Just the stats: 108 miles, 14.4 MPH average, flats to rolling hills. Climbed 3,906 feet, descended 3,985feet. Cumulative 2,155 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 66 to 86 degrees.
Any way you cut it, 108 miles is a long way. The temperature climbed up to 86 degrees and the wind was 8 - 10 mph out of the SE so it was crosswinds and headwinds. Overall it was a good ride. We left at 7 am and I got in at 3:55 pm. My pedaling time was 7 1/2 hours. The ride was hilly for the first 35 miles and then dead flat. We saw corn, corn, and more corn - 108 miles of corn stretching to the horizon.
Bridge over Illinois River:
This is one huge bridge over the Illinois River.
This is one huge bridge over the Illinois River.
We crossed the Illinois River over another one of those steep narrow bridges with no shoulder, so "taking the lane" was our technique. This time there was six of us lined up two by two claiming our lane.
On these long rides, the last 20 or so miles are usually the hardest. Today I teamed up with Kim and Jose and rode in the last 20 miles together. Actually, Jose and I drafted off of Kim's back wheel and she "pulled us both in". Kim has done over 115 triathlons (she's lost count), she is one strong rider. I was grateful for the help, thanks again Kim.Here is my Garmin info: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3002479
Footnote: OK. Here is the rest of the story about today.
Sometimes it hits me, the enormity of all this. What a big country we have - we are so blessed as a nation, down to my blessings to be able to be strong enough to do this. Mix in endless blessings I think about and count over and over every day while riding alone. Like family, extended family, friends, new friends, old friends - those I am lucky enough to reach out to and serve. The blessings of service and the joy of the Lord.
Well today about 3:45 coming into Springfield after riding 102 miles, coming in the very last five miles I was overcome with thoughts of family and especially my Dad - boy do I miss him - I kept thinking that he would be so proud of me right now. Thinking about my fathers love and then I start thinking about Todd and Jen and how much I love them and am soooo proud of them and Allie and Alan - how great those kids are. Thinking about Matthew 7: 7 -12, and how much more my Father loves me and what He did for me. So I'm riding into town with these two other riders, gasping and smiling - I can't hardly see where I am going with these tears of joy. Finishing 108 miles strong and joyful - what a ride!!
5 comments:
Well, I said you were eloquent before, but never more so than today's entry! Wow, Tom! Thanks for sharing with us all. I've been blessed by it, and I'm sure others have been, too. Keep on rollin'...can't wait to hear that you're home safe and sound!
Wow, I've just read your blog from Tuesday, and my eyes are filled with tears. We are so blessed to know you and experience this with you. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Mike and I are looking forward to seeing Yvonne tonight and sharing stories with her.
Our love to you, Rita & Mike
Tom:
You have done it in times past and you did it again as i read your blog. The time that the story of you reading the planca to the guy on MD 53 who could not see that well and then again today with the love you have for our Lord and family. I too thought of my dad this week - more than usual - and my heart ached to see him.
Love you brother
Larry
Larry, my prayer is one day you and I will be able to serve Him together again.
Tom - I've enjoyed following you on your ride. You've reminded me of my backpack trips that I took annually in my 40's. I was always praising God for the glorious country we have, and I'm glad you are also seeing that. We are so blessed to know you, and I'm also thinking of both my dad & mother these past couple of weeks. Thanks for sharing your ride! Love to you - Marcia
Post a Comment