Larry's log:
It was 78 degrees as we left Salem this morning. It really is a redneck place. Even at 6 am there were people on the main road hollering out their car windows as they went by. But, soon we were out of town and heading toward Kentucky.
The scenery and roads were pretty much as they had been; main roads were somewhat crowded with no shoulder, and side roads had gravel and tar on them. One thing I did notice about Illinois is that the corn was the tallest we had seen yet. Perhaps they planted earlier than Nebraska.
At about 10 am, 61 miles into the ride, we were in McLeansboro and seven miles from our third rest stop. I saw a bank thermometer that said it was already 95 degrees. Lunch was in a shady grove in the town of Omaha. I thought it was a park, but someone told me later it was the someone's side yard! I guess you have to possess good negotitation skills to crew for Pac Tour!
At about 106 miles, around 1 pm, we crossed the Ohio River and were in Kentucky. It seemed a little cooler on the bridge over the river. However, there was a rest stop on the other side and it was blazing hot. For the first few miles after leaving that rest stop, I felt kind of queazy. However, in general, it had not seemed to be quite as miserable as yesterday, and I was riding easier than yesterday and taking longer breaks. The object was simply to cover the distance safely.
About five miles into Kentucky, we turned onto more of side roads. There were lots of shady trees along the road. In fact, we even passed by a nature preserve. The terrain was noticeably more rolling. There was still some corn growing and I also saw some huge rolls of hay in fields and near the road. The houses were generally nice, and looked even better in the rolling setting. About 15 miles into Kentucky, we passed through Morganfield, an old town, where Abraham Lincoln gave a speech early in his political career. (There was a historical marker.)
At about Mile 130, my legs got a test as the Farm Dogs that were specified on the route card did give chase. One probably chased a good half mile. I was able to keep ahead of him. Too bad for him, he stopped chasing before the hill, or he could have won!
The final rest stop was at a Baptist campground. Once again those crew negotiation skills were put to the test. Apparently, the crewmember responsible for the rest stop had asked if he could use the shade tree on the grounds and they just opened up the whole place for him! So, we actually had a rest stop inside. That break made the final 22 miles more tolerable.
When we arrived at the motel about 4:45, the Weather Channel was showing a temperature of 102 with a heat index of 110. So, the heat index had been less than yesterday. However, I think riding among the trees, and maybe even the change in scenery had a lot to do with not feeling nearly was wiped out today as yesterday. But, my shorts were pretty salty, nonetheless.
Dinner was at a local Chinese buffet, which offered a good selection. We also stopped at the Kroger across the street to restock on a few personal items. While we were there, I noticed a sign that beer and wine are not sold on Sunday, Christmas or Election Day when the polls are open. Tomorrow we enter Tennessee. Those states are falling fast now!
-- Larry Schwartz
The first 25 miles of the ride were very miserable for me. My left knee was aching and I felt as though I could not push up any of the hills. Fortunately, Susan, the tour leader, gave me some elastic wrap at the first rest stop and that, along with more Advil, made a world of difference. The triple tandem also opted to relieve henry, their 3 year old, from the heat. Susan's niece and daughter seemed more than thrilled to have babysitting responsibilities for the day. I am sure that Henry was much happier with them then on the bike today!!!
Since I was having such a rough time this morning, we were one of the last riders at the first and second rest stops. But soon we were able to catch up to the rest of the group. By lunch time, we were near the front of the pack.
Crossing into Kentucky was a welcome relief for all of us. The cross over on the bridge was the coolest section of the ride. And fortunately, the scenery improved and there were trees to be found!! This was great since we had more climbing to do and any shade was a real treat. Also, the drivers in Kentucky seemed much more courteous than the drivers in Illinois. The last rest stop was a real treat with shelter from the heat and even air conditioning. Too bad we had to leave it!!
We pressed on in the heat and somehow made it into the motel just before 5pm. And there were only 4 riders in ahead of us!!! We are just tough in the heat!!
The pool was under repair but we were only interested in shower and food. The dinner at the Chinese buffet was great and then we walked to Kroger to pick up a knee brace, more sunscreen and butt cream. Tonight is massage night for both Daniel and Larry so they will most likely feel rejuvenated for tomorrow's ride.
Tomorrow will be 131 miles and 4000 feet of climbing. And we will leave Kentucky and enter Tennessee.
Judith Jolly (and Daniel Schaaf)