
We took the obligatory group photo ( which I don’t have yet) and then set off as a pack.

We normally won’t be doing that but we had to ride through a couple of sketchy neighborhoods on Chicago’s Southside and the leader wanted us to ride together. All in all a good day. Great weather. Lots of bike paths.

My first of many ” 2nd breakfasts ” ( a meal after about 20 to 30 miles of riding). Mine was a piece of French Apple Cheese Cake and a large OJ!! Arrived at the campground in Joliet about 3:30. Now just hanging around waiting for dinner. 56 miles down. Only 2,444 left to go!!
Great start Mike! Maybe it’s too soon to ask, but how did you feel after the first 56 miles?
I actually felt pretty good. I need to get my tail broken in again because I haven’t ridden much in the past three or four weeks but other than that, I felt fine.
You look awesome!!!! What an adventure! Best of luck! Watch out for tire-biting coyotes and wolves!
Looks like you have great weather too! Enjoying the blog.