Ditto Yesterday Except for Mileage

It was another perfect cycling day -- moderate temps, high clouds, light winds and dry conditions.

We were out before 8:00 this morning and with only a 75 mile day, no one seemed to be in a big hurry all day. Colleen (an educator from Chicago) and I were the first ones out and were so engaged in coversation we missed the first turn two miles out. So much for leading the pack today. We only picked up an extra mile and by the end of the day, somehow, I had gained half of that back, which sometimes happens with the variances in computers.

So I floated throughout the back group today, tagged onto the triple for awhile this morning until we arrived in Alma Scottland, the first town we rode through this morning 20 miles out. Tagging along with them confirmed my conversation with Jennifer (the 8 year old) last night. The group was pretty quiet this morning. She has the greatest dinosour cover for her helmet, though.

We made a short pit stop in Alma for something to drink. It was a quaint, beautiful community with what appeared to be a very progressive college campus. I'm curious, though, if the graduates are Alma alma maters?? Of course, Mike Munk suggested during rap this morning their mascot should be the tomatoes ('maters, get it?). I guess we do have a bit of fun from time to time at someone else's expense, but sometimes the days can get monotonous.

We also went through Shephard, Forrest Hill and Brant today.

Several riders stopped in Brant, literally a wide spot at a crossroads, approximately 25 miles from the end of today's ride. The grocery store made the best sandwiches from the meat counter. The employees were appreciative of the business, and they and locals that happened by were fascinated with the trip. They remembered previous riders that had also stopped in.

I've been able to meet and talk to more riders in the past couple of days. Michael Heitz, a former center for West Virginia, 1970 - 72, and his wife are on the trip. He is 7 foot, so to say his bike is big really doesn't fully describe it. Mike Munk says this is the first time someone has not had to climb on top of the van to load bikes on the roof rack (I think he's kidding).

My bike has done well so far. I think the smaller frame will make the longer days a bit more comfortable.

Hope everything is good wherever you are!
~ Lisa