Data: 123 miles Riding time 6:30 (18.9 mph avg)
Why were there only two of us eating breakfast at Denny's this morning? And why was the other one Dave Roark, the racer? This caused me to have a wild and crazy beginning to the ride today.
They gave us the choice of eating the motel's free breakfast, or going to the Denny's. Usually, the two choices at Denny's have been the Grand Slam or oatmeal. This time, they also offered the veggie omelet. I wanted to have that. Apparently no one else did, except Dave. So, that meant everyone else took off by 6:30, just as Dave and I were going into Denny's. We enjoyed our omelets, but then were 30 minutes behind. Shane joined us (staff always leaves last), and paid the bill. So off the three of us went, and after about two miles, the route turned north, with a brisk tailwind. Well, Shane and Dave were in a racing mood, and took off at 28 to 31 mph for the next 15 miles. Shane had to stop to help someone with a flat tire, but Dave and I continued to speed along.
I hung on for dear life, but at least I hung on. I never once took a turn pulling at the front. Finally, once we'd caught and passed several groups, I said thank you, and dropped off and rode at a more sensible pace -- an enjoyable pace -- with Phil, Bob Papineau, and Scott Keeler. When we got to the first rest stop at mile 45, my avg speed was still 21 mph even though I'd cooled it off for some time. Here's a photo of us enjoying the ride. I love the shadows riding as fast as we are.
Up to the first rest stop, the scenery was similar to yesterday; we were on country roads between perfectly wavy corn fields. The occasional farm house and dogs were the only sights to break it up.
After that, though, we were on traveled roads that went through little towns every 10 miles or so, and this was quite scenic. We crossed the Wabash River, a wide and beautiful one. Right on the other side, in Covington, we stopped for drinks at a gas station, but I had a Nestle Crunch Ice Cream bar.
The weather today was super -- again. It helped make it a great day for a bike ride. I rode with so many different people, which is fun. Our lunch stop was in Hillsboro, and they had a funny sign as we entered town.
Hillsboro had an old-fashioned soda fountain shop, and many of the riders went in for some ice cream or a milkshake. The outside had old bicycles as decoration, plus there was an old clock on the corner.
As usual, we had our milkshakes when the ride was finished, at a Steak n Shake right near the motel. There's also a White Castle directly across the street, so I had five of those as a snack after the dinner. Here are Steve and I enjoying our recovery drink.
Today when we crossed into Indiana, we entered the Eastern time zone. Hard to believe. Here's the photo at the state line, with Phil, Bob P, me, and Scott. As soon as this photo was taken, the other three turned around over by the pole and answered the call of nature. I have a photo of that too, but I'll spare you.
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