Today was,on paper,the third longest ride of the tour.The third 100+ miles ride,so Elizabeth had some trepidation,when we went down to breakfast.We were soon informed that there was another road problem.An overpass had been closed so there would have to be a diversion,but only an extra 1.7 miles.Very efficiently a new GPS route had been prepared,so I had plenty of time to load this up.Incidentally had an email today confirming that a new GPS unit would arrive at our next hotel,very efficient of Wahoo.
We set off at 07.00 again,but this time with Heinz and Bill and LInda.It was a pleasantly cool morning,only 16°C,with quite a strong North easterly wind.As always the wind seemed to shift during the day,but for the most part it was either a crosswind or quartering on our backs.Some regular ascents at the start to break up the boredom,a following wind,cool sunny weather,and a good road surface,all made for a lovely mornings cycle.More trees and bushes around,plenty of birdsong,much less road kill-heaven on a bicycle.
The heavy rains have meant greatly delayed planting and we passed fields in the same state as those in France when we left in early May.
Or maybe very behind hand.We fairly bowled along to the first stop,refilled the bottles and our bellies and set about the next 46 miles.This stop was in a busy shopping area,lots of cars and as it was nearly 12.00 we sought out a sandwich,and found a slush puppy machine.Two mango flavoured collections of ice were smartly delivered along with a ham and cheese sandwich and a bottle of coke.The trouble was Elizabeth struggled with the ice cold mango and had to let it warm a little before she could ingest the calories.But manage she did although not without saying it was the last slush puppy she would eat/drink at lunchtime.
Somewhere during the day we went over the Illinois River
We set off at 07.00 again,but this time with Heinz and Bill and LInda.It was a pleasantly cool morning,only 16°C,with quite a strong North easterly wind.As always the wind seemed to shift during the day,but for the most part it was either a crosswind or quartering on our backs.Some regular ascents at the start to break up the boredom,a following wind,cool sunny weather,and a good road surface,all made for a lovely mornings cycle.More trees and bushes around,plenty of birdsong,much less road kill-heaven on a bicycle.
The heavy rains have meant greatly delayed planting and we passed fields in the same state as those in France when we left in early May.
Not everything was delayed though,one business was ahead of the game.
Somewhere during the day we went over the Illinois River
That was the good side,the other was all factories.The last 64 Kms were hard going,the shoulder was not good ,the temperature had risen and the wind tended to get in our faces,right in our faces for the last 5 miles.But soon after 15.00 we rolled into the hotel,the room was ready and so was the jacuzzi.
2176 miles completed,one more day to the rest day,and very nearly time for a free beer,as the Drury Suites,in which we are staying, offer 3 free drinks between 17.30 and 19.00-and some salads etc.So our stomachs call...
Counting down to rest days!
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