Day 33
Day By Day Notes From The Road
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This document updated August 1st, 2004
Belvedere to Coal City Illinois - 103 Miles
By Erwin:
We're getting pretty tired; today was another long day and winds were not favorable. We rode mainly south, skirting by Chicago at about 80 miles from the city; winds were coming from the south-west at about 15 miles/hour. The landscape around us reminded me a lot of Belgium: wide corn fields under a low grey sky.
I have been surprised how much each day is connected to the next: we can still feel the 109 mile day and the 80 mile headwind day of yesterday and the day before in our legs. When the heavy days follow each other, it's much harder to stay fresh.
Despite the fatigue, we had a great day on the bike: we rode through a great route (thanks to our ride director for finding a very rural route around Chicago) and really made pretty good time. We rode together with John, a very strong rider, and we took turns beating into the headwind.
Toward the end of the day, the wind subsided and became more westerly, as our route turned more easterly. Also, the road surface became much better, where it had been abysmal before (which is not so nice for the buttocks).
Tomorrow will bring another 100+ ride. I feel this seven day stretch is the crux of the ride; after this, things will get easier. In La Porte, Indiana (state #9!) a big party organized by a former big rider awaits us, followed by our best friend: the rest day!
By Lucija:
Despite the headwinds and long riding days, we have been lucky in one aspect this week - the weather has been chilly, cloudy, and misty. I rode in long sleeves all day, which is much better than battling the heat on top of all the other challenges. So today we only had to battle the distance and the headwinds. To be honest, John and Erwin battled the headwinds, and I rode behind them like a parasite, clinging on with all my might! In the end we made great progress and got to camp quite early!
Photos:
It's mile 80 and we have helmet hair.