Day Fifteen

We woke up this morning to a big change of plans. We rode 104 miles from Bellefontaine, OH to Muncie, IN.

Last time we checked our maps, we had about 280 miles from Orrville, OH to Muncie, IN. We did 119 miles yesterday, so we were planning on doing about two 80 mile days. However, apparently using walking directions saves huge numbers of miles compared to bike directions (why? I don't know...) So when we rechecked our map this morning, we only had 100 miles to Muncie, IN. So, we decided to do another big day (this time with a late start, since we had planned on doing a shorter day.) But we made it in by about 8:20. Not too shabby.

I realized this morning that my back rack had broke  even more. We rigged up a pretty good system with some rope, and it took enough of the weight to get me all 104 miles to Muncie. I should be able to get it repaired/get  new one tomorrow in town.

We stopped in Bellefontaine center this morning to buy snacks and a lunch so that we wouldn't have to stop for a long lunch. While we were stopped, a guy drove by and asked where we were headed. So we chatted for a minute before he drove off. Typical. However, a few minutes later he drove by again, and handed us a Subway sub. We're so grateful for all of the amazing people we've met so far.

We did an awesome 14.7 mile piece this morning. We basically treated it like a sprint and did it in just over 45 minutes, which is on the order of a 19mph pace. We love the Midwest.

We also got our first real rain this morning. It lasted for probably about 2 hours, but was only really frustrating for about a half hour. Actually, not even frustrating. I actually really enjoyed riding in the rain. Not that I want it every day, but it was nice for a bit.

Anyways, we made it into Indiana a day before we expected. There was no welcome sign, just a state line sign. How anticlimactic.

We got chased by more dogs. Most were smaller and fine, but some were definitely a little bit scary. Please chain your dogs Midwest.

We're staying with some family friends of Jason's, the Harvey's. It's kind of funny actually, because my sister was friends with their daughter when they lived in Auburn. What a small world. They made us burgers and pasta salad and broccoli and potatoes and all kinds of amazing things. If you can't tell, food is really the biggest part of our life right now, second maybe to actually cycling. We had hot showers and each have our own real bed, and I was able to watch the Bruins win the Stanley Cup. Today is great.

Tomorrow: A rest day in Muncie, IN.