Into Chicago

Up early for another 130km ride. Now I saw my friend, Reuben serving breakfast so I asked- You on sweep again? It doesn't seem that long ago that you swept me in! He said yes so he would be seeing me later on the ride! I told him that there were a lot of turns today so he better not loose me. "Gayle" he said, "You are going to be on a bike path for 60kms, how can you get lost?"
I headed out on the road. Parked on the road in Crystal Lake was this van, a rider from 2005 from New Brunswick, in town to support us!

Just as I was cruising along the bike path, up head I saw some guy lifting Alida's bike out of the flower ditch and Lynn was sprawled on the pavement. I thought she needed my sign more than me.

Apparently, Lynn had been assaulted by wild sunflowers and lost control which sent Alida flying too. Alida was mostly unscathed but Lynn had scraped knees and elbow so I called Nurse Betsy. It was hard to give accurate directions to Betsy but I told her I would put my bike out at the road curb so she could locate us. My bike is nothing if it is not noticeable and it was my first chance to use the HELP WANTED sign.

We cleaned Lynn up a bit while we waited and also had to make some adjustments to the bent bikes. An interesting phenomenon started happening, people driving by saw my bike and sign and actually stopped to offer their assistance! Hey girls, The sign really works!

After Betsy got there, a local cop also showed up. He had gotten a call about a bike with streamers that needed help.

He confessed that he had actually driven by earlier, saw the bike but knew a few of the homeless people in the area and when he saw the streamers he thought that one of them were playing a joke. When he got the radio call, he sheepishly said he was in the area and would look after it!
Lynn and her bike were patched up so off we went. It was a lovely path along the Fox river.

A few people had set up support and water stops for us as it was difficult for the SAGs to get it. Including these two who are friends and fans of Art and Eritia Smit.

Now following a bike path should have been straight forward BUT with a few unexpected forks and detours for construction, several riders found themselves lost and putting in up to 40kms extra. Also it was a little discouraging to see the directions included "at the end of the bike path, take the stairs to Galentia Ave" Take the stairs???!?!?! Apparently, Ed thought we might need a new challenge.
Another incident with a car befouled sisters Denise and Heidi with damage to Denise's bike but otherwise unscathed.
It was a long day for riders and SAGs. When I came upon Walter this is what I found.

I was actually able to grab a piece of watermelon and eat most of it before he woke up and realized I was there. Of course, I also learned not to take pictures while riding, especially across grass, when I found my front tire falling into this pit and me scrambling not to fall. All good!

A late arrival to Trinity college was warmed by a greeting from Betty, a regular blog reader, who came bearing gifts! Also there to meet me was Nancy with chocolates! It is really amazing to meet these kind people who have taken an interest in my daily ramblings. I am truly blessed.

Today I also got this new cup.

If you can't read it, it says "I WENT EVERYWHERE TODAY!" A perfect summary to my days on Sea To Sea