Hello everyone,

 

Sorry for the late post but I have had 2 busy and very hard days. First thing, I didn’t remember all the climbing in the first part of the Springfield ride. Two years ago, we were delayed for several hours due to thunderstorms. We left after 10:00am but had some really good tailwinds.  This year we we had headwinds all ay and it make it much harder.  I think that I started with my rain jacket as there was a possibility of rain and it was cooler.

We hit the first sag at John Wood Community College . I remember the SAG there2 years ago and the friendly staff in the collie who let us use the restrooms. The school was not in session and t is in a rural area so there was no traffic. I believe that everyone was at the SAG at the same time and that maybe the only time that has happened.

At 46 miles into the ride, we went over the Illinois River. there is no shoulder but the van was there to escort us across the bridge which only has 2 traffic lanes. The bridge is very steep and you have to put on your climbing legs to get over. AT the time, I was ring with Pierre and and we caught Barry and Herm who had stopped at a turn.

The next big destination was the town of Jacksonville and the highlight was a SAG at a DQ around mile 69. Unfortunately, when we got to the SAG, the DQ was shuttered. The SAG food was fine but a few riders were looking forward to shakes and burgers (not me). A co-worker of Pierre was at the SAG to ride with Pierre to Springfield. Elliot has done the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon so he is no cycling slouch. A few miles into the ride Elliot told Pierre that “This ride today is real hard”, due to the headwinds. So it has been day after day.

Most of the ride to Springfield from there was small towns and rural roads until you get into Springfield and then the roads get worse and the traffic congested. The headwinds kept up all day so we did not get much of a respite as we rode into town. You do get sue wind block from buildings but you also are on high alert because of the increased danger from traffic. My Cat-eye showed over 108 miles as I pulled into the Holliday Inn express.

Normally, we have time to get things done, but we were all looking forward to seeing Randy again, meeting his wife Kathy and having dinner at his place. Randy was there for route rap and he looks in good shape and is beginning some rehab on his knee. It sounds like he will need surgery in the offseason but should be raring to go by spring and another shot at a cross country ride. Randy had a van to take us to his lovely home and one one the SAGS brought Tom, Jan and Robin. Kathy and Randy went all out for a nice evening with mice brews, wine, snacks, some great pasta and dessert – ice cream, brownies and multi berries. It was a great evening and we all enjoyed catching up. It was  a memorable evening with some nice folks. Even their dog Henry seemed excited to see us.

A special thanks to Randy and Kathy for a wonderful evening!

Tailwinds

Chuck