Hoosier Hospitality is no lie

Hello everyone,

I am going to combine the 3 days of cycling from Champaign Illinois that took us across the Indiana state line and almost across the entire state. For the most part, we have had very good weather although it is starting to get hot and the humidity feels like it is picking up as well. The terrain is mostly flat to rolling and the winds for the most part have been favorable. These were all shortish days although we have picked up a few extra miles due to detours along the way. WE are passing through some small and memorable towns but the back roads have had some heavy traffic particularly some big trucks.

On the first day to Crawfordsville, we had our helmet decorating non contest before the start and I had bought a little toy animal that looked like mogwai from the movie Gremlins. It made sounds and flashed its eyes and was a big hit. Ted had all the state maps we were to visit and Lois made her helmet look like Medusa. All in al most of the riders took some pain putting their helmet ideas together. After the contest, Mac adopted my pet and it has become our mascot. I think Larry was getting into the van late one night and it talked to him and gave him a little start.

We crossed another state line and had the ritual sand tossing and photo taking. It was an 80 mile day and now that seems pretty short. We stopped for pie in a small store in Hillsboro Indiana. I think about half of the tables were filled and most of he guest were talking among the tables. We were quickly pulled into the conversation. They asked a lot of questions about our ride. One of the diners was also the town sheriff and Howard had his picture taken with him. Another guest picked up the tab for our lunch. It is days like this that make the ride special. Meeting folks along the way who are willing to take time and share our experience.

Instead of eating at the regular restaurant, Sabene and I decided to try one that was down on a small river and locally owned. No one else wanted to join us. It was a pleasant diversion and the scenery was cool.

Day two took us to Indianapolis and we started 2 hours later because it was only 60 miles. We also lost an hour after crossing the state line so I guess we really only started an hour later. Two thirds of the ride into Indianapolis is through farmlands and small towns and then we ride through the suburbs with a lot of traffic. Like all cities, the drivers are in a hurry and we are not tolerated to the same degree as the farmers treat us. No incidents but since there were a lot of detours and road construction we often blocked traffic for a bit and one could tell some of the drivers were none too happy. Howard, Lou, Kevin M and I stopped for Starbucks and lunch about 7 miles from the end and lingered there for quite some time talking about some old movies like Father of the Bride. Kevin’s daughter is preparing for her wedding and it seems they are getting quite expensive.

We had dinner at a Thai restaurant and it was pretty good.

The ride to Richmond was a good day as the wind was again in our favor but the heat was definitely picking up particularly later in the day. Sabene took off and the rest of us chased her to the first SAG at mile 34. We saw some Amish folks out and about in their wagons later in the day. It seems the Wright brothers spent some of their younger years in Richmond and maybe even had a bike shop here or in Dayton.

Near the hotel in Richmond, I caught up with Rick and Mary Beale and we had lunch at an Italian place before getting into the hotel. It was getting pretty hot by then.

At Route Rap. we played a joke on Howard. Perhaps you recall that Howard had relayed a story about hime racing up the Alps and being overtaken by a dude wearing a full Elvis get-up. He was sweating profusely and passed Howard with apparent ease. When Howard came down to Rout Rap. we were all sitting there with Elvis wigs and glasses and we had quite a laugh. I will post a photo later if someone shares one. This was the same hotel, I think that we all wore mustaches in 2012.

Dinner was at Bob Evans and tomorrow we ride 104 miles and get into Ohio.

Thanks for reading

~Chuck