Into Indiana

We started the day with a beautiful sunrise service with the gang at Trinity Collage. It was also a chance to say good bye to blog ladies, Nancy and Barb.
We had been asked to ride in groups of 6 for the day as safety in some of the areas we were going through was a concern. Really? And where was I going to find 5 other riders willing to take the "scenic" journey? What time was the sweep team leaving. I did start out on my own anyway but a group including Dave and Larry Meyer, Kathryn, and Bill and Mary Dragt came along and invited me to ride with them. We made a compromise, I would keep their pace and I would be reasonable about the stops. Deal. We made good time and our first stop was Bethel Church in Lansing IL.

They had treats and beverages and a warm welcome. Just after we passed into Indiana and once again didn't have a welcome sign for the occasion.

However a few miles down the road the Highland and Munster churches had prepared a lunch and welcome for us.

They didn't let me down with this fantastic welcome sign with all the riders names on it.

Lunch was a feast and there were even treats for the road. The area had just had a tornado on Monday and the aftermath signs were evident as we rode along.


I talked to a few ladies who lived there about the storm. When they heard what we were doing they offered a donation. Very kind.
The last part of our route took us along a breath taking bike path...

well....until we got to this

But a short detour and we were back on the trail. Where this guy was removing graffiti. He did it on his own time and his own supplies...just to keep the path as it was meant to be.

We came along these dudes riding a mini BMX track that they had developed.

Dave looked over saying that if he had another bike he would go and join them. I offered my bike with shocks but he declined. I decided to join the boys for a turn. I rode back and asked if I could give it a try. Sure! They said and quickly started doing demos and giving me tips as I unloaded my basket.
Are you really from Canada? Yup Your pedals are strange. Yup they work with my shoes. Did you RIDE here? YUP all the way from Seattle...here's a card with more info. We do this all day. I bet you do! You have really cool hair. Thanks- Hey can any of you use a camera? I CAN! Great- Take my picture. They sent me off. Get a good run at it. OK and over I went.


No spills, great air and I just became the coolest girl these boys met all summer.
I finished the ride into Indiana State park dunes but it was so beautiful I took an extra hour and toured around which helped make up some missed kms. A wonderful camp, gorgeous. I might be able to forgive ED for the whole Jordanelle situation! I went for a swim in Lake Michigan with the sun setting into mauves, pinks and periwinkles and the Chicago skyline on the horizon.
Sadly this beach has seen much tragedy this month with the drownings on an 11 and 13 year old in the strong riptides. Please pray for these families