Logistics:
We actually got up with our alarms
today at 4:30 ish. Kevin made coffee. We got the RV packed up and
it was an easy exit from the campsite. A quick stop at the Dump
station and we we rolling by 6:30. On our way to Rensselaer to
retreive the car (about 60 miles away) we recalled a closed road and
sure enough the RV GPS wanted us to go that way. Kevin pulled into
the nearest drive and Theresa directed him as he backed up so he
could “come about” in the Smitanic. We choose an alternate hwy
in hopes the GPS would recalculate and continue a true course. At
Walmart we docked the RV only long enough to retrieve the Jeep ans
swing thru Mc Donalds for b-fast. Again we entered our coordinates,
Brook, IL into the GPS and Kevin Captained the RV while Theresa drove
the dingy to stage it for the days end of the ride. On the way to
Brook, there was another detour sign for thru traffic. We could get
into town but we could not take our planned exit. We found a nice
park to stow the Jeep while we road. Theresa locked it all up and
asked permission to come aboard the mother vessel. Once on board We
tacked out of town to avoid the detour and set sail for the Village
of Ashkum about 40 miles away. Ashkum was a small but nice town with
a very nice well utilized park. We had spoke with the Mayor the day
before to ask permission to park the RV overnight at the park. “Sure
just give us a call when you get here” was the reply form the
mayor's wife. Theresa called and left a message, then we parked
where we thought it made sense and took up about 10 of the 20 parking
spots for the park. We were impressed to see how active the
community was with the cross-country team out running, moms walking
and an older (yes older than GOG) walking by. Then a car stops by
and a lady hops out. Yes it was the Mayor's wife, with the Mayor
driving. They said hi and suggested we move a few feet back, which
we did. The bid us farewell and stay safe. Kevin put up some
emergency triangles in front and in the rear of the RV just so folks
see the huge object. We geared up the bikes and were off riding by
9am.
The route:
We were right on the ACA route so no
extra mapping effort was needed and we felt confident that the roads
would be appropriate for bikes today. Out of Ashkum the road was
very smooth and lightly traveled, even passing trucks and semis gave
us a full lane. We were heading East generally against a strong
steady 7-10mph head wind. Kevin was pulling Zin first and was able
to keep a consistent 13mph pace. The route was a repeat of the
previous biking day, very flat with slight ups and downs that with
the wind is equivalent to a much steeper grade. Corn and beans on
each side. We did like it when the corn was to our left as it seemed
to lessen the impact of the wind, then a bean field and the struggle
was on. We turned South for a bit and got some relief but it was
short-lived. After we crossed the Iroquois River the road became
what some would describe as gravel, however it was quite packed down
and looked as if some past life it was paved (mostley). The road cut
our speed and stamina as we felt each pebble with our bikes and it
rippled thru to our butts and backs. We paused in Pittwood to change
the trailer to the Green Machine and let Zin do her duty. As we were
making the swap a car pulled up and asked if we needed anything....
water... directions... We replied we were OK , thank you. He
announced he was a fireman form the local FD and was there to help.
That was nice! Theresa pulled Zin for the next 10 miles, starting
against the wind. She struggled to maintain 10mph on a straight
away. Once again we followed the xx00s streets as they changed their
numbers across the county lines. At one point the road did a sweeping
turn, “but that is not on the map” Theresa declared. She did
some 'dead reckoning' via her iPhone just to validate the road. Sure
enough we were not suppose to turn... Back we went and once again
got on the right corse. More East , then a turn to the south and that
was slightly better. The Town of Iroquois promised to have some
facilities (food, water, bathrooms), but the trail turned before we
saw if there was anything at all, so much for that stop. One more
swap of the trailer to Kevin and then it was only 14 miles into
Brook! The winds picked up as it was around the noon hour and the
gusts would zap any momentum you could muster. We know going into
Brook there was a detour for the road we needed. Once we saw the
signs we asked a passing truck if we could get thru the construction.
They said we could walk thru it as long as we stayed out of the
fenced off area. We were happy to hear that as a detour would have
added 3+ miles to our ride. We got Zin out of her trailer and walked
the bikes thru the corn field and ditch to the other side of the
construction... Once on the other side we gave Zin some water and
Kevin wanted to see if she would heal beside the bike. He slowly
started up giving her the heal command. She did great at about 5mph
for about a .2 mile... nice job Zin! She was then happy to get back
in the trailer on her cushion and be pulled the rest of the way! We
finished the 38 miles(which seemed like a lot more) by 12:30, packed
up the car and headed back to the RV.
Stats:
Day 12 of riding, 38 miles, 11.2 mph
avg, total trip miles 614 and 2039 calories burned for the days
ride.
Kevin's Garmin:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/198270512#.T_4KJwAmY4A.email
After the Ride:
Theresa had some work calls as well as
other work stuff to do which she could not break away from until
7:30pm. We then got something out to eat at a local dinner called
the Loft. Kevin grassed at the salad bar before his hamburger and
onion rings and Theresa chocked down a chicken sandwich and helpped
Kevin with is Fries and onion rings. Glad we burnt a few calories
today!
Tomorrow's plans:
We will be driving the car to Odell, IL
for the start of a 37 mile ride all on the ACA trail. Winds will be
light from the East again :) and forecast is for higher temps. So
looking forward to this!
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