Distance: 49.6 mi, Climbed: 2,467 ft
Completed: 1,413.5 mi, 73,376 ft
As Rich and I pedaled through rural Illinois, I found myself thinking ahead to the four-day weekend off the bicycles we were about to spend with family. Tomorrow, we leave for Pennsylvania to attend our niece’s college graduation.
The ride carried us through many of the small details that have come to define so much of middle America for us over these past weeks. Small-town water towers appeared in the distance long before we reached the towns themselves. Tractors worked steadily in the fields, turning over soil and preparing the land for planting.
Cows and bulls stood clustered near fences, sometimes lifting their heads to watch us pass before returning to grazing. Small churches, volunteer fire departments, old barns, farm-supply stores, and weathered roadside signs all become part of the day’s scenery in a way they never would from inside a car.
Later in the day, we rode past a small timber company with stacks of cut logs piled in its lot before the scenery once again opened into broad wheat fields rippling in the wind beneath a huge sky.
There was nothing especially dramatic about today’s ride, and maybe that is exactly what made it enjoyable. It was one of those peaceful, steady days where the rhythm of pedaling, the familiar farmland, and the anticipation of seeing family soon all blended together. After weeks of constant movement, it felt good simply to ride without urgency and take in the quiet beauty around us.
And speaking of family, congratulations to our niece Shaina on graduating from college! All of her hard work, determination, and dedication have brought her to this special milestone, and Rich and I could not be more proud of her.
37 days, 1/3 of the total distance covered. Love to see 2 smiling faces. It is my daily task to refresh your vlog to see where you are, the interesting people you met on the way, the scenery can’t be captured by any other transportation methods. 👍🚲
Hi, Jing! So sweet of you keeping up with our ride. It has been wonderful exploring the country by bicycle, and we really have enjoyed meeting so many people along the way. Here’s to more great days ahead!
Hi guys, it’s Ed from Columbus. I’m glad to see you are making good progress on your journey despite all those flat tires. Sometimes overcoming those little obstacles are what makes these trips memorable. I hope you are fans of corn and soybeans because you will be seeing g lots of that!
Hi, Ed! We hope your training has been going well. Yep, just an obstacle to overcome. Corn and soybeans – looking forward to it! 🌽🌽🌽🌽
I have been enjoying reading about your adventures. Very envious, except the dogs chasing you parts.
Mazel tov to Shaina. Enjoy your weekend off.
Thank you, Cousin Ann! Congratulations to Shaina!!! We look forward to our next ride together back home, unless you want to come out here and meet us on the trip. 🚴🏻♀️🚴🏻♀️🚴🏼♂️