Yesterday I woke Barb up at 530 as she said she will sleep through anything. We were both ready to ride at 635. It was a great 69 degrees with overcast skies. Oh what a beautiful morning for a bike ride. We enjoyed the cool temps and overcast skies till about 10 AM when the sun came out and we could feel the heat starting to roll in.
Our ride was up and down rolling hills today. The roads were fairly good but no shoulders so we were riding on the road and had to watch for cars in back and in front. One driver past us very close and almost pushed the oncoming car into the ditch. It was scary to watch. Some drivers have no concept of how to pass cyclists. If there is no one coming moving over completing to the other lane is much appreciated. If there is oncoming traffic waiting to pass till traffic is clear is also appreciated. Some drivers are so impatient they have to pass us even when there is on coming traffic coming very close to us. They would never do this if we were vehicles but being cyclists we don't seem to matter to some drivers. Some even dare to see how close they can get to us by not moving over at all and just staying in their lane, traveling at their normal speeds, just weezing past us. Our rearview mirrors are really critical in alerts us to traffic coming from behind and sensing if there will be any close calls.
Our ride went fairly well till about mile 65 when the weariness of the long day and rolling hills were starting to take their toll on me. My left big toe started to go numb. We stopped at our SAG stop were Connie and Roger Zystra were graciously handing out snacks and ice cold water. I took some ice to put into my sandal so I could cool down my hot foot again. It seems after about 60 miles and in the heat my feet over heat and I need to get out off my bike, out of my sandals and put ice or cold water on them.
Once I got feeling in my toe, I told Barb lets get her done as we had 15 miles to go. About 5 miles down the road we past Gilead and they had a sign out that said "There is a balm in Gilead" We took a picture.
As we started up we noticed dark clouds in the distance and lightening in the sky. Both of us decided to needed to push hard to try to beat the storm. We thought we could beat it but the rain cascaded down on us in buckets. We could hardly see the road and I was afraid cars would have a hard time seeing us. I said to Barb we need to find shelter to get out of the rain and away from the lightening. I saw a farm up head tore into the driveway and noticed an open garage door. I barreled in thinking Barb was right behind. She wasn't. I went back out into the rain to find Barb under a tree and told her there was a garage we could get in out of the rain. She asked if we had permission, I said no not yet but I would ask. When we got into the garage we parked our bikes and went to the door to ask permission. The lady so no we could not stay in the garage, but we could come into the house. She asked what she could get for us and immediately went to get some towels so we could dry ourselves off. Her son was just leaving and her husband was busy at the stove doing come canning it seemed. He seemed a little leery of 2 strange women barging into his kitchen like to drowned rats. He told us his son had seen us tear into the garage out of the rain. They wondered who we were and what in the world we were doing out in the rain storm. We had to be a little crazy from their perspective. Barb started sparing with the old man and they immediately connected. The sparing went on for 45 minutes. We started at the first mat and the lady keep telling us to come in further. Eventually we ended up at the kitchen table being fed fresh bread with butter and cheese and dill pickles that the old man had made. Their names were Robert (Bob) and Elba Schutz married 59 years. She was originally from Puerto Rico. Very dear couple that enjoyed joking around with each other. Lots of interesting stories from them. They told us they make 100 jars of pickles every year and give lots way. He puts one jalapeno into each jar which gives the pickles a bite. By the time the rain stopped and we were ready to leave, we had their address and they had ours. We also got a tour to their bedroom as there was a brick wall in there that was the remnant of their century old home that ad burned and they wanted to show us their neat sanctuary. It was very nice. We felt like old friends by the time we left and Barb carried pickles, cheese and cucumbers in her pack back to camp. What a delightful visit and in the middle of the storm. It made our day.
We arrived in camp about 130. We are camped in the city park in Fairbury. The town also opened up the community center for cyclists could sleep in as more rain was predicted for the night and Sunday. The locals are delighted with the rain where as the cyclists could do with out it. We now have had some sort of rain everyday for over a week. Sudden rain storms come up that last minutes or an hour. We have not had a full day of rain for which we are thankful. This will probably come as we head further east.
So as I am finishing up this blog, Susan and John have prepare a breakfast of fresh cinnamon rolls, frittata, coffee and juice. Music is playing in the background. Oh how soothing and relaxing the morning is. God knew we needed this and it refreshes our bodies and spirit. Phil has finished his blog covering a number of days and I will be signing off the enjoy the delicious breakfast prepared.
May you too have a day of blessings and joy as God refreshes and renew your body and spirit today the Lord's day.
Until tomorrow. I did look at next weeks route and the mile and hills we need to climb. Will see how my body handles all the hills over the next week. I may be SAGging part of the way several days. I am not ready to be fully spent each day.
Daily Stats from yesterday
Distance75.78 mi
2 comments:
It looks like you're starting to perk up again after a grueling week of riding. I love reading your blogs especially your stories about your travels such as the one in this blog and seeing the pictures. FYI - Sea to Sea 2013 will bed coming through my area on August 9th. I'm hoping to be somewhere on the route to wave you guys on. Glad bless you richly as you keep peddling on.
A Sunday to remember... Rest up for Iowa. The Lord is with you, always.
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