Fabulous day for riding a bicycle.   My route today was a serpentening  jaunt through eastern Indiana from Crawsford to Indy as we trek our way to Boston.    It was only 60 miles, the weather was great with favorable winds. While it was somewhat hilly in places, it was nothing compared to what I will experience in the coming days.   I rode with Harry, Tony, Tom and happy to say they did not leave me in their dust as I suspect they could if they had wanted.  The scenery was redundant with miles of corn and bean fields interspersed with the occasional wooded  areas.  Nothing of note to describe here but we did have our first puncture. Note I did not say flat tire.  The British contingent have convinced me that a tire punctures thus causing the flat.  I like the logic so I am adopting that nomenclature.  Punctures are not uncommon but what was unique was after the repair and we were on the road, no more than 100 yards down the road,  the same tire flatted again.  As we were repairing it one of the SAG vans happened by, stopped, and we used a regular tire pump to inflate the tire resulting in a successful end to the trip.  At the end of the day a long time friend from high school , Brian, who is home from England for an extended stay, with his brother-in-law Dale, took me to a sports bar to help in the recovery and rehydration process.   Again a great day to ride across America. 

Strawberry festival in Crawsfordsville In.

Riding with the racehorses.

Repairing puncture

Wood of eastern Indiana

Big adventure started today.  80 mile ride from Champaign to Crawsfordsville In.  Many of the 09 riders are attending.  Jim, Willie, Harry, Tom, Darrel, Jack, and myself.  Good fortune as the weather could have not have been better.   Started out at 60 degrees and made it up to 80.  The wind,  while it was in our face, was slight so all it did was cool us off so we would not overheat as we rode. Perfect blue skies and mile after mile of corn and bean fields.  The early going was fast and furious.  The race horses stayed with the pack until about half way between Champaign and Danville then quickly separated themselves from the rest.  My attempt to keep up was a foolish attempt at being macho but was quickly squashed.  Western Indiana does have some hills but none so severe the were much of a challenge.  Even still it was a splendid ride and I am glad I decided to do this.  Now the good news,  no injuries, accidents or near misses.  My hope is the rest of the ride will be like this.  Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned

                                                   Tom and me at the start.  It was dress your helmet day.

The group at the start of the day-Dress your helmet day

Still one of my all time favorite signs outside a town

Not much diversity in the landscape so this was the best I could do.

Tomorrow begins my bicycle ride from Champaign to Boston. A reminder for those interested, the book signing is tomorrow from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Drury Inn on north Prospect.
Wish me luck and favorable weather with the winds at my back.  Stay tuned!

 In my training ride to Champaign yesterday (training for the Champaign to Boston ride) I got a flat tire just north of Bloomington on route 150. Having changed flats about a gazillion times, well maybe not that many but I could do it blindfolded, this would be a piece of cake. After replacing the tube I began filling it with CO2. I use the cartridges because it i...s usually very quick. The first one malfunctioned so I used another. It also malfunctioned. I had one left so I was about to call my emergency rescurer (the lovely Veronica) when a motorist stopped.
"You okay? You need any help?" the lady in the car inquired.
Knowing the answer before I even asked I replied "yea, do you have a bike pump?" The chances of someone stopping with a bike pump were slim to none.
"Sure, it's in my trunk."
WHAT, WHAT, WHAT? I was amazed. LIterally. This was impossible!!
She then opened the trunk of her auto and, sure enough, a large standing bicycle pump, with a gage, similar to the one I use at home was smiling at me.
After inflating my tire to it's proper level, I thanked the kind lady profusely and continued down the road.
As I was riding I was still bewildered at my good luck. First, what were the chances that anyone would stop (actually 3 motorist inquired if I needed help) and secondly of those who would stop how many carry a standing bicycle pump in the trunk of the car? They are not strong enough to inflate a car tires. I did ask and Christine, the driver who stopped, said she had used it earlier that day on her bike and was taking it to her house. Talk about luck!! Maybe I should go to the gambling boat. Anyway, a feel good story from my biking experience.

Continue training rides in preparation for the ride to Boston.  This weekend included riding the hills of southern Illinois; Carbondale to Anna.  Nice and hilly.  This week weather looks gloomy with rain predicted almost every day.  Riding on my trainer in the basement or at the rec center will be my alternative training sites.  Looking forward to the beginning of the ride.

Three weeks before Champaign to Boston ride.  Following Jim Lyle's blog and today they are in Holbrook Az.  They had a rest day in Flagstaff yesterday and Jim shares  many of his pictures.  Brought back many memories from our ride in 09.  Last week's training was mostly hills.  Did the Freddie Hill, Macinaw Hill and the two mile Germantown Hills hill.  I still haven't dropped into the last of the "granny" gears, so I think I getting close to being ready.  Looking forward to meeting those folks in Champaign.   

Tuesday was my second century in about two weeks.   Getting close to the Champaign to Boston trip.  The cross country group starts in LA on Sunday.  My training rides next week will involve mostly hills.  The steeper the better.  By the time (early June) the group gets to Champaign, I should be ready.  Looking forward to it.