Day 39: Indianapolis, IN to Richmond, IN

Day 39: 11 July 2007
(Day 38 was a Rest Day – no journal)

Indianapolis, IN (708 ft) to Richmond, IN (979 ft). 
73 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

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Day’s Theme:
Enjoy yourself………… 

Weather/Terrain:
Today was a lower mileage day, but, as our next four are all over 90, this was welcomed by the CCC Riders.  All was perfect today – low 80s, no humidity, smooth, wide roads, little traffic, strong tail/side wind, and a DQ near the end of the ride!!
The only thing the CC Riders wished for today, was that we could have ridden more – these miles were effortless, so, it would have been nice to “bank” a few….. 

How I’m/we’re feeling:
I am well.  My ass is like Italian marble at this point and should be photographed.  My roommate Robert, however, is all but dead with his cold/flu/congestion – I had to have him STOP tucking me in until he feels better.  Seriously, this guy is really sick, it is amazing that he has ridden every mile at age 74 and feeling like that.  He is a tough guy and giving it his all, and everyone is amazed he can do it.  Another rider did not ride today with these same symptoms, and Gerard is thinking it is coming to him too…..,.  Scary.  

Notable Events:
The elements came together for us today like no other day – it was a wonderful ride from all perspectives.  Today was really enjoyable.  


Rider Profile: Pete Sklarow, 63, from Moorestown, NJ.



It surprised me to hear Pete say that one of the primary reasons he did this ride was that he sometimes doubted he could do it.  When I and the others at that table heard this we all said “Are you crazy?” This guy is a strong, steady, and smart rider. 
Pete is a retired computer programmer consultant.  He was born in Philadelphia, and now lives in Moorestown with his wife Laura.  Pete has 5 children, and says “raising children”, along with skiing and yoga are his hobbies.
Pete tells himself, his kids, and you:
“Just try to do your best”.
Ride on brother…………..

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



As I mentioned all was good today.  Our first 10 miles leaving Indy were along a busy stretch of Route 40 – retail, retail, retail.  Pictures not required – Target looks like Target everywhere else!
Soon, however, we returned to farms and country scenery.
Route 40, incidentally, is a National Historic Road – it was a primary road before the large interstates were built.
 
 




Like Monday, the town frequency was high, and soon enough we started to roll through Small Town USA like this one – Charlottesville, IN.






Route 40 also took us by Earlham College in Richmond, IN, whose motto is “Engaging The World”.
 





This is the Wayne County Government Center in Richmond, IN, 
 
 




Snaking through Richmond, we passed through some nice residential areas like this one along Backmeyer Road.
 
 




Just left of Backmeyer Road are lovely flowers and beautiful trees in front of puffy clouds. 
Yes, I am in touch with my artistic side – you got a problem with that?






Hughes Road looked like Mysteria Lane – no desperate housewives though! 
Some guy was cutting his grass however!!  J
 





Ever evening we have “Route Wrap”.  Our AbB leaders Andy and Michelle review the day with us and give us our directions and “tips” for tomorrow.  
We also introduce guests if they appear, and sometimes do nice things. 
Today, “T4” Brian, on behalf of the CCC Riders, presented Arlene with a new camera and case as hers were damaged last week.  Good stuff.
Herb also bought Superman Hats and presented them to Arlene and Robert (behind her) – these two have had their hurdles and they are jumping over them!
 





Usually we just eat dinner, but tonight, Howie got to wear his. 
This was no accident.  Howie has been incriminated in the events leading to the kidnapping of Gerard’s gnome.  Gerard delivered this message at Howie expense – he WILL NOT negotiate with terrorists!



 


At dinner tonight, we also celebrated the 40th anniversary of T4’s manufacturing completion. 
T4 is an excellent android and has shown incredible human-like characteristics.  He even eats with us, though we know that is only to spend more time with us and collect more data.
Recently, however, we have noticed dome flaws in several of T4’s routines which goes to show you how difficult the CCC is!

Closing Note:
I would like to thank you all for your e-mails, blog entries, and encouragement.  I would also like to thank my friend Mardo – he is the one who takes these e-mails and is maintaining the blog.  This does take me and Mardo some time everyday, so, we are glad you are enjoying it and appreciate your comments.  I know many of you are forwarding these e-mails and I thank you for that too.  My buddy Steve “Ben” Grinder is even plotting my progress in his office (left) and people come in everyday and say “Where is Greg today?”  My sister says my e-mail is the primary reason her co-workers are coming to work at this point! 
So, thanks again and enjoy. 
Better yet, buy a bicycle and enjoy – it is fun.  It does bring out“the kid” in you.