August 12, 2021 –  Morris, WI – Lots of green farmland to pedal in Illinois. Below is a brief video of some of the sights from the road.

Wednesday was one of the most challenging days with high wind and rain followed by some steamy flats.

Someone asked, “What do you do in storms?”  The simple answer is “seek shelter.”

I was just north of safety in Forrest, IL when the winds really kicked up and the skies were dark but not ominous.

I could feel a little rain and turned into a trucking business about a half-block off the road. I pulled under the overhang just as the skies opened and Mother Nature let go with rain and lightning.

What to do but enjoy the break, hydrate and get some postcard homework completed.

That was the easy version. Getting antsy and thinking the storms were over I ventured back on the road.

Hwy 47 is a busy road with 55 mph truck traffic so I went a half-mile west to take an old farming highway. About three miles in the wind really pushed me sideways and the second round of storms was coming through.

In the middle of nowhere, I started pedaling back to the nearest home and hid under the front porch. I pulled on a jacket and poncho. The rain quickly subsided but the wind did not.

I ventured on. The poncho acted as a sail. I was noticed by traffic, which was a good thing but the wind grabbed the big sheets of the poncho and it worked to push me literally off the road and into the ditch.

The first dozen times were a little funny; the next 502 not so much.

I packed the jacket and poncho and soldiered on. Gripping tight on the handlebars and trying to hold upright, the strong crosswinds were winning, and maintaining my direction was like trying to steer a kite.

It.was.exhausting.

Made it to the small town of Dwight, IL by 2 p.m. It had taken nearly seven hours to go 52 miles. Good grief.

But now the sun was out and the winds had died and moving north was a bit more enjoyable. As you can see below, Illinois roads are always an adventure.

On a side note – found this piece of history at a travel oasis just outside I80 in Morris, Illinois. It was a quarter to make it go.

Have I not commanded you? …  Be strong and courageous. … Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

The 2021 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible.

Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community.  Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2021.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation.

Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432

You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE.

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

August 11, 2021 –  Gibson City, IL – Even after touring more than 30 years on a bike it is still amazing how many people reach out to help.

After a steamy day Tuesday with temps in the high 90s I pulled into Gibson City, IL with nearly 80 miles under my belt.

Standing outside a local church on Main Street a man pulls up. “Where have you been and where are you going,” asked Paul. We chatted a bit.

Paul was a fellow biker, retired, and said I should come and stay with him tonight.

He checked with his wife, at my insistence, and I spent a lovely evening getting to know Paul and Sarah Sarantakos.

Paul was retired law enforcement and Sarah worked closely with the local Catholic Church.

“My birthday is in two days and Paul already surprised me with a leaf blower for the yard,” said Sarah. “I love outdoor power tools.”

The couple met in college and had been married for over 30 years. They had two sons, both grown and out of the house.

Paul was an avid biker and Sarah was not. “I don’t mind going up and down the block,” she said.

Paul said she would do best operating the sag wagon. Sarah eagerly agreed.

A wonderful meal of pasta and salad and an elegy bedroom in their beautiful historic home that dated to the late 1800s.

Makes this tour all the more special.

Earlier in the day in Sullivan, IL, Steve and Richard offered me some solid biking directions at the Red Apple Restaurant.

The kindness of strangers continues to impress me.

Have I not commanded you? …  Be strong and courageous. … Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

The 2021 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible.

Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community.  Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2021.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation.

Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432

You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE.

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

August 10, 2021 –  Sullivan, IL – Today marks 2 weeks on the road; Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. Hitting a lot of small towns along the way.

Below are a couple of cozy small town photos – love finding things like this on tour.

PS – 85 miles Monday from Salem to Sullivan, IL.

The Supermarket was on Main Street in the Altamont, IL area. I loved the fact the sign read, “Fast friendly service all the way to your car.”

And it was true. The store manager came out and offered me a cold drink and the he handed me a copy of the local paper. The headline read, “Kinley Will crowned 2021 JR. Miss Effingham County Fair.”

An orange butterfly decided to take a break on my front handlebar bag as I also took a break in front of a pop-up vegetable stand. The hard work and trust (note cash register) has always struck me as simply adorable. 

It looks like JoAnn Fabrics is still alive along with Long John Silver.

Monday was full of stop and go because of high humidity and scattered storms. I was about 12 miles north of Salem, IL and strong rain caught me so I pulled into a desolate, muddy gravel drive and hit under some trees.

A red pickup truck followed me under the branches and it was a bit odd. “If you like the fire station is just up the road and the door is open. Just pull in there to get out of the rain and dry off.”

It was Carson, a local volunteer firefighter. As the rain tapered off I spun up the road about a quarter mile. Sure enough the door was open and I wheeled my rig in.

“I think you met my dad in Mississippi,” said Carson. “He showed me you page on social media and I thought you looked familiar.”

Small town charm.

Have I not commanded you? …  Be strong and courageous. … Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

The 2021 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible.

Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community.  Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2021.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation.

Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432

You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE.

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.