This was destined to be another 'Sunday club run' as it was a beautiful morning and the distance was not enormous, so after the 'I had a bath in Champaign last night' jokes had died away the 3 of us were ready to leave. Sadly we had to shake hands with Rob and say goodbye as he was taking his broken collar bone back to Philadelphia. A quick photo by Diane and we were off. However we only got about 3 miles when we were confronted by a level crossing straddled by a huge train. Others that had started some time before us were stuck there and shouting at the driver appeared to be having little effect. We waited a while and then decided to go around which we did successfully, but when we got to the road the other side of where the train had been the crossing was clear - sod's law. We had added Amy and John to the ranks and later picked up Sue. I led up to the first SAG at 30 miles and it was strange, but very nice, to see Diane there taking photos. The SAG was adjacent to a cemetery and I wondered if a theme was developing.
I led out again from the SAG and we just rode at a steady pace on a lovely morning along back roads that were quiet and well paved. Steve spent a good deal of time trying to explain the rules of cricket to John, an American from Buffalo, so it was amusing to listen in. We crossed into Indiana and the uasual photo were taken at the sign, including Amy with The Hotshots!! The scenery was pretty and didn't change much, flat with lots of enormous corn fields whispering in the slight breeze (poetic beyond).
The second SAG at 59 miles was in the little town of Veedersburg and was near a nice restaurant that Diane had already found and she was giving a test run to a BLT and crisps!! It sold fruit pies and we were tempted, but still had a way to go.
The 6 of us stuck together and entering Waynetown was another photo op. Finally got into Crawfordsville and as Amy was our protected rider we led her out to within a couple of hundred yards of the hotel then set her off on the sprint for the line so she could win the stage - great. When we got there I realised that I had led for about 80 miles, most of the ride. After dinner we had a couple of 'Sam Adams' beverages with Alan, Steve and Al (Diane had tea). It had been a good day, John had improved his knowledge of cricket, which should come in handy, and Amy had ridden faster than before and enjoyed it.
Today's distance was 83.8 miles.
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3 comments:
Yo Yo Wayne-O this is Cardiff calling.
Enjoying the blog as ever, strange to read about Mum being in the US of A!! Would of loved to have seen your face when she turned up, fair play she bought cake as well. Good effort.
Can't believe how far you have ridden and there is only a relatively short distance to go. Keep taking the photos and savouring every single minute.
We're missing you loads and can't wait to see you at the end of the month.
As ever.... KEEP ON TRUCKING :)
Lots of love,
Huw and EJ
xx
Hi Wayne,
Just got back from our trip to Atlanta & caught up on your blog. Amazing number of miles you've covered! Delighted to hear that Diane made it for your birthday - we wondered why she wasn't answering the phone at home! Keep up the miles, the blog & the photos. They make us feel a part of your experience. We want to know if you'll be flying (& therefore not to ride with you) or exhausted when you get back home?
Best wishes, Bil & Pam
Hi there. Glad that you had a good time with Diane on your birthday. Quite a surprise eh! The black completed line now looks much smaller than the to do bit so well done and keep on going.
Love Jan
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