Day One- Done

Today wasn’t the easiest ride by any means. I found myself asking the question, “Can I actually do this?” After arguing internally for a few minutes, I determined the answer was yes. Thank God the answer was yes because I’m doing this either way.

It had rained sporadically for a total of 40 minutes during the ride, which wasn’t unwanted. I actually enjoyed the sprinkle as I hit a daily top speed of 35.1 MPH. I might have been able to go faster down that hill, but fear kept me from pedaling into the downhill. The clouds blocked the sun, and in turn the sunset. But, I think I got a good daily sunset picture to toss in anyway.

Keep in mind that I'm not using any digital navigation devices. So, when it rains and the map gets tucked away, I'm at the mercy of my memory and the kindness of signs. Needless to say, I got lost for a few minutes.

I found a resting spot at the corner of a corn farm beneath a billboard (see picture) just past Addison on the 417. As I lay here typing from within the comfort of my 5’X6’ juniors’ tent, my legs are aching slightly, my mind is racing, and the sky is getting darker. It warms me to think of all the support I have in this endeavor. Tomorrow, I’ll allow the IcyHot to warm my legs as I attempt to make it to Salamanca.

I have decided to do one last thing, and that’s my daily lesson. Daily Lesson #1: You cannot ride faster than the clouds can rain.

Feel free to donate at: http://www.rotary.org/en/endpolio/Pages/ridefault.aspx

If there are problems with this page in the future, I also load the same story and pictures at http://davidsalai.livejournal.com/