Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Day 37: Tour de Indy

Crawfordsville to Indianapolis, IN
Miles:  65 Climb:  1,230
Total Miles:  2,954

What a day! We started from Crawfordsville with clear skies, low humidity, and pleasant temperatures.  A large group of us rode together for 30 miles to the first SAG stop where I was greeted by my brother Jim, nephew Tim, his friend Rajean, and Tim's sons Evan, Max and Sam.  I was so happy to see them and it was fun for them to meet my riding partners and the ABB crew. They got to see what a SAG stop is like and they talked with several of the riders.  Then I was honored to be escorted by Max and Sam from the SAG stop to the NAPA store Tim owns in the town we were in.    Max and Sam rode part of the official Bike route with me as my escort to the store, where Tim had posted a sign welcoming the ABB riders and a special shout out to me.  It was terrific.  So much fun! I spent some time touring the NAPA store and meeting the staff there.

Since I took some time out at the NAPA store, I rode alone for the rest of the day, which included a stop at the Indianapolis Speedway and the Indianapolis velodrome at Marian College, before winding my way to the hotel downtown next to Lucas Oil Stadium.  Coming down the street toward the hotel I was greeted by my family on Rex's side wearing "Laura's Breakaway"  T shirts, cheering, and clanging a cowbell.  They acted like I had just won a stage of the Tour de France. I stopped one block from the hotel and joined them for a beer.  Later we were joined by even more family wearing Laura's Breakaway T-Shirts.  We had dinner together and caught up on family news. It was a blast, such a fun evening.  And it has increased my mental commitment for staying strong for the rest of the ride.

The events today made me realize how fortunate I am for my family and friends, and for the good health that I have.  The first SAG stop visitors, the escort from my nephews, and the fun times with family today will be a memory that stays with me forever.  And thanks to my daughter-in-law, Jackie, for making the T-shirts, and getting them from St. Louis to Indianapolis in time for my arrival.

Tomorrow is a rest day.  Rex is spending the evening tonight and most of the rest day Tuesday before heading back to Michigan.











3 comments:

  1. How absolutely wonderful. That is SOOOOO terrific.
    Enjoy your rest day.

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  2. Oh BTW. I did some research on rest days. You will enjoy your day. A little ride, remember those dead legs, and eat the same as you would on a ride day. Now given the sugary stuff they feed you, you might want to substitute fresh fruit, veggies and quality protein. Don't forget to roll out those legs. Have fun Laura.

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  3. That's so nice that your family was able to meet up with you and show you so much support! I hope their positive energy carries you through the remainder of the tour with a smile on your face.

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