Day 36: Back Home Again

Champaign, IL to Crawfordsville, IN
Miles:  81  Climb:  1,722
Total Miles:  2,889

Back home again, in Indiana.  We crossed the state line today on our 81 mile ride.  Another state bites the dust. We now have ridden in more states than the number we have left to ride in.  We rode country roads and it brought back memories of my childhood days, riding the country roads with my friends. My legs came back today and I felt great. The temperature was mild and the weather was pleasant. There was very little traffic.  The road surface was smooth.  There was little wind. And we rode only 81 miles. Perfect day.

Shortly after I got to the hotel Rex arrived bringing fresh fruit, Michigan cherries covered in chocolate, and good beer from Salt Springs Brewery in Saline.  Happy Anniversary!  He came to the map session and then we went to dinner with the group, so he's getting a good feel for the spirit of the group and our daily routine.

Tomorrow we ride to Indianapolis, and it will be different from anyone day we've had yet.  My great nephews, Sam and Max, are meeting me at the first SAG stop and escorting me to Brownsburg, which is where they live and on our route.  My nephew Tim owns the NAPA store in Brownsburg and he has put up a "Welcome to Brownsburg" sign for the riders.  I am so excited.  On the way into Indy ABB has arranged for side tours to the Roark Bike Factory in Brownsburg, the Indianapolis Speedway, and the velodrome.  Some of Rex's family is coming to Indianapolis to see us come in.  It will be a great day leading up to the rest day and a good break before the final leg of the trip.

Forecast for tomorrow is for temperatures in the 80's and no rain.