DAY 35 of 54: SPRINGFIELD (IL) TO CHAMPAIGN (IL)

Time Zone : Central (GMT -6)
Todays Distance: 101 miles
Cycling time: 6 hrs 34 mins
Average Speed: 15.3 mph

Today’s cumulative ascent: 1757 ft

Average Heart rate: 119 bpm

Distance so far: 2614 miles

Ascent so far: 86,285 ft.
Centuries so far: 8
Punctures so far: 6
Today’s Profile:

Today’s Route:
Dedication: Today I cycled for Marius, Ayzul, Sagreeta and Tony and all the children especially those who have not met Abbey students yet.

Lovely weather again today and not a rolling hill in sight. Although we gained altitude it was so so gradual. Another century and finished with an extravagant celebration.

As the sun rose on Springfield the morning after the Independence Day celebrations, we trooped to Bob Evans for a hot breakfast before today’s cycle. It was either oatmeal or a fry…pity it couldn’t have been both for the perfect start.
The iconic Route 66 passed through Springfield as it threaded its way across 8 states from Chicago to Santa Monica in California. It was a symbol of freedom and the American Dream. Established in 1926 it was decommissioned from the highway system in 1985. Parts of the original concrete paving remains in places and tourists still follow the route as much as is practicable.
Small towns and stations trade on its popularity. During my visit to Tipperary, Missouri, Rick Stanford showed me the 1960 Corvette he is restoring with a view to driving from Chicago to the pier in Santa Monica. We wish him the best and safe driving.
We left directly after loading and headed out by Lake Springfield, a man-made lake and owned by one of the public utility companies. Already a number of anglers were out for a Saturday morning spot of fishing and gave us a wave.
Within a few miles we faced into a very recently removed bridge. A detour was suggested by passers-by but a more direct approach seemed more attractive. It did mean hauling the bikes through the soft mud but it was a novelty on a day that we knew would present very little in scenic terms.
After crossing Gary and I set off together as arranged and we kept up a strong pace passing through never-ending fields of corn with some soya beans thrown in. This is very fertile countryside for both crops. We alternated taking the front though there was very little wind. In still air it is reckoned that the one behind uses 1% less energy for each mph. In no time at all we arrived at the first SAG in the Lincoln Trail Mmorial Park on the banks of the Sangamon River at the 31 mile mark. Nearly a third of the way.
Shortly after the SAG a group of about 8 riders caught up and we were asked to join in to benefit from the paceline set-up. It did make a mighty difference. Previously Gary and I had been making very good progress at 15.5 mph and alternating at the front. When we joined into the larger group and drafted, with actually less energy being expended we moved along at 17.5 mph. I hadn’t ridden in a paceline since the year I rode with the Carrick Touring Club and had forgotten the benefit. Today I cycled 40 miles with that group keeping up the pace and savoured it. The miles were clocking up on the odometer with great speed. The group kept well together also after the second SAG and with the 80 mile mark approaching all seemed well.

At that stage one rider moved to the front and upped the pace for some unknown reason. The others in the front didn’t want to let him go and followed. Sounds like a race! This was up a grade for me. A gap gradually opened and two of us began to drift. I kept turning them hard for the next seven miles trying to bridge that gap. At times I seemed to be making headway but eventually I decided to let them go and to follow a more relaxed pace for the last 10 miles and look for a few photo moments. I really enjoyed life in the paceline. I found those miles between 40 and 80 passed so quickly and enjoyably without fierce pressure. Pace was about 17 to 18 mph and just normal concentration was required. Unrelated to the paceline, one rider fell today and broke his collarbone and must return home for surgery. None of us like to see that happen. We all want each one of us to finish the challenge and no injuries.
The 1700N ran directly for 8 miles into Champaign (pronounced like bubbly) with the usual soya and corn planted right out to the road. I took my time though still moving at 13 or 14 mph but on the lookout for a good shot.
A large water treatment plant was being developed in the area and stacks of their pipes lined the road. I had a good long look at the field of soya as if down the barrel of a gun. Another good from dropping/being dropped off the paceline.

Champaign and Urbana are side by side and between them have a population of 100,000. In summer temperatures often go over 90 degrees and over the winter they receive 30 inches of snow. Today’s scheduled ride was 97 miles, but as anyone knowing me realises, I’m a sucker for going that extra mile. Another century was on the cards especially as I felt so fresh. I did a bit of a tour of the city around the motel and eventually clocked in at 101 miles
I arrived at the Comfort Inn motel at 3pm after stopping off at Subway for a sandwich and a cool drink. To refresh my slightly aching limbs then I went extravagant and treated myself to a bath in Champaign … not every day I do that.

Tonight we were supposed to eat at Ryan's Buffet Grill but had to eat elsewhere. First time there was a change in dinner venue. Perhaps someone could explain.

An enjoyable day's cycling with a different approach for a period. And a century
Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.

PS: the link for the interview on KQTV last Monday is http://stjoechannel.com/content/fulltext_news?cid=20781