DENVER, INDIANA
DAY 22 JUNE 18 81.9 MILES
You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a bicycle and that's pretty close. Mike Hodges
Today, we had it all. Sun, heat and humidity, crosswind, headwind and tailwind, hills, thunder, lightning and rain! In that order! Now that we are inside and dry, we think of it as a positive part of the adventure. But while we are in the middle of it, we wondered what were we thinking when signing up for this ride.
The day started with sunshine and nearly calm winds that again changed from due south to southwesterly as the day progressed. They were not as strong as those of yesterday, however, and the first sixty miles unfolded rather uneventfully. The drama increased considerably in the last twenty two. First, we entered a reservoir area with several larger hills that we had recently encountered. Actually it was worth pedaling up them for the fun of flying down. Although not as long or as steep as those of New England, they added contrast to the flatter terrain of recent days.
Then the skies darkened and the rain hit! We could handle the rain and it was somewhat a welcome relief to the heat but, when lightning came within a mile, it was time to take shelter. A home with an expansive front porch and some chairs was the perfect refuge. After the storm seemed to be subsiding, we proceeded on our route. But this proved premature. The rain and lightning returned and this time we found a small barn with open doors along the way. No one was at home at either location so they will never know of our appreciation.
Tonight, the Baptist Church of Denver, Indiana has opened its doors to us and the ladies of the church have prepared a very tasty dinner. If the rain does return during the night, we will be safe and dry inside. Thank you Denver Baptist Church!
Tomorrow is another 95 mile day. I hope it is not as eventful as this one.
Tip: When riding one-handed for any reason, grip the handlebar on top next to the stem. You will maintain better control if you hit a bump than if your hand is farther out.
