To say that I’ve fallen a BIT behind is like saying it’s been a BIT hot and windy on the road. As such, I will attempt to be a bit more succinct in these next few posts in an effort to get caught up again. I know, I know … I don’t typically do succinct very well. Then again, maybe the same could be said for my ramblings.
After a fantastic Hoosiers themed afternoon and evening, it was time to leave Frances’ Indiana paradise and hit the road again. I should mention that the looming storm clouds as documented in the previous update’s photo gallery blew past without incident. However, a new set of clouds clearly moved in through the night and they decided to stick around. I really don’t know how long it rained but it seemed to continue for much of the night – or at least every time I woke up. By morning though, it had moved on … either that or the clouds just ran empty.
And last shot at Frances’. Look at that vertical leap!
My goal for the day was Rensselaer, Indiana. It was to be another very manageable distance (under 80 km). As always, it would come down to the wind and temperatures as to how manageable that distance would actually be. Spoiler Alert: Both were relatively cooperative. Relatively.
Oh, and I know I’ve posted this video already but I’m posting this revised version because I like the ending SO much better than the original. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. I blame fatigue and, well … I have no excuse. Better late than never though, right? Anyway, I would’ve just replaced the first version but YouTube doesn’t allow that sort of shenanigans.
The big news of the day was that I would be changing time zones. Apparently the time zones get a bit confusing in this part of the country but, bottom line, if all went well I would be ending the day in the Central Time Zone.
Indiana. It’s pretty flat. And straight. Did I mention flat?
Usually when I set out each day, I have an unofficial goal of reaching my destination by 4:00 PM. Given the day’s short distance, I didn’t expect that to be a problem … well, except that I was gaining an hour along the way. And progress along the way went well so I found myself arriving in Rensselaer shortly before 2:00 PM local time. I felt that was a bit early to arrive at the home of my Warm Showers hosts so I headed to the library. I figured I could use their WiFi and maybe top up my water bottles – which I have been doing much better at emptying throughout the day (yes, by drinking it!).
I had actually intended to write an update at that time but, well … the air conditioning at the library was far too chilly for my liking … probably emphasized by my cycling in what had become VERY hot conditions. On the upside, they had a great water filling station which I used a couple of times.
A good place to quietly mind my own business in the shade.
In lieu of hanging out in the chilly library, I made my way across the street to a park with a gazebo. While it was still crazy hot outside, I found it quite comfortable in the shade of the gazebo. I was hanging out there for a while when I ended up having a short conversation with a local mid-20-something guy who had wandered into the gazebo. He started talking about trying to find a job and such things. I really had no idea how to respond so I went with the smile and nod approach. He then asked what I was doing. I told him of my trip and he looked at me like I was crazy. Moments later, he was gone. It was kind of funny actually.
I covertly took this as he drove away.
Fast-forward about 15 minutes later. I was still sitting at that same gazebo, minding my own business – just using the high-range WiFi from the library across the street. So engrossed was I with whatever I was looking at (most likely maps) that I didn’t notice the arrival of my next conversation source. This one wore a uniform. Yup, it was a police officer. He assured me that I wasn’t in trouble but he just wanted to check in. While I believed the part about not being in trouble, he was clearly there under orders. Moments later I was providing my ID and he was radioing it in to the powers that be on the other end of the radio. It would seem no red flags came up and I was able to return to what I was doing – which was, you know, minding my own business.
In all honesty, I really didn’t care that I had such an encounter – as I said, I wasn’t doing anything wrong – but I think that’s the first time I’ve ever been “randomly” carded. I also can’t help but think that the real source of the encounter stemmed from my earlier encounter with the young guy.
Some might say this horse looks a bit tired. I won’t. But some might say that.
With my legal status cleared, I resumed my travels and made it to Jodi and Chris’ place (and Hero the dog). They were all incredibly welcoming and generous. And the pasta casserole concoction (clearly, I don’t know exactly what to call it) was so incredibly good. Incredibly. I ate far too much and yet wanted to eat more. SO good. It was like the polar opposite of what happens when I make pasta.
The remainder of the evening was spent chatting, watching a movie, convincing Chris that he should get a drone (admittedly, that didn’t take much effort), and, oh … laundry. My hosts graciously offered to let me do some laundry. For the record, other hosts have also made such an offer … hmmmm … perhaps I should’ve taken that as a hint!
Oh, and yeah … I know, I know … so much for being succinct.
Today’s totals:
Distance: 76.27 km
Ride time: 3:28:10
Average speed: 21.98 km/h
Maximum speed: 32.70 km/h
Great blog