Sharing the Road in Pics

Some random photos from the road......

Nice day biking in Indiana. Wide paved shoulder on the road helps. This was as I made my way to Goshen to get my bike fixed.

This is Matthew holding my old chain on the left. It's the same number or links as the new chain, but you can see with all the riding I stretched it.

The problem is that the shifting doesn't react and my pedals slip when I change gears. All in all, it was worn out and needed to be replaced.

While Matthew worked on the bike, I ran next door and got him a raspberry shake and some food for myself. This is the second business I've hit on the tour called Chief. #whocarespoliticallycorrect

Sampled of some of the back country roads in Indiana. This was as the skies grew dark and I pedaled right into an oncoming storm. I ducked into somebody's garage and then....

....two big dogs came running out. So what would you do?

Riding in Tribute to:

BETTY CHRISTEN

I Can Smell Wisconsin From Here

East Chicago, Indiana - tough day at the office. Headed out of Mishawaka,

Indiana early with the goal of crossing the state line into Illinois. 

On Highway 2 when I stopped to ask for directions for the safest route - that's when I learned I had to go north to go west.

I regrouped and pedaled into Michigan City, Indiana. Managed 41 miles before noon; even with two rain delays I was making good time.

Pedaled west down the shoreline and through Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore which made national news last year after a boy got swallowed in a sinkhole while climbing to the top of the dune.

He was buried for 11 hours, rescue crews managed to dig him out. The kid was apparently the GrandMarshal at the local parade this year.

There was a big orange sign saying the dunes are now closed.

Biking through the park was a nice break from the busy traffic. It reminded me of the road up to Long Lake with the trees forming a nice canopy.

Drifted into East Chicago, Indiana, with 83 miles on the day. Plan on taking the bike paths through Chicago today. I can smell Wisconsin from here. 

Alzheimer's: Lessons Learned - Ask For Help

Rolling out the red carpet - in Mishawaka

Sitting outside the Kroger grocery in Mishawaka, Indiana at 5 p.m. on Monday. So off my charted course and below my target miles. Long day on the road with a flat tire and stretched chain that needed to be replaced and now it was pouring.

But I was dry and under shelter and finally getting food and a man walks up and says, "Got everything you need?"

It was John Reisdorf - Mishawaka 3rd district city councilman John Reisdorf, and he ended up being a good guy and a savior.

"The last elected official that helped me with this tour was the mayor in Salisbury, New Brunswick," I said. "He let me spend the night in the council chambers and the fire department rolled out a cot for me to sleep on."

"Well, we can't be outdone by New Brunswick," said John, reaching for his keys.

"Take this, it's to an apartment I own and there will be nobody there and you

can safely spend the night," he said.

Just so kind. I notified my team back home, laid out the circumstances and then said, "Let's run a background check."

Everybody worries about my safety and so do I, but John came through with flying colors: Republican, 49 years old, City resident for the last 20 years, sports announcer for high school games for 10+ years. Well-known in the community and well-liked and his daughter was valedictorian in her 2013 high school graduating class.

I found the apartment easily enough and it all seemed to good to be true....and then it got better. John and his daughter Maggie stopped to visit; we even stepped out for a bit to tour the town.

By the way, we took Maggie's car.

Their kindness put the cherry on top of the day and it reiterates the message about how many good people are out there.

Riding in Tribute to:

HELEN REINKE (right)

NOTE: Want to pay tribute to your loved one? 

I'll ride a day in their honor (includes mention on blog). Click HERE to learn more.

A swig of orange Nehi and a tire repair

Ligonier, Indiana - Here's my day: Saw some Amish in Ligonier. Asked a guy for nearest bike shop. He said "Goshen, five miles."

Bought an orange Nehi before going five miles to Goshen.

On my way to Goshen via the old Lincoln Highway I found this piece of metal in the road and decided to remove it with my tire.

Matthew

Matthew (right) at Lincoln Avenue Cycling, which was actually 15 miles to Goshen, helped fix me up with a new chain and rear cassette.

Making my way to South Bend and running into this. 

WEEKLY RADIO UPDATE - LISTEN IN!

Another weekly update interview on The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's with WBKV 1470's Morning Show with host Bob Bonenfant.

Discussed total mileage so far, daily average, Father Doug, flat tires, gas prices, and rattlesnakes - oh my!

Click HERE to listen to the podcast!