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JULY 10 CHAMPAGNE IN CHAMPAIGN"You never know what is up ahead", that should be the slogan of this biking group. When you are on a 100 mile bike trip--as we were today from Springfield to Champaign, IL--you often meet the unexpected. Sometimes it's weather, or a problem with your bike (like flat #8), or you miss a turn and go a few miles out of your way...today, the road turned to mud and we carried our bikes through 2 construction sites. We then turned to the locals to help us find a detour to get us back on course. Of course it all worked out well, and we had a few laughs grumbling about all the mud in our cleats. I had so much mud on my shirt they called me "pig pen", like the guy in the Charlie Brown cartoons.
Shortly thereafter, Dan (CA) and I were riding together talking about the bike rides he has been on--many--and what his favorite bike trip had been (not including this one)... Answer: New Zealand with Backroads. Dan's sister had emailed Meg to mention a nickname for Dan. It was "DRC" his initials, which stand for Daniel Randell Crandell. That got a few laughs at route rap last night. Maybe Dan's parents didn't have access to the Baby Book of Names when Dan was born. I had mentioned that Joyce (MA) has a trainer at the Carmichael Training School (Lance's coach). She told us that she would call the trainer and ask what we could all do to maintain our biking fitness level at the end of this trip. She called and got this answer: "When you reach New Hampshire put the bike away for a week and relax"... Sounds good. "Then", the trainer said "get back on it and RIDE TO SAN FRANCISCO!" Not a chance! Gerard, our favorite Frenchman, celebrated his 50th birthday today. He said that in France one celebrates this milestone at a big party with the family, and that WE are like family to him. He bought several--actually many--bottles of Champagne (French naturally) and a cake which we all shared in the hotel lobby after dinner. Mason's girlfriend is visiting and joined us as well. Champagne in Champaign.
The 103 mile ride today was like a composite of different segments. The morning speed, the mud and detour, great SAG stops at Lincoln's log cabin and at a cemetary at mile 68, the afternoon heat, the afternoon headwind for the last 20 miles---all made for an interesting ride. Not an EASY ride by any means--a century day never is--but we all had a lot to talk about when it was over. We are staying in Champaign/Urbana, where the great University of Illinois is located. GO ILLINI. Tomorrow it will be GO HOOSIERS! - Bill
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Contact Bill now at bill@bikingwithbill.org |
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