Today started out warm (72) and muggy (90% humidity). I started at 5:45 again alone. There were plenty of hills at the beginning but much more manageable grades of 5-6%. I never did ride with any of our group today, but did run into Ray and Gayle at St. John’s church (in Marengo) where we purchased loaded baked potatoes for a very early “lunch.” We each left at a different time from the church. Gayle and Ray were both taking an early exit shuttle at 1:30 at about 55 miles. I, however had to ride the whole 83 miles. The middle of the ride was less hilly, but hills were exchanged for headwind. I’ve always said that I prefer headwinds to hills and I’m sticking to that! The hills came back to haunt me in the afternoon. At 12:40 the temperature was 94/felt like 103. The last 15 miles or so, I was stopping about 1.5 to 2 miles to hydrate. I even bought a lavender lemonade; it was so refreshing. Today was college jersey day and I represented Michigan State. Several times throughout the ride I would hear a “Go Green!” To which, of course, I replied “Go White!” I probably saw about 10 MSU jerseys. I even saw one CMU jersey. When I finished the ride it was 97 degrees with a feel like of 107. Not a good day to ride; dangerous heat levels. I was thoroughly exhausted. I didn’t stop anywhere very long as I was trying to beat the heat and the heat won! I pedaled through Chelsea, Belle Plaine, Marengo, Amana, Oxford and ended in Coralville. After I posted the original summary, a severe storm came in and I had to quickly move to an indoor shelter. My tent had blown down. A stranger helped me make sure I had all my stuff out. I have no idea where my pillow was, but I was safe in the arena that had already been designated as indoor sleeping. I just prefer a tent where I don’t share the space with dozens of others.
Sunrise leaving Tama-Toledo.
Stopped by a train crossing.
The visual alongside the railroad track
Alongside the river.
The best loaded baked potato served by a local church. I had wanted one since earlier in the week.
In front of the Oxford fire department.
Spray coming out of the fire engine.
I stopped for lavender lemonade just before a huge hill.
This is that hill…
