Yesterday we had a very relaxing morning waking up at 6:30 and lounging around eating fluffy pancakes. We were taken over to the build site around 9:00 and worked for a solid 3 hours caulking.
Our hosts were amazing and provided us with bike mechanics. They spent all day working on people's bikes and fitting bikes for those who are experiencing a lot of pain. It was all free of charge!
Today we had a 105 mile ride into Chicago and it was quite enjoyable. We were on great country roads during the morning so we could talk and play games. And we also biked on lots of bike paths which were super relaxing and unstressful.
Coming into the city was fun because we ran into a local who was coming from 90 miles away. He led us into the city and helped us get to the bike path. A couple miles out from our host I got my first flat tire. The worst part was that I got two more flats within the next 5 miles. Finally Sean had to bike to me with another wheel to get me to the host. I examined my tire more fully and found a teeny piece of glass which kept popping my tubes.
Our host is amazing. We are staying in an office building that has a tree house, zip line, incredible bathrooms and showers, and just general cool stuff and design. For dinner we had pizza from Giorganos, I was super happy.
It's funny being in Chicago having lived here. Everyone is so excited but I'm definitely over the urban thing. I am going to try to go hear a swing band tonight and dance but we'll see how my legs hold up.
Today my body held up well with 100 miles. We are so used to biking huge amounts now and I'm getting much more acclimated to being on the bike. The last 20 miles were not even a struggle. The cue sheet helped a lot because there were so many turns and short roads we took, which mixed up re day.
Tommorow we get to wake up at 6:30 and we don't have to leave the city until 11, so we may get a great breakfast.
My camera is lost and a new one is on the way so stay posted for pictures.
Bryn, I sense a change: 105 miles described as "enjoyable"--not being tired the final 20 miles---taking 3 flat tires in stride---going out to hear a band after your longest ride. It seems you are finally acclimating to the rigors of this adventure. I am particularly pleased that you got Giordano's pizza--you had mentioned this as a "must" for your dinner in Chicago. It must have been crazy to see the parts of Chicago that you know so well, from a bike. Glad that your ride is so short today, with other shorter days all the way to Madison--and your first real day OFF of the trip. Love, Mom
ReplyDelete