flat tires, sore knees and illinois

we did it. 710 miles on the odometer. it was a good time. we had 3 days of over 100 miles. a 90 mile day. an 84 mile day. two 75 mile days. just lots of long mileage. but we are here. and we stuck with it. after about 16 flat tires and days of riding w/ sore knees, we rolled into illinois. well sort of. my dad was in indiana for a job, so he picked us up 20 miles from the state line. we had planned a 120 mile day for the last day, but we only got to 84. whatever, i know in my heart we would have made it. shit, i dont really know what to type. it's over so soon. i feel like i should be on the road for another 3 weeks. but we did cover 710 miles in just 9 days. there werent any gnar hills like our west. lots of rolling hills that are just a pain in the ass and get in the way of momentum. my favorite part was riding in pennsylvania and smelling the concord grape fields for part of a day. it reminded me of the strawberry fields out west that i rode past. the smell was so strong, and wasnt tainted by car exhaust or cow shit. i also was reminded of how shitty it is to ride in the rain. we rode 58 miles in really constnat rain. all of our gear got soaked, and we had to stay in a motel that nite because of how wet and windy it was. fuck the rain.

for now, we are chilling in harvard, il at my dad's house. it's nice to relax, but even being off my bike for the past 24 hours feels weird. i can't help but look at the road and wish i were riding, sweating my ass off and cursing the fact i still have 67 miles to go. we leave here on sunday toward home, and will make a stop in toronto, canada to see some fine folk. and then it's on to rochester and then home. i'm not ready to head back yet. i'm glad i have at least another week away.

to the bearded fellow: i wish you were there, man. but we got texas 4000 next year, and maybe a short tour of new england soon. we'll be back at it together soon.

i will see everyone in a couple weeks. wine part volume 4 is october 7th, so be ready.

shawn