On Monday September 15th Pearson and I spent a couple of hours having his left arm examined and x-rayed in Chicago. The good news is it’s not broken, but the bad news is it’s still swollen and painful.
We received a great care package of fresh baked goods, cheese, sausage and other goodies from Erin’s Grandmother and Aunts—Thank you!
On Tuesday September 16th we headed out of Chicago in the sunlight- something we haven’t seen in many days- and met up with Nancy, Lisa and Daniel in Evergreen Park. Nancy and Lisa have spent the summer biking instead of driving and they led Pearson and Pete from Oak Grove to Evergreen Park.
Daniel, Lisa, Pearson, Pete and Nancy (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)
Pearson and Pete riding with Lisa, Nancy and Daniel in Evergreen Park (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)
Just before entering Indiana Pearson got flat #15.
We were concerned about detours through Gary, IN because of all the flooding (I-80& I-94 were closed) but we made it through without any major flooding on the roads.
On Wednesday September 17th we traveled through Shipshewana, IN home of the largest Amish community in the world. We saw more bicyclists (and horse and buggy) here than on the entire rest of the trip.
Shipshewana, IN (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)
Just before the Ohio border Pearson started to think he would make it through a state without a flat, but alas he blew out his back tire (#16) and found that he didn’t have another spare tube. After trying to MacGyver the back tire he gave up and rode his mountain bike into Ohio.
Pearson with Flat #16 (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)
The closest bike shop along our route was in Toledo, 65 miles from Thursday September 18 start point so Pearson started the day with a flat back tire. After struggling to pump up the tire every few miles and battling a head wind (again employing the PAT) Pearson switched back to his mountain bike for a while. He finally made it to the bike shop, bought a new tube and tried to catch up with Pete.
Pearson Using The PAT (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)
Today we have a photo shoot for the Advertiser Tribune newspaper in Tiffin, OH and I will be on the radio in Cleveland on WTAM.
Poor Pearson and all his flat tires! I’m sure, at some future point, he will laugh at all of these tire frustrations. I hope his arm is healing and feeling better.
See you guys Monday at Duffs! Can’t wait to see you all and give everyone a big ole hug 🙂
IT WAS GREAT TALKING WITH ALL OF YOU SUNDAY SEPT. 14 AT MCDONALDS IN MARENGO IL. I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR TRIP ON YOUR BLOG
VERY INSPIRING TO ALL CYCLISTS TAKE CARE AND RIDE SAFE
LYNNE
Julie, Pearson & Team:
We’ll see you at Duff’s in Orchard Park, on Monday, between 6:00 & 6:30 PM. Hope Pearson’s arm is better by then.
What a great job you’re all doing! Can’t wait to see you!
Geri Wnuk expressed interest in seeing you, too. So we forwarded your info to her. I can’t be sure they’ll make, it but since she asked, I passed it on.
Looking forward to seeing all of you on Monday.
Love to all,
Papa & Nana