It was 130kms as we headed towards Woodstock IL. A lovely route with trees and farms surrounding us.
A church in Develan WI welcomed us with a full spread for lunch.
A little girl about 6-7 was running around and so I chatted with her. Is your bike here?, she asked. Yes. Can I see it? Sure. We went outside. Which one is it? I told her to try and guess, it was the coolest one there. It took her no time to find the streamers. Good guess.
A community for disabled adults had heard about us from earlier riders so were quick to set up a water stand. Thanks to Inspiration Ministries and the speedy riders!
As we crossed the state line, we were on a county road so there was no "Welcome to Illinois" sign to photograph. Cory, our SAG had made one on a paper towel for photo ops.
Got into camp just before dinner but was in the mood for some space. I headed downtown for a lovely dinner at a local pub and realized we were in the town where the movie Groundhog Day was filmed.
As good day...dedicated to mom. Miss you.
11 comments:
Gayle,
You don't know me, but I just wanted to say that I checked out a picture of your bike from and earlier post and I agree with the 7year old girl.
Glad to hear the ride went well today. I pray that your heart will stay strong.
John Van Sloten (2005 rider)
Hi Gayle, You do not know me but I have been following C2C all the way and reading your blog along with several others. What a great thing you and all of the group are doing. Really appreciated your remarks of yesterday -- stick with it -- You can do it. We have lived in Denver for over 40 years but I grew up in Kansas and could really relate to the difficult days going through Nebraska in July--hot, windy and miserable. Just remember they do have nice days in Nebraska also. We were with the group on your Sunday in Denver. Our prayers are with all of the group. Take care and celebrate when you get to New Jersey. John Koops, Denver
Gayle,
you don't know me either but a friend told me about your blog and I have been vicariously living your adventure/jouney through your words and pictures. You are a gifted storyteller and are touching many lives you don't even realize. What a testimony this ride has been to your guttsiness and God's grace!
Maybe Psalm 37:23-24 will encourage you: "the steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives, though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand." May you sense his delight and his hand in yours as you continue your journey.
barb o
Gayle,
We're praying for you today, as every day.
Keegan says, "Keep going!"
Grace says, "Have fun and try hard!"
Dan and I extend our love. May your legs be strong today, and your heart soft.
Deb, Dan, Grace and Keegan Flaherty
Gayle,
I think your mom is in Heaven where her heart and soul have been made healed and whole over the past few years, and I think she is watching you all along the way, more proud of you and more fully loving you than she ever could in her earthly heart.
Howdy Gayle,
Anniversaries are bitter sweet times. I wear an old shirt or make one of the recipes exchanged from someone gone on those days. No one knows that I am doing these things. Well a few have guessed, but it allows me to still keep sharing with them. Thanks for sharing with us. I am really enjoying how this is all unfolding.
Robyn - London
Hello Gayle, another of your faithfull followers finally checking in and leaving you a few words. You have become a part of my daily routine, read the Sea to Sea devo and then check in on Gayle see how she is doing today. You have brought smiles, tears and laughter to our dining room table. Your honesty and candid faith is inspiring. You make those of us who say "I could never" think maybe I could. God Bless you and Keep you in His protective arms. We will be watching for you when you travel through Woodstock. Andrea
Hi Gayle,
It doesn't matter how old one gets...you'll always miss your mom,especially when you're tired, sad or want to share something really exciting.I'm sure she'd be pretty proud of the woman whose wonderful personality shines out of her blogs.
Anne Smienk
Gayle, I believe we met this morning. I saw your Help Wanted sign. Just wanted to be sure your friends knee was okay. Have a fun and safe journey!!
Sarah Johnston/ Crystal Lake, IL.
Gayle -- Sorry I left a bit distracted and in a bit of a rush Monday evening -- but then, nothing really went the way I had planned it that day: Plan A -- leave after breakfast; Plan B -- first get Pieter a camera, zip over to catch him at lunch in Delavan, then leave; Plan C: (after catching up to him 2 km from Woodstock) wait until Chicago rush hour traffic abates, then leave; Plan D: get dead van battery boosted, then leave and drive all the way home without stopping!
A modified Plan D happened, involving a motorcycle ride from Caspar (an old friend/Pieter's former roommate/Leanne Talen-Geisterfer's husband) -- and yes, you were hard to catch on your bike!-- a Groundhog Day town square police officer on beat, a tow truck operator and driving, driving, driving, not daring to turn the van off for 7 1/2 hours, until I needed gas at the border.
Got home in 8 hrs flat (5 a.m.) by the grace of God, using a bit of caffeine, a half-box of Cheerios, the radio, and the lovely Irish brogue of Sinead, our GPS companion who guided me through the highways and biways -- scared me a few times by breaking the silence after a stretch of 200 & 300 km stretches on a couple of highways!
An unexpected, beautiful gift was catching 8 falling stars through the windshield in the wee hours of the Michigan sky!
I wondered what it would be like to spend that amount of time and more, on the road on a bicycle, day in, day out. Wow! I've got to say, you are doing something amazing! I pray that God will continue to give you courage and strength, and to keep your focus, in spite of discouraging things that may happen. May God give you his peace. Bless those around you. You are on the homestretch.
Oh -- once again, nice new traveling pants!
have a good trip and KEEP ON BIKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! two weeks left
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