Pontiac, IL News

Today on the way into Pontiac, IL we were meet with the news. They took this amazing photo of the group at our lunch stop, which was under the only tree in the area. I was driving but was also able to get into the photo. As a leader we drive every fourth day so we are able to get our gear from location to location. It's been interesting learning how to drive a trailer around and I will have many funny stories to share with you some day. Once we arrived into Pontiac we went to a local diner and had some amazing food. Olivia and I then went for a little walk around town to pick up some local information. On the way there we saw a radio station and decided we needed to see if we could get a spot on the air. Within minutes we were back in the studio talking about the trip. I couldn't believe how nice everyone was and how opened they were to helping in any way. Tomorrow is our day off here and many people are finding ways to get to Chicago. I'm just going to hang out around town, get some good rest, and maybe cook some Chinese food.  Just depends on what I can find. 

The Land of Lincoln

Blessing

My stay in West Lafayette was truly a blessing. Being away from your friends and family is hard. Then add the challenge of riding across the United States. Both of these things make coming home even more of a blessing. I am extremely blessed with an amazing church to call home. Above you will see Rachel, Rainey, and Robin up bright and early to cook us breakfast. I can't say I know to many people who would get up at 4 am to come cook and look so good at doing it. I thank each of you so much for everything you have done to make this stay possible. You are AMAZING!!!!! I also want to thank both Alex and Wyatt for riding with me. It's great to have extra riders joining us on the road and just being able to catch up on whats happening back home.

My Friend Hassan

Here is Hassan playing with our newly found beach ball! Got to pass the time and Hassan always has some good stories and games to play.

Home Sweet Home

Out of all the states we have been to this is one I have been looking forward to the most. Indiana has been my home for three years now and I was so happy to be entering the state once again. Gabe and some other riders wrote a 'Welcome Home Hailey' at the state sign and it totally made my day. This day so far has been my favorite by far. To start the day off we had a police escort by the Dayton, OH police. It was great getting to celebrate the 4th on the bike with some amazing friends plus riding my first ever 100+ mile ride. As the day went on it started to get really hot. At around mile 90 team Hailey stopped and bought a bag of ice. At that point we were over heating and needed a little boost of energy. So we spent time sitting at the gas pump eating ice, filling our Camel backs full of ice, and placing as much ice as we could in our clothing. Let me tell you it was amazing to have some relief from the heat. The last 7 miles we changed direction and finally had some tail winds. At the end of the day I couldn't believe we had traveled over 100 miles by bicycle. I will truly remember this day and the challenges we had to overcome to complete it. Now that this day is complete I look forward to seeing everyone in West Lafayette tomorrow night.

OHIO

Today was my first successful long day! I was suppose to be driving today but because another co-leader's knee was in pain we switched drive days. Therefore today was a day to see how far I could go. Overall the route was pretty flat. Not much hills along the way. The further west we get the more the surrounding reminds me of home. Yesterday I even saw a sign for Indianapolis. Today Alex's parents were nice enough to host us for lunch. It was nice to meet them as well as eat something other then peanut and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Lunch was pretty far into the ride at about 52 miles but it was nice to only have 40 miles left afterwards. After lunch I rode with Maddy and we picked up the pace. We created some songs and just had a good time. I am learning how much I love bike paths. Well at least ones we can find. On one of the paths we met these two guys who were biking from Cincinnati to Springfield. Come to find out that there is a path that goes the whole distance. I'm thinking that maybe this fall I will have to come back and bike it. If anyone is up for it let me know. I would love some fellow riders.Well I don't know much else. After a 92 miles day sleep is almost all I can think of. Tomorrow is a build day and then we have a 100 mile on July 4th into Indiana. I can't wait to see everyone in a couple of day.

Hay-Lunch Stop

On the way from Columbus, OH to Dayton, OH we were able to stop at Alex Ray's parents house in Springfield for lunch. They had lots of food and drinks for us waiting as we roded by. Out back we were able to also capture some good hay pictures which is important on any Bike & Build trip.