Day Nine: Peoria, Illinois to Greenville, Illinois. 147.89 miles.
I switched my mantra for the long day to the one Kate mentioned in her comment: punish yourself.
147.89 miles is definitely punishment.
The day started with a detour (our road was closed). We ran a parallel street and when I thought it was safe to return to the original street I made the switch. But the switch was too early and we found ourselves in a series of more road closures or dead ends. So we had to go back the way we came. Ooops. I knew it was going to be a long day and I was kicking myself for taking the group on a .3 mile wild goose chase. Dang it.
And then just a few miles outside of Peoria we were riding parallel to a moving train. But we were moving faster. I took a few moments to marvel at the fact I was slowly passing a train. The road and the tracks curved away from each other and I forgot about the train. But a few miles later the road curved back to the tracks and then across them. The train appeared a few moments before we arrived and we had to wait. I'd tell you how many cars there were, but my OCD of counting trains has gone away. I do know the train was running all 3 front engines and it had a running helping engine at the end. We also had enough waiting time that we were able to meet up with the support vehicle and enjoy a few popsicles. Even though the popsicle was a perfect treat for the warm morning, I was kicking myself again. If I had just stuck with the detour we would have been a few minutes ahead of the train and thus no 10 minute wait. (At 15 miles an hour, 10 minutes means 2.5 miles on a bicycle.) Dang it.
Erik and I rode into and out of Springfield. Since we didn't have an official route through the city and I was in charge of leading Erik out of the city I took a series of lefts and rights based on my own whims. We weren't treated to anything too special, but on MLK a car did drive by with some monster rims. I also thought a lot about Rostenkowski, Illinois toll booths, and Blagojevich. Who wins the corruption battle: Illinois or Louisiana?
And then after lunch (83 miles into the day) everything sort of blurs into a mess of trying to finish.
We arrived in Pawnee, Illinois to discover a building thunderstorm just a few miles away. If I hadn't taken those morning turns, we'd be right in the thick of it. I stopped kicking myself.
We stopped in another town with looming thunderstorms. After a long examination of the clouds involved, we decided we had a window of opportunity and went for it. We made it without getting hit by a single drop of rain.
Somewhere we stopped and put on our headlamps and turned on our blinking rear lights. I put my safety vest on. We kept riding.
We climbed a hill or two or three or more and ended up at a Casey's General Store (read: gas station convenience store) where a lady gave us directions to the church. Her directions involved taking a non-road that led between two school buildings and a few other questionable ideas, but she assured us this was the fastest way and the least likely way we'd get lost. We followed her directions and they led us straight to the church. I shouldn't have doubted.
I entertained the idea of riding my bicycle in circles in the parking lot so I could reach 150 miles for the day, but I fell asleep before I could be moved to action.
I'll settle on 147.89 though I'm looking forward to today's ride. It's supposed to be under 85 miles, plenty of time to stop and smell the roses.
Track 11: The Roots - The Other Side. Life is only a moment in time and it passed by.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
1000 Things To Do Before You Die: #11
#11: Break your personal record for distance covered in a day on a bicycle.
Accomplished: Monday, July 2, 2012.
Half-credit: Rollerblade.
Extra-credit: Don't care about distance and stop to smell more roses instead.
Accomplished: Monday, July 2, 2012.
Half-credit: Rollerblade.
Extra-credit: Don't care about distance and stop to smell more roses instead.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Team 242: Day Eight
Day Eight: Sterling, Illinois to Peoria, Illinois. 90.96 miles.
The morning started with another appearance by Mom and Dad and Nico.
Dave, Becky, and Eaux rode north back to Beloit. And then there were 5 (4 bicyclists) left heading south.
Today was right in my wheelhouse. I didn't hit any homeruns, but today was mainly trails and gravel road.
We started off by crossing the Rock River on the first dam (of two) in Sterling. This brought back memories to both portages I've had around the dam. I (we) portaged left both times (over a half mile portage), but Sterling has made improvements to river right and they've created a much shorter portage (less than 100 feet). Rock River canoeists take note.
The path across the bridge turns into the Hennepin Canal trail and we followed the trail for over 30 miles. The surface turned from crushed limestone to rolling dirt with tree branches strewn everywhere to a paved path and then back to crushed limestone. My riding compatriots were tired of the path by the time we arrived at the end. Erik had a flat.
Just a few miles away from our location, a thunderstorm rumbled. We only received a couple of drops of rain.
We then took some rights and lefts on some Illinois roads. We quickly discovered that on our route any road named County Line Road is a sure bet for gravel. After checking our maps and determining that any reroute would add miles onto the day, we pushed through all the gravel. No spills or flats.
And in Toulon, we took the Rock Island Trail all the way to Peoria. The Rock Island Trail now sits in the Number Two position (lists are important) as prettiest rail-to-trail trail that I've ridden. (It will take something mighty special to bump Elroy-Sparta from the Number One spot).
I love rails to trails. No traffic and a lot more nature.
I love gravel roads. No traffic.
But the downside to what I enjoy: riding trails/gravel is tougher than smooth pavement. And with tomorrow scheduled as a 144 mile day... well, we'll see.
Track 11: The Mountain Goats - Chinese House Flowers. It makes me get all misty because I remember something. And then I see your shadow.
The morning started with another appearance by Mom and Dad and Nico.
Dave, Becky, and Eaux rode north back to Beloit. And then there were 5 (4 bicyclists) left heading south.
Today was right in my wheelhouse. I didn't hit any homeruns, but today was mainly trails and gravel road.
We started off by crossing the Rock River on the first dam (of two) in Sterling. This brought back memories to both portages I've had around the dam. I (we) portaged left both times (over a half mile portage), but Sterling has made improvements to river right and they've created a much shorter portage (less than 100 feet). Rock River canoeists take note.
The path across the bridge turns into the Hennepin Canal trail and we followed the trail for over 30 miles. The surface turned from crushed limestone to rolling dirt with tree branches strewn everywhere to a paved path and then back to crushed limestone. My riding compatriots were tired of the path by the time we arrived at the end. Erik had a flat.
Just a few miles away from our location, a thunderstorm rumbled. We only received a couple of drops of rain.
We then took some rights and lefts on some Illinois roads. We quickly discovered that on our route any road named County Line Road is a sure bet for gravel. After checking our maps and determining that any reroute would add miles onto the day, we pushed through all the gravel. No spills or flats.
And in Toulon, we took the Rock Island Trail all the way to Peoria. The Rock Island Trail now sits in the Number Two position (lists are important) as prettiest rail-to-trail trail that I've ridden. (It will take something mighty special to bump Elroy-Sparta from the Number One spot).
I love rails to trails. No traffic and a lot more nature.
I love gravel roads. No traffic.
But the downside to what I enjoy: riding trails/gravel is tougher than smooth pavement. And with tomorrow scheduled as a 144 mile day... well, we'll see.
Track 11: The Mountain Goats - Chinese House Flowers. It makes me get all misty because I remember something. And then I see your shadow.
Monday, July 2, 2012
1000 Things To Do Before You Die: #10
#10: Ride your bicycle on the Rock Island Trail from Toulon, Illinois to Peoria, Illinois.
Accomplished: Sunday, July 1, 2012.
Half-credit: Walk your bicycle through the barely lit tunnel.
Extra-credit: Continue on the trail from Alta to Peoria without stopping to ask for directions.
Accomplished: Sunday, July 1, 2012.
Half-credit: Walk your bicycle through the barely lit tunnel.
Extra-credit: Continue on the trail from Alta to Peoria without stopping to ask for directions.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Team 242: Day Seven
Day Seven: Beloit, Wisconsin to Sterling, Illinois. 83.25 miles.
I'm going back to just typing little bits and pieces from the day. Bits and pieces:
The Beloit atmosphere from yesterday was very celebratory. Difficult to switch focus back to the idea/goal of 1200 miles still to go until Grand Isle, Louisiana.
Four riders (myself included) will go the full 1800 miles, but instead of immediately losing everyone from earlier in the week, 7 riders stayed on to ride to Sterling with us. They are appreciated this much (I'm holding my left hand here and my right hand in Arizona).
Also appreciated (hands still here and Arizona) is Sandy who lived on one of the main street corners in an Illinois town I can't remember. She offered her shaded yard for our rest stop and invited us inside in case we needed to use the restroom. Plus it was fun watching her smallest dog chase her biggest dog around the backyard. Her middle dog, a pug named Lou, half hid and half barked while under a living room table.
We made a rest stop at the Sugar River on Yale Bridge Road. In addition to the decent memories of parking in the same spot and running under the bridge to get to the trails, a new memory was added. Owenby and I jumped into the river (she's running low) for a refreshing dip. Meanwhile a lady and a guy were wading in the river in the name of science. I talked to the lady: they were testing water quality, pH levels, dissolved oxygen, flow rates, and other fun science things. She did not disapprove (or approve) of Eaux and I playing in the river.
We rode past a field of sunflowers. The beauty of the scene was much better on a bicycle than in a 55 mph car. (Am I becoming a bicycle snob?)
Slovic, Karen, Owenby, and I missed an official rest stop in Pecatonica. We stopped at a grocery store instead. Owenby purchased a chicken breast, a leg, and biscuits and gravy. I bought a brat and 3 cartons of chocolate milk. Slovic bought a Mexi-Coke and used the side of the volunteer fire department building as his bottle opener.
Owenby and I briefly went off route in Pecatonica. We stopped by the Eckburg homestead or better known as the place where Breakfast of Insanity happens. Dale and Sue were not home.
In one continual stream of Harley rumble, Owenby and I were passed by tens and tens (and a few more tens) of motorcycles. Nobody wore a helmet (except the two of us), but most waved or gave fisted salutes.
A motorcycle rider looking for directions thanked us and wished us well with, "Keep it on two wheels."
Becky can not get any motorcyclists to wave to her and doesn't understand why they've been so friendly towards me. I'm guessing my beard is better than hers.
Northern Illinois is not flat.
I had my first (and second and third and fourth) donut of the trip. (Thanks to Matty J.)
Not to lessen the degree of hospitality provided by the other churches we have stayed at, but First Presbyterian in Sterling, Illinois went above and beyond nice. The desserts (all homemade) were delicious. And getting to talk to members of the church about their own bicycle adventures (along with their railroad employment experience) has been a top highlight of the trip.
In fact tomorrow (Sunday), the church is sponsoring their own Ride Your Bike To Church event.
The best part of the day... Mom and Dad Poetzl made an appearance in Sterling (they drove north from Houston). Plus they brought Nico. I haven't seen Nico in a few weeks and she was enthusiastically jumping in excitement to see me. She was upset to see me leave, but she immediately returned to her unconditional love. (If only we could learn and actually apply the life lessons taught to us by our dogs.)
Track 11. Jonsi - Grow Till Tall. They all, in the end, will fall.
I'm going back to just typing little bits and pieces from the day. Bits and pieces:
The Beloit atmosphere from yesterday was very celebratory. Difficult to switch focus back to the idea/goal of 1200 miles still to go until Grand Isle, Louisiana.
Four riders (myself included) will go the full 1800 miles, but instead of immediately losing everyone from earlier in the week, 7 riders stayed on to ride to Sterling with us. They are appreciated this much (I'm holding my left hand here and my right hand in Arizona).
Also appreciated (hands still here and Arizona) is Sandy who lived on one of the main street corners in an Illinois town I can't remember. She offered her shaded yard for our rest stop and invited us inside in case we needed to use the restroom. Plus it was fun watching her smallest dog chase her biggest dog around the backyard. Her middle dog, a pug named Lou, half hid and half barked while under a living room table.
We made a rest stop at the Sugar River on Yale Bridge Road. In addition to the decent memories of parking in the same spot and running under the bridge to get to the trails, a new memory was added. Owenby and I jumped into the river (she's running low) for a refreshing dip. Meanwhile a lady and a guy were wading in the river in the name of science. I talked to the lady: they were testing water quality, pH levels, dissolved oxygen, flow rates, and other fun science things. She did not disapprove (or approve) of Eaux and I playing in the river.
We rode past a field of sunflowers. The beauty of the scene was much better on a bicycle than in a 55 mph car. (Am I becoming a bicycle snob?)
Slovic, Karen, Owenby, and I missed an official rest stop in Pecatonica. We stopped at a grocery store instead. Owenby purchased a chicken breast, a leg, and biscuits and gravy. I bought a brat and 3 cartons of chocolate milk. Slovic bought a Mexi-Coke and used the side of the volunteer fire department building as his bottle opener.
Owenby and I briefly went off route in Pecatonica. We stopped by the Eckburg homestead or better known as the place where Breakfast of Insanity happens. Dale and Sue were not home.
In one continual stream of Harley rumble, Owenby and I were passed by tens and tens (and a few more tens) of motorcycles. Nobody wore a helmet (except the two of us), but most waved or gave fisted salutes.
A motorcycle rider looking for directions thanked us and wished us well with, "Keep it on two wheels."
Becky can not get any motorcyclists to wave to her and doesn't understand why they've been so friendly towards me. I'm guessing my beard is better than hers.
Northern Illinois is not flat.
I had my first (and second and third and fourth) donut of the trip. (Thanks to Matty J.)
Not to lessen the degree of hospitality provided by the other churches we have stayed at, but First Presbyterian in Sterling, Illinois went above and beyond nice. The desserts (all homemade) were delicious. And getting to talk to members of the church about their own bicycle adventures (along with their railroad employment experience) has been a top highlight of the trip.
In fact tomorrow (Sunday), the church is sponsoring their own Ride Your Bike To Church event.
The best part of the day... Mom and Dad Poetzl made an appearance in Sterling (they drove north from Houston). Plus they brought Nico. I haven't seen Nico in a few weeks and she was enthusiastically jumping in excitement to see me. She was upset to see me leave, but she immediately returned to her unconditional love. (If only we could learn and actually apply the life lessons taught to us by our dogs.)
Track 11. Jonsi - Grow Till Tall. They all, in the end, will fall.
1000 Things To Do Before You Die: #9
#9: Drink milk for strong bodies!
Accomplished: All the time, yet again on Saturday, June 30, 2012.
Half-credit: Skim.
Extra-credit: Win the Harvard Milk Days milk drinking contest.
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Accomplished: All the time, yet again on Saturday, June 30, 2012.
Half-credit: Skim.
Extra-credit: Win the Harvard Milk Days milk drinking contest.
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Team 242: Day Six
Day Six: Madison, Wisconsin to Beloit, Wisconsin. 72.64 miles.
We had an excellent team breakfast at La Baguette in Madison (Middleton). The food was excellent. I took a seat near the end of our long table so I could have the opportunity to take in all that was happening. We gained an additional eight or nine or ten (I didn't count) riders so there was much happy noise in the restaurant.
I was not expecting it until later in the day, but Pat and Sue Browne (DBrowne's parents) also arrived for breakfast. And here's where the day ran both tough and beautiful.
I don't blame anyone for my emotional duality. This is my own mind, but to think the outside environment (please remember my world is not a vacuum) can't or shouldn't have any affect on it, well, is naive the right word?
The scene in the restaurant was happy. Baguettes were getting jellied, other foods with French names I can't pronounce were enjoyed, and we were all having a happy time together. But I also kept thinking none of this would be happening if my friend was still alive.
And that duality ran through the whole day. I'd find moments of happiness, but then realize those moments were only existing because my friend died. Since the reality of now is that my friend is gone, I am glad these moments of happiness are happening and that I am able to find them.
I could write more about the happiness of meeting up with the many additional Beloiters a few miles out of town who joined us for the ride into Beloit. Or the police escort. Or the after ride gathering at the Alumni House. Or especially the tree dedication ceremony.
But I'd rather have my friend back. Is that ok?
Track 11: Modest Mouse - Whenever I Breathe Out, You Breathe In (Positive/Negative). When you're living your life, well, that's the price you pay.
We had an excellent team breakfast at La Baguette in Madison (Middleton). The food was excellent. I took a seat near the end of our long table so I could have the opportunity to take in all that was happening. We gained an additional eight or nine or ten (I didn't count) riders so there was much happy noise in the restaurant.
I was not expecting it until later in the day, but Pat and Sue Browne (DBrowne's parents) also arrived for breakfast. And here's where the day ran both tough and beautiful.
I don't blame anyone for my emotional duality. This is my own mind, but to think the outside environment (please remember my world is not a vacuum) can't or shouldn't have any affect on it, well, is naive the right word?
The scene in the restaurant was happy. Baguettes were getting jellied, other foods with French names I can't pronounce were enjoyed, and we were all having a happy time together. But I also kept thinking none of this would be happening if my friend was still alive.
And that duality ran through the whole day. I'd find moments of happiness, but then realize those moments were only existing because my friend died. Since the reality of now is that my friend is gone, I am glad these moments of happiness are happening and that I am able to find them.
I could write more about the happiness of meeting up with the many additional Beloiters a few miles out of town who joined us for the ride into Beloit. Or the police escort. Or the after ride gathering at the Alumni House. Or especially the tree dedication ceremony.
But I'd rather have my friend back. Is that ok?
Track 11: Modest Mouse - Whenever I Breathe Out, You Breathe In (Positive/Negative). When you're living your life, well, that's the price you pay.
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