When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
Then I long for my Indiana home. “Back Home in Indiana Lyrics”

 

Hello everyone,

Today was our 8th state live crossing and it was probably the nicest ride and weather that we have experienced on the trip. The wether was cool and a little foggy when we left this morning from Champaign. However, we had a prevailing tailwind and the terrain was flat to gently rolling. The total ride was about 80 miles and since it was such a nice day, Herm and I decided that we would treat it as “active rest”. Ride easy, enjoy the weather and scenery, take pictures and don’t push too hard.

As I said, it was a very pleasant ride going through many small towns and farm communities. We saw wheat, corn, beans but not as many farm animals as on past days. Most of the small Indian towns have patriotic themes and the people are respectful of the riders.

The only SAG was in Danville around mile 40. In past years, many of the town kids had come out to the park to share our food and possibly get some of the helmet decorations. Alas, they seem to have grown up as none showed up today.

It was helmet decorating day and most of the riders did do simple decorations. I opted for a small stuffed animal, a puppy to sit atop my helmet. I also attached a windmill to my flag and hopefully that will propel me to much greater speeds.

Many of us stopped for lunch at a small dinner in Veedersburg Indiana. We were the only patrons there, but the food was great as was the conversations with about 8 of us there.

We arrived in Crawfordsville later than usual because we took our time and took lots of photos. Crawfordsville is the home of Lew Wallace who wrote the original book that became the movie Ben Hur. He was quite the talent and citizen. I did a little research on him last night since we saw “Home of Ben Hur” on many signs.

Friday’s ride is another short day of about 60 miles to Indianapolis. Some of the riders are going to the factory that makes Zipp wheels (carbon cycling wheels that are very expensive). I will probably forgo the trip since I am very tired from lack of sleep and need to do some laundry.

My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Andi today. She has helped me quite a bit over the years and I consider her a good friend. Received a message that her mother passed away and I know that she is hurting today.

Tailwinds

Chuck