Streator IL to Watseka IL 86 miles

Well today started out great.  It was hot but manageable.  Then we quickly were encountering severe 20-25mph head winds and the heat continued to climb to the mid 90's.  My goal at the start of this journey was to ride every mile, but just like many others my goal has changed.  My goal is to ride every mile that is safe and to enjoy the journey along the way.  I made it 30 miles today.  The front runners (who rarely give in) made it to 40.  We got "sagged in" (by van) to our hotel in Watseka.  Only 3 of the 18 riders completed the ride today.  One of them even needed additional electrolytes upon her arrival as she was quite ill from the heat.

I am reminded how I am definately a Pacific Northwest girl.  The weather we have been experiencing is more like July weather.....

The wind turbines are huge.  It's hard to show them in proper perspective.  Hmmm.... wind turbines just might mean wind.

Hille & Ramsey made it the entire way today.  Crazy fun gals.

Bev, Bettye & Donna.  The WOW's.  Strong riders.  Donna made it in the entire way but was not feeling very good at all.....  Too hot!

Rita, Mary, Kirby, Karen & Sue

A little "Southern Tier" reunion.  Kirby came to visit.

Patty is our chef.  She bikes the first half in the morning and then shops and cooks us a fabulous dinner.  Could you do that?  Bike 50 miles, shop & cook for 20 people in a little 24 sq ft kitchen...?

Farm land 360 degrees around you.  It's hard to capture the feel of it.

More farm land

"We know we are beautiful. Where is our apple?"

Each day is a new day.  It has been awesome seeing the beauty of each state.  What a diverse country we live in, and yet most of us never get out of our little corner of our world.