Plainfield to Starved Rock State Park

A couple of us rode a little longer distance, and some of us rode a little shorter distance, but for the group as a whole we'll round it to a nice even 70 miles from Plainfield United Methodist Church to Starved Rock State Park in Utica.  And little did we know (way back in March when we selected July 6th for this trip) we would end up picking one of the hottest days of the year to take our longest ride of the year!  The bank thermometer in Ottawa showed 104 degrees when we rode through, with a heat index likely a few degrees warmer than that, but we were just fine as long as we drank lots of water.  Lots...and lots...and lots...of water.

We (Ken, Pat, Eric W, Eric L, Jon, Jason, and Tim) gathered at the church around 7:15 Friday morning.  The day began with a Blessing of the Bikes, which Pastor Eun-Hye Choi was kind enough to lead.  Most members of the group had never ridden that far before, let alone on such a hot day, so we greatly appreciated the blessing and the prayers for our safety.  The verses she shared from Psalm 147 reminded us that God is not impressed with the strength of our legs (seriously -- that's in there!).  Instead, God is the true source of our strength.  (Thank you, Eun Hye!)

Ken has yet to figure out exactly what kind of biker he really wants to be.

Pastor Eun-Hye Choi shares a passage of scripture during the Blessing of the Bikes.

Getting set to hit the road!

After the blessing we headed out of town, being extra careful not to pop a tire, have an accident, or get hit by a car while still within sight of the church.  The only near mishap came from some crazy lady yelling at us out her window as she drove past.  Fortunately a couple of us realized this was actually just a church member and Cycling Group supporter yelling some encouragement.  (Thanks, Amy!!)

A bit later, after our first stop of the day, we did encounter a small maintenance problem along River Road when Pat's pannier rack came loose and threatened to rub against her back tire or get caught in her spokes.  Luckily we had some tools and some zip ties to secure it in place.  While the guys were busy being resourceful, Pat was busy digging around in her bike bag where she managed to locate the screws that originally came with the rack.  With some reluctance we agreed that those also might do the trick, but to preserve our pride she agreed to let us keep the zip ties on there, too.

Many bike maintenance issues, like securing a pannier rack, easily can be remedied with a zip-tie.

Locating and installing the original screws is another good way to attach a pannier rack.

Despite the very brief maintenance delay (which was totally expected on a long ride) we stayed pretty much on schedule for the first half of the day.  Our route took us through Plainfield on Drauden Road, then through Shorewood on River Road.  Eventually we reached the I & M Canal Trail where it crosses under Interstate 55.  Our morning stops included the Walgreens in Shorewood at Jefferson Street and River Road, and the Subway in Channahon at Canal and Eames (Hwy 6).  Both conveniently offered air conditioning, snacks, ice, restrooms, and -- best of all -- cold drinks!

Heading out of Channahon after our second break of the morning, still mostly in the shade but getting warmer.

For those not familiar with the history of the I & M Canal, it was completed in 1848 to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and is a major reason why Chicago became the city it is today.  Paths were built along each edge of the canal, originally so mules could tow barges.  I have to assume this was also in anticipation that someday bicyclists might wish to ride along the canal.  Likewise, towns along the canal are spaced at intervals corresponding to the length that mules could haul the barges, which by strange coincidence is the same length that bicyclists can ride without an ice cream break.
 

The canal was built with seventeen locks and four aquaducts.  At Aux Sable between Channahon and Morris you can visit one of each!

Around 11:30 we pulled into Morris for our lunch break, again right on schedule (for the last time that day).  We gathered for another group picture before heading to Corleone's for a very filling meal;  next time we'll order half portions.  Ken and Pat had left their van in Morris the previous evening with the intent of riding just halfway and then serving as our sag wagon for the rest of the trip.  On such a ridiculously hot day you can't imagine how grateful we were to have their support, knowing we could call it quits if a bike broke down or...well...melted.  (Thank you, Pat and Ken!!)

We made it to Morris!  Halfway there, and time for lunch!

After lunch the remaining five members of the group headed back out on the trail.  Soon after departing Morris we encountered our first and only path blockage of the day.  A decent sized tree had been knocked down across the path, likely from the storms of last weekend.  We briefly considered using our combined strength to drag the tree aside, but when a tap of the toe didn't budge the thing, we simply lifted our bikes over the trunk and peddled on.

Considering how strong the recent storms had been, we were surprised to find only one spot where a tree was blocking the path.

The first segment of the trip after lunch, from Morris to Seneca, was probably the toughest of the day.  Our bellies were full and the sun was blistering, seemingly much hotter than in the morning.  We were very relieved to reach Seneca and find Pat and Ken waving to us from the Casey's parking lot.  What's funny is that we didn't even recognize them at first, since they had changed clothes after finishing their ride in Morris.  Our initial impression of Seneca was that it's a really friendly town where people stand and cheer when you arrive.

After lunch on the trail out of Morris, we soon learned that even the shade didn't help a lot.  Although it did help!

The next stop after Seneca was supposed to be Ottawa, with an option of resting in Marseilles along the way.  After surviving the ride to Seneca we decided Marseilles was no longer an option - it was absolutely mandatory.  (The mules were really tuckered out!)  We stopped in Marseilles for a break at the Burger King and resisted the urge to splurge on shakes and smoothies, instead saving our appetites for a Frosty at the Wendy's in Ottawa.  However, upon reaching Ottawa we again found Ken waving at us on the trail, this time directing us toward the Triple J Ice Cream shop -- even better than Wendy's!

We all enjoyed some great ice cream at the Triple J and some much-needed air conditioning, as well as their cool-looking (and cooling) ceiling fans.  By this point, knowing that Utica was only ten more miles down the trail, all of us were feeling much more confident about actually making it all the way there.  But then we noticed the bank thermometer across the road...and drank some more water.

For a while there I thought Jon might not pull through, although Tim, Jason, and Eric seem less concerned.

One big question during the planning stages of the trip was the status of the trail through Buffalo Rock State Park.  For several recent months a portion of the trail had been closed in this area, cutting off access between Ottawa and Utica.  Fortunately all those issues had been worked out earlier this year, so we were able to complete the entire trip.  In fact, this beautiful and unique section of the trail was in pretty good shape, though the encroaching vegetation made it a little hard to ride side by side in certain sections.  We were just glad it was open at all!

The area around Buffalo Rock State Park is unlike any other part of the trail.

As you approach the outskirts of Utica, the trail changes from a gravel path to a paved road.  Knowing the end is near, it is hard not to accelerate toward your goal.  Even after ten hours on the road in the heat, we started riding a little faster...though not as fast as Jason and Tim up ahead!

Tim and Jason pull ahead as we close in on Utica.

Although not the ultimate destination of our trip, a big motivation toward the end of the day was the idea of a tall cold drink (or two) at Duffy's Tavern, just off the trail as you arrive in Utica.  Ken and Pat (still faithfully following us) were kind enough to treat the whole group.  (Once again....thank you!!!)  At Duffy's we also met up with our chef Michael who had agreed to join us for camping and to handle all the cooking arrangements, including buying all the food and bringing all the equipment.  We don't deserve to have friends like that, but we're grateful that we do!

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for!

As if riding 65 miles through the heat was not enough, we finished our drinks at Duffy's and decided to ride a bit more...all the way to Starved Rock State Park where we were camping.  So down the road we went, crossing the Illinois River and turning into the state park.  Our final treat of the day was the hill in the park from the visitor's center up to the lodge, a climb of almost 200 feet in less than half a mile.  (As Eric W. would say, "Lovely.")  Now if you watch the Tour de France you know those guys can do a climb like that while taking a nap, but for our weary legs it was somewhat of a challenge.  So we drank some more water first.

The bridge over the Illinois River is a little intimidating on a bike, but the view is terrific!

The best part of the trip was setting up camp Friday evening and then just sitting around and resting while Michael prepared an awesome meal of watermelon, pork chops, corn on the cob, and cheesy bacon potatoes.  The pancakes and pork sausage patties for breakfast were equally delicious!  Thanks again, Michael!

Chef Michael cheerfully prepares the meal Friday evening while the rest of us stumble around in a heat-induced daze.

In summary, the trip would have been a bit easier if the temperature had been about 20 degrees cooler, but we were all feeling pretty good by the next day.  Already we are talking about the next possible adventure, perhaps to Wisconsin, and also thinking about repeating this trip next summer.  (Someday we might even try to complete a century ride...although definitely not when the thermometer is above the century mark!)  For this trip the primary thing is that we all made it safely, we didn't have any major bike issues, the trail was in good shape and open all the way, and we all enjoyed a full weekend of fun, fellowship, and fitness -- which is what the Cycling Group is all about!