We rolled out of Chicago as a group. We figured it would be easier to navigate difficulties/roughness together. Well our concerns were not to be realized as we rolled along the Lakeshore trail and through some pleasant neighborhoods. They weren't all amazing, but far from the rough and tumble bombscape we were perhaps expecting. It's amazing how much our perspective of a place and a people can be shaped from afar. That's why I think everyone should try to go somewhere. Whether it be near or far, meeting people from communities other than our own can go a long way towards bringing understanding and developing kindness.
We were held up briefly by a cool drawbridge but our next destination was the state line.
Hello Indiana! State 8!
We continued on trail for a while winding through small towns and parkland. Slowly I saw the return of crop land. This was some of the first crop land since Madison, WI. Kind of crazy to think it took almost 4 days to get through the greater Milwaukee/Chicago/Indiana metro area. Mostly corn and beans, but I did see potatoes and peppers too.
There was brief talk in the morning of potential rain in the afternoon. It was hard to think of with it being yet another hot, sunshiny, day. The rain did come though. As the clouds began to build I pushed to get to Chesterton. The trail was flat and smooth so I moved right along. Couldn't have timed our arrival much better. Within a minute of Manvel and I getting to the Chesterton Brewery a torrential downpour rolled through town. Thank goodness for waterproof bags.
Art, Josh, and Jeff were a little further back and ended up hanging out in a park shelter, but they made it eventually.
Chesterton is also where we met David! He ended up driving over with a friend of his rather than riding to see us. It was awesome to chat and enjoy a sandwich while we waited for the storms to pass. David also said he'd take our bags the last 20 miles to his place. Bonus!
The trail ended in Chesterton but we were treated to some winding Indiana local pavement. Nothing goes through or straight for very far around here so lots of zig zagging but no rain.
Eventually rolled into town and ended at David's. He'll be joining us for the next section of our journey as well! We get a day off in LaPorte now. Then off to Michigan.
'till next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 79.37
Feet Climbed Today: 965
Total Miles Ridden: 2,805.4
Total Feet Climbed: 75,024
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