Day 4-Richmond IN to Marysville OH.  Another beautiful day to ride a bicycle in America.  Today's trek was a mere 104 miles but with all the construction it resulted in anywhere from 109-114.  My bike computer registered 112.  Now folks, that's a lot of miles for an old timer like me.  Especially since we averaged over 17 mph for the entire trip.  The weather was in the high 80's but we had a favorable wind.  Describing the scenery was be an exercise in redundancy since it was mile after mile of corn and bean fields.  We encountered two major road blockages.  The first one we were able to take our bikes across and help each other up the embankment.  That officially does not disqualify anyone from attaining EFI.  At the second one, there was no bridge and to go across would involve trying to navigate an interstate route.  Wasn't going to happen.  So, the support staff googled a detour which increased the mileage to the numbers above.  This particular post will be rather short since I am in recovery mode and we bike 97 miles tomorrow with some severe climbs.  Looking forward to it. 

Me with Tony, Tom and Harry

Construction detour-notice the equipment.  The only one to use for such projects.

Helping the bikers across the raven

Riding through Amish country.  They do not like to be photographed to I got this from the backside

My distance today

Day 3 Champaign to Boston.  Another great day for riding a bicycle across Indiana.  The weather was perfect with high 80's and a favorable wind.  Todays venture started in Indy and ended in Richmond Indiana: a total of 75 miles.  Nothing exceptional in terms of landscape but as we passed one particular farm a pungent smell emanated from the property.  I asked my fellow British riders if they knew what the smell was.  They assured me they did but I had to explain that the nasty fecal odor was the "smell of money".  They understood the implication and we rode on.
The unique circumstance of our trip today was the amount of construction we had to detour around. (I think that's redundant but what the heck)  While they presented little problem for me, the riders attempting EFI would absolutely ride the detour route as opposed to walking their bikes across the construction site as many of us did.   So, it was interesting watching Harry riding every detour and in one instance created his own.  EFI baby!
The highlight for me was the stop we made in the small burg of Hagerstown.  As we rode through it looked a ghost town.  Very few people were visible.  In fact Tom stated "you could roll a bowling ball down the street and not hit anybody." Spying this unique café our group stopped for some refreshments.  Various coffee and soft drinks were available so we took our time, consumed our beverage at a leisurely rate and talked with the staff member.  After an extended stay, we were once again down the road.  Arriving at the hotel I needed to give my bike a good cleaning and lubricating.  Also, I had to have my gears and rear cassette adjusted because I was having problems as they were skipping quite often.  Larry, the mechanic and general organizer resolved the issue and I am very grateful.  Here's why. 
The "vacation" is over.  For the next three days we will ride over 90 miles each day and, in fact, tomorrow is 104 miles with severe climbing.  Looking forward to the challenge.

Me, Mitzy, herdaughter, Harry, Tony and Bob.

Lounge Café.  Iconic old coffee lounge.

A shout out to Willie

Tried to trade for that cool customized motorcycle.  Cycle owner turned down the offer.

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.