Hi NBG!

Today I had a wonderful 130 mile ride into Indianapolis. This was my longest day of riding yet, topping my odometer off at 2137 miles since I left Miami April 15.

My instructions stated that from Blue Rock Rd, I needed to turn left on E. Miami River Rd, where I would reconnect to Blue Rock some 2.5 miles away. Well... After traveling up a very hilly E. Miami River Road, I came to a big "DETOUR - Road Closed Ahead" sign. Being on the bicycle I thought that it was at least worth trying to work around. This is when I ran into my little friend, Big Yellow Dog, only I was moving much too fast for him to catch me. However, after reaching the dead end and realizing that it was not passable, I had to climb that very hill that I just come soaring down, and was not so lucky when Big Yellow Dog joined me this time.

I pumped as hard as I could, reaching 16 miles an hour on a 10% grade, yelling at the dog to go home, which he did, eventually. I was so out of breath that I had to stop for a break before continuing on the "Detour"‚ which led me in a 10 mile circle back to the very place that I had turned left from, E. Miami River Rd. Apparently a new bridge has been built on Blue Rock Rd, so if I would have gone straight I would have had no 10 mile detour, no huge hill to conquer and no Big Yellow Dog. But isn't that what life's all about?

Maybe it was the many rest days that I had in Cincinnati, but despite my sickness and the morning mishap, my spirits were good and I continued onto 128, 126, 252, and eventually 52 which led me into Indy. In Hamilton, I did the unthinkable and went to a Mc.Donalds for a soda. An older couple insisted I sit down with them and tell them a story or two about what I was doing out here on the rode all by myself. I spent a good 30 minutes telling them about how wonderful my experience has been and how I expect no less from the future. John, the gentleman of the pair said, "Well here's for not expecting no less," and handed me a 20 dollar bill. I smiled and took it graciously.

The roads coming in were perfect for cycling. The shoulder was wide enough for an upright bicycle to fit comfortably but really wasn't even necessary. I found myself riding in the center of the lane most of the day, with only a few cars passing by. It wasn't until I hit the outskirts of Indy that the traffic started to thicken and I was forced to stay within my boundaries. A nice little break in the head wind kept my speeds up to an average of 13.68 miles per hour over 130 miles; not bad for an 85 pound bike, not to mention my 138 pounds, (hey, that's muscle!)

Once I reached Downtown Indy, I stopped along the street to ask for directions. Bob and his wife Cynthia were originally from Cincinnati and couldn't believe I had ridden all the way to Indy from there. We ended up talking for a few minutes about my trip and the best way to get me to the Monon trail that will take me into Carmel and to Valley Bikes where I will be staying tonight. Before departing Bob asked, "So what's your financial situation?" I responded. "I'm on $8 a day". As soon as I said that, he handed me a 10 dollar bill and patted me on the shoulder, "Good luck to you kid." I smiled and pedaled away.

It was a very nice paved ride down the Monon trail once I found it. I must have gotten different directions from at least five people before actually getting to the trail. I found myself in some not so nice‚ looking areas of town where the people were nicer than they were in the rich suburbs. I found the trail on 25th instead of 10th, where I was originally directed, and rode it for about 10 miles to Carmel.

Along the trail head, stood Mike, "You made it!" he said, reaching his arms out for a hug. I was quickly offered a shower and given keys to the bike shop where I will be staying for the next few days. Mike, his wife, and I had dinner at the Macaroni Grill and shared stories about bicycling. Come to find out, the helmet that Fred in Columbus let the mayor use in the picture of him on my bicycle, came from Mike at Valley Bikes. "I just couldn't let him ride with that helmet," he said, "things like that, they all come back in some way. They always do". These people are great; they have the right idea about life!

More as this story develops