHIzQrUEURsS6tX2ycL4hi-rknSL7Yhyphenhyphen2ZrzF5Xg_XMlBGqfz6_JJQAETA-A/s1600-h/Web+P1010898.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218533839239031010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnja5Dt0ViZjjB_n400AnUI9QHB7f1E4APvcPqbQQOIeSHyS8o6y4BoY82LdfnzEmz7KeD7gI1qPG_dbMbHIzQrUEURsS6tX2ycL4hi-rknSL7Yhyphenhyphen2ZrzF5Xg_XMlBGqfz6_JJQAETA-A/s320/Web+P1010898.jpg" border="0" /></a>As a result, we, along with Sue and Audrey, took a bit of a lunch break on Rice Krispies Treat, raisins, and crackers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW8T82njN0UElECyARDCwDc5qdsO0HSfuLIPGH-SuFdZOw9x09SQldA6Lh4Peap-KEQJ89zFLS7Jhz9GxrkO2mAH5Y_cpD-wy-xAn1_q6SO1AinsQzuo8dCZYwM_XkDR_t2_sr9t73hg/s1600-h/Web+P1010897.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218533964572262914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW8T82njN0UElECyARDCwDc5qdsO0HSfuLIPGH-SuFdZOw9x09SQldA6Lh4Peap-KEQJ89zFLS7Jhz9GxrkO2mAH5Y_cpD-wy-xAn1_q6SO1AinsQzuo8dCZYwM_XkDR_t2_sr9t73hg/s320/Web+P1010897.jpg" border="0" /></a>As you can see from the picture with John's bike in it, the clouds were chasing us.<br /><br />For those who don't know it, Kirksville, MO is the home of Osteopathic Medicine started by Dr. Still, MD, DO. Since our son, Ed, is a DO, we certainly had to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JqgNRMH9Odazt6nKjwt_GzA04sKA_32yf6jQzVdDCN9n_aCu9gFp4zfkTS0xBH_UjM86MJETPAOOvDwGuvmrrtwXmlKaqtFoIcgKpNXCgn8777DqbDNWP9je3GrWsyd3TOTHEAmJ__I/s1600-h/Web+P1010907.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218534081189208930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="221" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JqgNRMH9Odazt6nKjwt_GzA04sKA_32yf6jQzVdDCN9n_aCu9gFp4zfkTS0xBH_UjM86MJETPAOOvDwGuvmrrtwXmlKaqtFoIcgKpNXCgn8777DqbDNWP9je3GrWsyd3TOTHEAmJ__I/s320/Web+P1010907.jpg" width="258" border="0" /></a>visit the museum which is really quite fascinating. Apparently, Dr. Still was the first to secure cadavers on a regular basis for his newly founded school. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazL1ry7B0CS6G82J_23GZ02oBO6IGOPVpDTxlxtD8n_nF6U7Peqb1JhyBPR691H0Ou6BIoW9htnQrP4k29csOFPm9ZghG8fPO6NKSxFUWa9Hyl9P8sk9abCCh1aWl33gq7udYwFonhS0/s1600-h/Web+P1010918.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218534190502780258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="284" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazL1ry7B0CS6G82J_23GZ02oBO6IGOPVpDTxlxtD8n_nF6U7Peqb1JhyBPR691H0Ou6BIoW9htnQrP4k29csOFPm9ZghG8fPO6NKSxFUWa9Hyl9P8sk9abCCh1aWl33gq7udYwFonhS0/s320/Web+P1010918.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></a>This created quite an uproar as evidenced by the headstone shown here. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bfn9RGCOHnx-2Ygb9iCoUGG0jj9Tke3iTzjxu2KsY7Dm24IR-MPlwATibe0CJ6W41PdA_WdVZWdEKy5p2HeIIsz5clK1cU3rzJt8ttj_u_vXoe5v02lYdY0cL1xzvy_qrGfz79ic8yI/s1600-h/Web+P1010917.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218534315288429890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="198" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bfn9RGCOHnx-2Ygb9iCoUGG0jj9Tke3iTzjxu2KsY7Dm24IR-MPlwATibe0CJ6W41PdA_WdVZWdEKy5p2HeIIsz5clK1cU3rzJt8ttj_u_vXoe5v02lYdY0cL1xzvy_qrGfz79ic8yI/s320/Web+P1010917.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a>We have enlarged the bottom of the headstone for your reading pleasure, but for those of you who are unable to read that portion it says: "She was stolen from the grave her body dissected by fiendish men; her bones anatomized. Her soule we trust has risen to heaven, where few physicians rise".<br /><br />Over the next three days, we will ride 97, 101 and 103 miles respectively. If ever there was a time we would appreciate your prayers for west winds and no rain this just might be the time. In addition, of course, your constant good vibes are always welcome.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-63744655866702539622008-07-01T17:07:00.000-07:002008-07-01T17:44:47.121-07:00July 1, Day 31July 1, Day 31<br />St. Joseph to Chillicothe, MO<br />Mileage: 90.7 (a virtual century)<br />Temperature: very pleasant, getting hotter as day wore on<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />Ok, Ok, it appears that Willie Nelson is beating out Papa Smurf. However, Amy has put her foot down when it comes to the ponytail. John knew this was going to be a problem when we stopped at a little drug store and when he asked where the rubber bands were located and Amy said, “not in this lifetime.”<br /><br />We left at a leisurely 7:15 this am and rolled straight into what we have been calling the Missouri “lollypaloops”. A lollypaloop is a road equivalent to a roller coaster. This simply means a two or three hundred yard hill which we pedal up at 10 or 11 mph and then down the backside at 25-28 mph. Up and down, and up and down and up and down etc.....<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Since we had been seeing corn forever we decided to see just how high an "elephant's eye" is (cite: the song, Oklahoma). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms2fhl7RACL-OCgcwQ8gwgQ4sJUqt2nqsvGdgELZ-IWUvAvpWP6WK2f7loXwKNcsJ6wD6qkpv67oMjuA509bCNVkHJvrSs8DIRo2sq86K8CxXode9jvMXB1Hpi4OrWMEECzDZR9UToHU/s1600-h/Web+P1010846.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218205657595314082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms2fhl7RACL-OCgcwQ8gwgQ4sJUqt2nqsvGdgELZ-IWUvAvpWP6WK2f7loXwKNcsJ6wD6qkpv67oMjuA509bCNVkHJvrSs8DIRo2sq86K8CxXode9jvMXB1Hpi4OrWMEECzDZR9UToHU/s320/Web+P1010846.jpg" width="276" border="0" /></a>As you can see an elephant's eye, which is the height of the corn in the song, is pretty darn high.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfMMB1rAxOOZ7KKdBe2nH3ASlkMRkNa27wML3J5tFPpkOahL5O8kHgfp1vg3i5HtPCNfRWLhr3kg5zm8V6jdW6fbPYw9DgcFyljmSA-qF4BcqrFWvpghVoduDj-wMplUUbaTG1cgi1Dk/s1600-h/Web+P1010859.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218203703891150322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="215" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfMMB1rAxOOZ7KKdBe2nH3ASlkMRkNa27wML3J5tFPpkOahL5O8kHgfp1vg3i5HtPCNfRWLhr3kg5zm8V6jdW6fbPYw9DgcFyljmSA-qF4BcqrFWvpghVoduDj-wMplUUbaTG1cgi1Dk/s320/Web+P1010859.jpg" width="264" border="0" /></a>Amy had so much fun the other day climbing up a bale of hay that she invited our friend, Sue, to join her. The two ladies got quite a charge out of standing on this stuff. John had to convince them to get down and get onto the business of bike riding. </div><div></div><div>It appears that the folks in Missouri have a pretty good sense of humor. As we all know the real estate market has been in the tank for a good deal of time. Apparently a local rancher fell on hard times. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghG_dUIzJaVXRDc6RJ2vlgaXPpjvKqeRn-IBwjInuUH1BhmPp6iKy_DQcK9gW4ElkOeBYBL6knKQkajuKHi1pEkhIHXep3FXYYNjuAIkPg7P4uYVx7Wmo5bxQNEjM0csXNgamNiRaBCU/s1600-h/Web+P1010860.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218206180871954450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="211" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghG_dUIzJaVXRDc6RJ2vlgaXPpjvKqeRn-IBwjInuUH1BhmPp6iKy_DQcK9gW4ElkOeBYBL6knKQkajuKHi1pEkhIHXep3FXYYNjuAIkPg7P4uYVx7Wmo5bxQNEjM0csXNgamNiRaBCU/s320/Web+P1010860.jpg" width="286" border="0" /></a>So, rather than simply take down the sign which identified his ranch he simply renamed the place, El Rancho Bankruptus. You gotta love a guy with a sense of humor. </div><div><br />We have ridden a number of times in Lancaster County in PA and are well aware of a number of other large Amish communities. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHEipRl5Cl1Mb0OHpRChiLi3OaMIqoO0PEGAGfzmylv75lD9gm_1Smg8bVzpTZXm1rwJgWnbn2nljJCPRJMWQVaGjlIqROJ4vXqxTCkL0c1jIodO4WCWZUwNxLav8PAeXv4sTEE2eSOk/s1600-h/Web+P1010872.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218204041690748210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="238" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHEipRl5Cl1Mb0OHpRChiLi3OaMIqoO0PEGAGfzmylv75lD9gm_1Smg8bVzpTZXm1rwJgWnbn2nljJCPRJMWQVaGjlIqROJ4vXqxTCkL0c1jIodO4WCWZUwNxLav8PAeXv4sTEE2eSOk/s320/Web+P1010872.jpg" width="284" border="0" /></a>We were unaware of such a community in MO, but sure enough there is one between St. Joe and Chillicothe. We stopped for a lemonade (John is becoming addicted to the stuff) in the little town of Jamesport at an Amish bakery. Man, were the pastries great. We were at the 65 mile mark (meaning we had another 25 miles to go) so we decided that lunch was not such a good idea but the pastry sure hit the spot. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZkvQCtAylTQPziL9TV4JIVTTxsOD5PC3vy5QeRN5tlhR4MgxV1PSwUR4hVQEx6Zn7_tKJVmD9pi-VddmBdI8EbY6ybGGstrSb3s11-t0c_RWdleeWoL6FDtAcGfxRRaZXtep3TFryUE/s1600-h/Web+P1010869.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218203947140214258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZkvQCtAylTQPziL9TV4JIVTTxsOD5PC3vy5QeRN5tlhR4MgxV1PSwUR4hVQEx6Zn7_tKJVmD9pi-VddmBdI8EbY6ybGGstrSb3s11-t0c_RWdleeWoL6FDtAcGfxRRaZXtep3TFryUE/s320/Web+P1010869.jpg" border="0" /></a>As you can see, we weren't the only ones in the group who decided to do the same thing. Bikes were lined up as far as the eye could see. </div><div><br />On we rode with the hills becoming a bit less of a factor. Somewhere around the 78 mile mark or so we spotted our first evidence of the floods. The Thomas River was on our route and just before we crossed it we spotted what looked like a lake. It wasn't. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI4YWwnDGyi0PoMyZr1VJlSWIEl4Yh63QVo4PVDAG6SlyNJme55ZcCw5teBm6o1PGTKEl0ttoXdjX8DhKnMTzaYaqFL169M3me-FJMnkU7Ksd9nVYcOaflOgZkNL-935_xc3OjclrCJ4/s1600-h/Web+P1010878.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218204176434793522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="195" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI4YWwnDGyi0PoMyZr1VJlSWIEl4Yh63QVo4PVDAG6SlyNJme55ZcCw5teBm6o1PGTKEl0ttoXdjX8DhKnMTzaYaqFL169M3me-FJMnkU7Ksd9nVYcOaflOgZkNL-935_xc3OjclrCJ4/s320/Web+P1010878.jpg" width="256" border="0" /></a>Rather what looks like a lake are really flooded fields from the Thomas. The Thomas itself is a pretty <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRjt4gUr0BIZnVwp0qJanU8wXKQBXvuIK5eLTXU_KMg8o4V9fDMiTx5TghhlR68ODoOeWuTVaIUX9eDYldUJuaS02CMNpmC-SYi0RiQhHD62tEOIglV9A9CBimCEOBQrOvL028TXqISw/s1600-h/Web+P1010883.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218204417020504834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRjt4gUr0BIZnVwp0qJanU8wXKQBXvuIK5eLTXU_KMg8o4V9fDMiTx5TghhlR68ODoOeWuTVaIUX9eDYldUJuaS02CMNpmC-SYi0RiQhHD62tEOIglV9A9CBimCEOBQrOvL028TXqISw/s320/Web+P1010883.jpg" border="0" /></a>large river 0r at least it is at this moment in time, although in normal times it might not have the same look. </div><div></div><div>Speaking of rivers, we are still uncertain as to how we we will get across the Mississippi. Two of the staff members will spend all day tomorrow checking the area out to see how we over the big muddy. It may be that we will simply have to put the bikes on the SAG wagon and go across a bridge. The original plan was to take a ferry across, but the ferry is out of service due to the floods and won't be back in business for at least another month. </div><div><br />We rolled into Chillicothe in mid afternoon (about an 8 and ½ hour day). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3iD56CpxiQ2uFJ1WmTPfdceOR9neqRnnAfkgn79LaJqp0HY834-wkWdCxNzRVTdJQXYAxxWFiR7jtHEZPFT0G6z9M7G7Wu1rZ4mvks8QExtEmZWfkkMe-5igVNipBEDP81U-dqYPGso/s1600-h/Web+P1010886.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218204653999686002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3iD56CpxiQ2uFJ1WmTPfdceOR9neqRnnAfkgn79LaJqp0HY834-wkWdCxNzRVTdJQXYAxxWFiR7jtHEZPFT0G6z9M7G7Wu1rZ4mvks8QExtEmZWfkkMe-5igVNipBEDP81U-dqYPGso/s320/Web+P1010886.jpg" border="0" /></a>By the way, as you can see Chillicothe is the home of sliced bread. </div><div><br />Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. We will only ride 83 miles. By the way if someone had said two months ago that riding 83 miles could be used in the same sentence as the word “only”, we would have put that someone in a rubber suit and sent him somewhere.</div><div></div><div>The problem tomorrow is that we will climb a total of 4000 feet going over more than 100 hills. We're told it will be a “challenge” which is a polite way of saying we're going to have our work cut out for us. Ah well, at the end of the day it's still a matter of pedaling one revolution at a time.<br />Say a prayer for continuing good weather with winds from the west. The good vibes are certainly helping.</div><div><br />Amy and John </div><div>PS: If you want to see older posts for our blog you can get at them as follows: at the top and to the right of this blog you will see "June (30)" and in front of that is a type of arrow pointing to the right. If you click on that arrow and make it point down you will be able to click on any of the June posts. Hope this helps<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-59927928975018394052008-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:002008-06-30T14:01:32.692-07:00June 30, Day 30June 30, Day 30<br />Day of Rest (#3)<br />St. Joseph, MO <div><div></div><div>Dear All,</div><br /><div>At the end of this short blog, we have a question for everyone out there who is reading. So, read on.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RCq7vfnLQHcTECy_NBC2OqjedfX6Ji9aShergvQOCXkKP7ir_g9qlf6AQ5Sq0-IuzLZhbc1-wojnz_oSo_In0aVUhOBxc-sEgfkaTrMjDqJ466W3CDFcjz15CeSWMxylkJ4X9u8KJk0/s1600-h/Web+P1010805.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217781251860771554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="198" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RCq7vfnLQHcTECy_NBC2OqjedfX6Ji9aShergvQOCXkKP7ir_g9qlf6AQ5Sq0-IuzLZhbc1-wojnz_oSo_In0aVUhOBxc-sEgfkaTrMjDqJ466W3CDFcjz15CeSWMxylkJ4X9u8KJk0/s320/Web+P1010805.jpg" width="273" border="0" /></a>Well, our third day off in 30. We think we need it. As we described in an earlier blog, we spend the day off doing laundry, emptying suitcases and repacking, cleaning bikes, sending emails and taking a nap or two. </div><div> </div><div>Several of the riders decided to give golf a try today. There is a little par three somewhere around this place and off they went at about 9:00. Most of us slept in to 7:00 and thought it was like sleeping in to mid day. </div><br /><div>A couple named Sandra and Jerry Mogg from St. Joe had been riders with ABB some years ago and they volunteered to shuttle any of the riders anywhere they wanted to go during our day off, to get a haircut, go shopping or visit the sites. It was a wonderful offer.</div><br /><div>For those of you who don't know, the Pony Express started in St. Joe and ended in Sacramento. They also have the psychiatric museum in this town as well. It was suggested that all of us would be prime candidates for an exhibit at the latter spot . None that we know of decided to visit.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje879evN8ZFmlxuxNg-Cv03_AP0b744ctgA_RGbF62je_E5yxPrbP6_5_QSM8ZZD-KrxKIISqlT0SiiTKf07xGMQG7Rd6440NhyAV4zujWqXBE1ou9VA6_DpZWiLvQBFU19D_J1nqBAs4/s1600-h/Web+P1010833.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217778351991752626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje879evN8ZFmlxuxNg-Cv03_AP0b744ctgA_RGbF62je_E5yxPrbP6_5_QSM8ZZD-KrxKIISqlT0SiiTKf07xGMQG7Rd6440NhyAV4zujWqXBE1ou9VA6_DpZWiLvQBFU19D_J1nqBAs4/s320/Web+P1010833.jpg" border="0" /></a>We did visit the Pony Express </div><div>Museum which was quite interesting. We were unaware that the Pony Express only lasted about a year and a half before it fell victim to technology, the telegraph.</div><br /><div>OK, here's comes the question. Some at the office have suggested that John's beard is such that they have decided on a new name for him; Papa Smurf. When first told of this, John asked “who's Papa Smurf?”. Ah, the Internet answers all so with a little surfing John was educated in all matters Smurf.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPduh0C2vOIre_mUCktgxdIs_KX6p6WjZmlHV4Xu9OZpIe9knRO5WsSmDxDX3lkdeO3fIh1MFzKuq-BlNGoPw9fAvgz9SDGYsE16I-Jg5DCYfr8eITfyhKNMBEO9G77AfaHuOIzhrsOM/s1600-h/Web+papa-smurf%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217780516712540722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" height="193" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPduh0C2vOIre_mUCktgxdIs_KX6p6WjZmlHV4Xu9OZpIe9knRO5WsSmDxDX3lkdeO3fIh1MFzKuq-BlNGoPw9fAvgz9SDGYsE16I-Jg5DCYfr8eITfyhKNMBEO9G77AfaHuOIzhrsOM/s320/Web+papa-smurf%5B1%5D.jpg" width="321" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vVTSXkCnEIATEoahgPv7eH9Mx8pDgsomS2wwwgwXyJCUlKNbZhENcsKHzRiS1wgc6ed8V3sk_uJ4rD9zeDgg9SlUxhZtaaN21T1hJCsds_nd3IAci7P47iu5RVeUKF5DEXAqIhkUoIA/s1600-h/Web+P1010803.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217778204546480962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="182" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vVTSXkCnEIATEoahgPv7eH9Mx8pDgsomS2wwwgwXyJCUlKNbZhENcsKHzRiS1wgc6ed8V3sk_uJ4rD9zeDgg9SlUxhZtaaN21T1hJCsds_nd3IAci7P47iu5RVeUKF5DEXAqIhkUoIA/s320/Web+P1010803.jpg" width="260" border="0" /></a>Attached is a picture of John as of this very moment alongside that of the good Papa who we assume has not changed in appearance recently. Now we ask ya, is there a similarity?</div><br /><div>Tomorrow will be about an 85+ mile day and believe it or not in about three days we cross the mighty Mississippi. There still remains a question as to how we will get across given all the flooding (pontoons on the bike is a possibility), but we'll keep you posted.</div><br /><div>Say a prayer for winds from the West since the hills in MO are tough enough without the wind to contend to.</div><br /><div>Thanks for the good vibes.</div><br /><div></div><div>Amy and John </div></div>John and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-87307824385329866272008-06-29T18:01:00.000-07:002008-06-29T18:37:47.175-07:00June 29, Day 29June 29, Day 29<br />Topeka, KS to St. Joseph, MO<br />Weather: Temperature was pleasant; wind was howling<br />Mileage: 89 miles<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />We said goodbye to Kansas today. She certainly was a state of many colors. From the flat western portion with a lot of cows to the rolling hillsides and green on the eastern side. In retrospect, we guess that KS has its redeeming values it's just that on long days with the hot sun beating down on you it's sometimes hard to find those values.<br /><br />We started the day typically with our leg over the top tube at about 7:00; a little later than usual because it was thought that today's ride was a bit shorter. After about 6 miles we took a left heading northeast and knew the day was going to be tough. The typical KS wind was right, smack dab in our face and at 7:00 in the morning it was already blowing a good ten knots. We were riding with about 15 other riders when we took the turn and there was a collective groan.<br /><br />The group stayed together until John had a flat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFCgISNh2rC0lsptluRJ78F0HOhvs9Z9fV-rf6SfyfYuV2ZJtn_ZopaKuwYUVSCQvBxOsQ9NSvggfg0Zn8rYdxpRT25C7zaVGocnHxwg90M0BRp9yuX2W29dEmF_xFB7wmzWmD3ca8GQ/s1600-h/Web+P1010779.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217473642750304530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="171" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFCgISNh2rC0lsptluRJ78F0HOhvs9Z9fV-rf6SfyfYuV2ZJtn_ZopaKuwYUVSCQvBxOsQ9NSvggfg0Zn8rYdxpRT25C7zaVGocnHxwg90M0BRp9yuX2W29dEmF_xFB7wmzWmD3ca8GQ/s320/Web+P1010779.jpg" width="268" border="0" /></a>. We can't quite remember what number flat that is but we are guessing it is about no. 4 which given the average number of flats in the group is pretty good.<br /><br />The terrain was different than yesterday. The climbs were much longer and with the wind ever increasing, much harder. At one point, the wind blew Amy off the paved shoulder onto the gravel. Only Amy's good bike handling skills prevented her from going down. The scenery was lovely with corn growing as far as you could see and as”high as an elephant's eye”. This part of Kansas really is quite lovely.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lvXzO38gbzb5Y9ld6hzDDCkUrAL4Ex801fldHFyzOTriLWY89xxFFrQe1hyaE5oV4FmFqViReJ5IwNC4LlO5Y-WXP6qhK1XNRfP98SvVoiX3psrnU0NNsIOQgMLcC-7CFS-f1R0ZZQ0/s1600-h/Web+P1010787.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217473763620876946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lvXzO38gbzb5Y9ld6hzDDCkUrAL4Ex801fldHFyzOTriLWY89xxFFrQe1hyaE5oV4FmFqViReJ5IwNC4LlO5Y-WXP6qhK1XNRfP98SvVoiX3psrnU0NNsIOQgMLcC-7CFS-f1R0ZZQ0/s320/Web+P1010787.jpg" border="0" /></a>Around noon, we passed over the Missouri River which certainly seemed to be flowing with a vigor. About a mile further up the road, we left Kansas behind us and entered our sixth state-Missouri. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBjw6Pt16r6RIuAM9ArghCX400AsTxbDB4Ue0LJbL8OP6mkavgyPbtbFYULNmmph7khyphenhyphenEbGebbKhvyvm43J0a-Za-fh9YunzCIA3_JqC1sXGpKCyyhvRjozJSvlNu97Nwx3pcjzKJGTc/s1600-h/Web+P1010790.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217473868780501394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="280" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBjw6Pt16r6RIuAM9ArghCX400AsTxbDB4Ue0LJbL8OP6mkavgyPbtbFYULNmmph7khyphenhyphenEbGebbKhvyvm43J0a-Za-fh9YunzCIA3_JqC1sXGpKCyyhvRjozJSvlNu97Nwx3pcjzKJGTc/s320/Web+P1010790.jpg" width="176" border="0" /></a><br />Amy rode with a group of riders three miles ahead of John who rode with Skip, an attorney from Las Vegas. The scenery was quite pretty as this point but the hills and the wind which must have been blowing close the 25 mph was making this day seem much longer than yesterday of over 108 miles. Amy missed the turn for the SAG stop and had to retrace her steps. This was not the day to add miles but part of the allure of bicycle riding is getting lost (we do it regularly).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb-RxfTEZwjomLQB0f05ntzizJ6qeLL32Xth7AFGPHgf19maWxkXrrb4YnCT16WAM8ptaVSus4OWLJUTlDFiCULL1q_6tUZhyEzaDGITksKdP-l-5LSu7JUcCxHlJK2-MIXyb-mFYOnE/s1600-h/Web+P1010796.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217473961331071666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb-RxfTEZwjomLQB0f05ntzizJ6qeLL32Xth7AFGPHgf19maWxkXrrb4YnCT16WAM8ptaVSus4OWLJUTlDFiCULL1q_6tUZhyEzaDGITksKdP-l-5LSu7JUcCxHlJK2-MIXyb-mFYOnE/s320/Web+P1010796.jpg" width="278" border="0" /></a>At the SAG stop, everyone seemed “done in”, including John who decided to nap but to no avail since his eyes had barely closed before he was told to get up and get going.<br /><br />On we went and at one point after seeing rolls of hay for days and days, Amy decided it was time to climb one. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpJ8r-65YrfMswUWHI5f-hKet1kX4JqpP7g8xpqn2CKtJHihCP696FpHwjR9C-0sW7tP2KTzOWAlbJAfaoJ8UnowaxJRYuENyD-YhRnmXJHs0A2r3-4LlOJNSM-ymMBDE9WtgRzAg6ns/s1600-h/Web+P1010800.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217474079657922946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpJ8r-65YrfMswUWHI5f-hKet1kX4JqpP7g8xpqn2CKtJHihCP696FpHwjR9C-0sW7tP2KTzOWAlbJAfaoJ8UnowaxJRYuENyD-YhRnmXJHs0A2r3-4LlOJNSM-ymMBDE9WtgRzAg6ns/s320/Web+P1010800.jpg" border="0" /></a>She is an adventuresome sort.<br /><br />Finally, we rolled into the outskirts of St. Joseph, MO. We really did think we were close to ending the day but we missed a turn, climbed 3 more hills and came to a stop at a street that wasn't on our cue sheet. Again, lost. While trying to figure out where we were, a very pleasant woman, who had been working in her garden, came over to help. After her explanation, we were still perplexed so she climbed in her car and led us back to where we had missed the turn. This really is the “show me” state. We don't know her name but we thank her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RYMD4cfvh-bt3kw24S_8nnF9QhMDJ54cbukSgA0CcH8AQDAFIsEoxB9VO8f9KgSxxQdwBHVAOhDZ0A14gmDmvM0Rz7E73JXNHIZ7XImHcFzSaTCtePPy_JSwraD9mP9LRZTd1XCsp5g/s1600-h/Web+P1010801.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217474177540223602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RYMD4cfvh-bt3kw24S_8nnF9QhMDJ54cbukSgA0CcH8AQDAFIsEoxB9VO8f9KgSxxQdwBHVAOhDZ0A14gmDmvM0Rz7E73JXNHIZ7XImHcFzSaTCtePPy_JSwraD9mP9LRZTd1XCsp5g/s320/Web+P1010801.jpg" border="0" /></a>Within a few miles of the motel, a couple, Jerry and Sandra had previously ridden with America By Bicycle, had set up a SAG stop. The lemonade, which John is becoming addicted to, was delicious.<br /><br />Tomorrow, a rest day. We both feel we need it.<br /><br />We will try to think of something for the blog tomorrow.<br /><br />Thanks as always for your continuing prayers and good vibes.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444670340345754262.post-82116574018125145992008-06-28T17:49:00.000-07:002008-06-28T17:57:08.201-07:00June 28, Day 28June 28, Day 28<br />Abilene to Topeka, KS<br />Mileage: 108.7<br />Weather: Iffy in the morning but great as the day progressed<br /><br />Dear All,<br /><br />OK, OK maybe were a bit off with respect to Kansas, at least the eastern part of KS. Todays ride although long was delightful and could have been in Western NY or PA. Rolling hills which required a bit of effort but unlike the mountains the hills weren't long.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyHV0sXpvgwd9XbDGor-cVzrxNMZViwGu58HppWxyPCNcMRsQ7GhKc57SkFJlmctkCRFPYO0YO20DYxyo6Ov7n61Bezar83ZhO86mS1LS-VOZaAyOuJiM_qntKiOSV2aiD5Xk-lknLRo/s1600-h/Web+P1010740.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217099392496257618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyHV0sXpvgwd9XbDGor-cVzrxNMZViwGu58HppWxyPCNcMRsQ7GhKc57SkFJlmctkCRFPYO0YO20DYxyo6Ov7n61Bezar83ZhO86mS1LS-VOZaAyOuJiM_qntKiOSV2aiD5Xk-lknLRo/s320/Web+P1010740.jpg" border="0" /></a>The day started with overcast skies and as we rolled out of the motel the rain fell although not hard. But, because all of you good people have been praying just the right prayers to the weather gods, within an hour the rain jackets were off and the skies began to clear. The best rider in the group, George, from Frisco, CO, hates riding in the rain so much that most of us believe that he hermetically seals himself against the rain. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesnYWX_Iuzkep-BVrfhlEHoRjjFOncSYHxHz66NByrH8Fr4qCrYCM8SPxFv4HHJkQ4RJFOmNMWHS93t_kxpkzD6twT9f8hKz0Sw9C6TE67hG39JBSMZDdGCaz8L_AGheXBsL20lIWrMc/s1600-h/Web+P1010741.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217099489307281058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesnYWX_Iuzkep-BVrfhlEHoRjjFOncSYHxHz66NByrH8Fr4qCrYCM8SPxFv4HHJkQ4RJFOmNMWHS93t_kxpkzD6twT9f8hKz0Sw9C6TE67hG39JBSMZDdGCaz8L_AGheXBsL20lIWrMc/s320/Web+P1010741.jpg" border="0" /></a>It actually looks like he's heading out to clean up a toxic site.<br /><br />At the 10 mile mark we were to cross what were described as Bad RR Tracks. What makes railroad tracks bad (for you non bikers) is that they are frequently not at a right angle to the road meaning that the rider goes over them at an an other than at a right angle. Trust us that's dangerous. We always try to adjust our ride to take the tracks at as close to a right angle as possible and we slow down. But no matter how cautious one tries to be RR tracks are still dangerous. We learned that today when three of the very best riders in the group went down, two of the HARD. Again, helmets proved their worth when one of the riders head obviously hit the pavement since there was clearly a ding in the helmet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4bg00HzLP2QD471DYOGVunBASULjDLF7q-5HZDvVdndzDTUYrhGwH8wHUkZf6mrbyY9IdBVdvuChb-ziKYFDNobezg0TO7635t-jjHM2zY35fgT1OwBGuqYeeVYy1McGdHE1GXIR2yc/s1600-h/Web+P1010758.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217099614772713234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4bg00HzLP2QD471DYOGVunBASULjDLF7q-5HZDvVdndzDTUYrhGwH8wHUkZf6mrbyY9IdBVdvuChb-ziKYFDNobezg0TO7635t-jjHM2zY35fgT1OwBGuqYeeVYy1McGdHE1GXIR2yc/s320/Web+P1010758.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our first SAG was in White City. Now it might be difficult for most of you to recognize that in eastern KS you can in fact be a City with only 800 souls residing in the place, but that is the case. As we rolled into “town”, Amy made the comment that the place looked a little down around the mouth with a number of boarded up building down Main St. (we thank it's not only Main St,, but the only street). Low and behold White City is in the midst of a renaissance of sorts with a growing population. Apparently there is a military base nearby and families are moving there wanting their kids to grow up in a small town. Well, they found one.<br /><br />We rolled on with ever increasing steepness to the hills, but they really were sort of a welcome relief from the days and days in western KS where the road did nothing but go straight and never went up or down. Today there were curves in the road. Yup, real curves where you could actually lean you bike into a turn.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrrVTZ-nxboq0EbkzBwNkA9BxnLaZ7s7mrbDmEgK9NJ4FtKv8TYP0ggalRUQErm5hMdAq3PZjSaWhsHvlbxQN0Ip9SM0x2e11xfa_OCb9bQwxCLBjVgz9tJ-0XYqU-xXDef4IBMU-9u0/s1600-h/Web+P1010763.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217099745707424514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrrVTZ-nxboq0EbkzBwNkA9BxnLaZ7s7mrbDmEgK9NJ4FtKv8TYP0ggalRUQErm5hMdAq3PZjSaWhsHvlbxQN0Ip9SM0x2e11xfa_OCb9bQwxCLBjVgz9tJ-0XYqU-xXDef4IBMU-9u0/s320/Web+P1010763.jpg" border="0" /></a>At one point we stopped for water and there was a small cemetery. There was one headstone that was just a tad unusually so John had to take a picture. It clearly represents the final resting place of a cowboy who died with his boots on.<br /><br />At the 72 mile mark we stopped at a little cafe across from Lake Wabaunsee. Apparently this Lake is a spot that people from Topeka and Kansas City come to vacation. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oeiJa9Ihv8LNB8Y86jj_giRevDji1REWLwe5HqHW80Dq-9NHMNEO-Z-OlYkQTFeAuCv8VYz-1B5nzfNsy-KBkZlZ5ozcUZw24r2he0soIltpgGbSafEGtXZ9NAICTuwkyjbrvYMFqts/s1600-h/Web+P1010771.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217099881712073490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oeiJa9Ihv8LNB8Y86jj_giRevDji1REWLwe5HqHW80Dq-9NHMNEO-Z-OlYkQTFeAuCv8VYz-1B5nzfNsy-KBkZlZ5ozcUZw24r2he0soIltpgGbSafEGtXZ9NAICTuwkyjbrvYMFqts/s320/Web+P1010771.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's cute although by Western NY standards the lake is pretty small. We learned, however, from a local that the lake area was a German prisoner of war camp during WW II. The building across from our cafe was the mess hall and the smaller buildings were the barracks. Again, according to the local guy, the prisoners built a dam and actually increased the size of the lake. Pretty interesting.<br /><br />As we came close to the 100 mile mark we found an interesting sculpture. As you can see it is a bunch of really messed up bicycles. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiv3mgZXBlvM1xEWoX8506qVGsz_CPcHaVyhJINVIvhZ5j5Vrz8dvcBHElXMV-p5SV5766tdEITwsWZnuAn3tIy3oOryIcvIw5z_6vlvr-OPjSnt1JA-V_6xQIZR02SLItu1nzAPG7iI/s1600-h/Web+P1010776.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217100005127414898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiv3mgZXBlvM1xEWoX8506qVGsz_CPcHaVyhJINVIvhZ5j5Vrz8dvcBHElXMV-p5SV5766tdEITwsWZnuAn3tIy3oOryIcvIw5z_6vlvr-OPjSnt1JA-V_6xQIZR02SLItu1nzAPG7iI/s320/Web+P1010776.jpg" width="279" border="0" /></a>We worried about the riders, but upon reflection we assumed that it was simply one man's attempt at art. Not bad.<br /><br />The day ended with a smile on our face. All century rides are hard, but this is one we would do again in a heartbeat. It had everything.<br /><br />Thanks for reading and your prayers (to the weather gods and for our safety). Keep sending the good vibes. Don't forget the comments.<br /><br />Amy and JohnJohn and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842584613667736408noreply@blogger.com1