August 12, 2021 – Morris, WI – Lots of green farmland to pedal in Illinois. Below is a brief video of some of the sights from the road.
Wednesday was one of the most challenging days with high wind and rain followed by some steamy flats.
Someone asked, “What do you do in storms?” The simple answer is “seek shelter.”
I was just north of safety in Forrest, IL when the winds really kicked up and the skies were dark but not ominous.
I could feel a little rain and turned into a trucking business about a half-block off the road. I pulled under the overhang just as the skies opened and Mother Nature let go with rain and lightning.
What to do but enjoy the break, hydrate and get some postcard homework completed.
That was the easy version. Getting antsy and thinking the storms were over I ventured back on the road.
Hwy 47 is a busy road with 55 mph truck traffic so I went a half-mile west to take an old farming highway. About three miles in the wind really pushed me sideways and the second round of storms was coming through.
In the middle of nowhere, I started pedaling back to the nearest home and hid under the front porch. I pulled on a jacket and poncho. The rain quickly subsided but the wind did not.
I ventured on. The poncho acted as a sail. I was noticed by traffic, which was a good thing but the wind grabbed the big sheets of the poncho and it worked to push me literally off the road and into the ditch.
The first dozen times were a little funny; the next 502 not so much.
I packed the jacket and poncho and soldiered on. Gripping tight on the handlebars and trying to hold upright, the strong crosswinds were winning, and maintaining my direction was like trying to steer a kite.
It.was.exhausting.
Made it to the small town of Dwight, IL by 2 p.m. It had taken nearly seven hours to go 52 miles. Good grief.
But now the sun was out and the winds had died and moving north was a bit more enjoyable. As you can see below, Illinois roads are always an adventure.
On a side note – found this piece of history at a travel oasis just outside I80 in Morris, Illinois. It was a quarter to make it go.
Have I not commanded you? … Be strong and courageous. … Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The 2021 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible.
Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2021.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation.
Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095
Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432
You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE.
Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
Stay safe Judy,
been thinking of you on your journey. Especially knowing what you likely were heading for in weather.
Keep traveling safely, see you again in West Bend
Mary Spaeth