(photos: bluebird box on fence post in blooming prairie at Lake Farm Park; house in Evansville; welcome sign in Beloit)Woke up early at the hotel, but it didn't take long to pack. We ate the breakfast provided by the Holiday Inn and drove back to the campsite in time to grab a cue sheet. Another century day - 100 miles. The route was filled with twists and turns - the longest straight segment being just 9 miles. Outside the Madison city limits, I spied a McDonald's. Went inside to use the restroom and to pack my camelbak with ice and water. That done, I felt set for the day - or at least a big portion of it.
Reached Evansville (mile 40) and took a few photos of the well-kept homes. Nice town. Thought about a 2nd breakfast but didn't see a spot that lured me in and so decided to go on. Reached Orfordville to find that a couple of Big Rider alums (Bob and Liz) had set up a rest stop of us. Coffee, pastries, fresh fruit and other treats were spread out on several tables at a local park. Thanks for being there for us!
Rode on to Beloit, crossed the state line, and found our rest stop outside the Boys and Girls Club in South Beloit. Met up with Chuck there. The two of us packed our sandwiches and headed out. Directions on the cue sheet failed around the 80 mile mark. We asked for help from a local who was driving by and got us back on course. But we were running on vapors by this point. Lurched into Garden Prairie. Our only food option appeared to be the Prairie Pub. Parked the bikes and went inside. Nearly pitch dark (oh - maybe I should take off my sunglasses). The place was empty of customers - 'cept for us. The woman behind the bar gladly served us ice water, then sodas, then hamburgers. We had simply waited too long on this hot day of riding to take in some calories. The stop really made a difference - allowing us to get back on the road and ride at a respectable pace. Made it to the campsite - Outdoor World! - by mid-afternoon. Unfortunately, the gear truck was undergoing repairs and didn't show until 5:30.
Carlos, Sandy and Chona Frum drove all the way from Northbrook to take me to dinner. They arrived in the wake of the gear truck and kindly offered to pitch my tent while I showered. We then left Outdoor World for the expanse and dining options of greater Belvidere and Rockford. Had a fine time eating, talking about the Ride and catching up on family news. Enjoyed a treat at Culver's and all too soon it was time to say our goodbyes and for me to return to the World of the Big Ride.
Discovered laundry facilities and did a load to stretch my supply of clean clothes. Crawled into my fabric abode around 10pm, to rest up for the next day's century ride - the third of three in as many days.
No comments:
Post a Comment