Day 34. Thursday, August 13 – Mendota to Joliet, Illinois
Thursday 13 August 2015
Crispy, cool 65° sunny morning,
a day any activity outside feels good.
The quiet of the country surrounded us 
as we watched a crop duster preform amazing aerobatics over the fields.
The usual clear sky was softly brushed with clouds;
large trees adding their interesting silhouettes.
We had quite the variety
of barns
on our mostly flat road, occasionally dipping down 
to meet a river or creek
and climbing back up. At 9:30, not even close to our halfway mark, we stopped
for a snack
at the only place between start and finish today; we really must stop this indulgence…
…tomorrow.
Leaving the cafe, a soft southwest wind joined our easterly trek and added to the enjoyment of the morning.
Once again, Jerry had a rider..
…something about his bike shorts!!
By noon, the clouds had encased the sun, continuing our cool temperatures. About fifteen miles from town, the traffic started to pick up. Shortly thereafter, the fields turned to densely packed homes 
We biked along with the traffic for ten miles to find a place to stay in the suburbs of Chicago (we are only 30 miles from the city).
Pre-season football begins tonight, so we celebrated football and our 58 miles, with the only thing to start the season with,
and it was really, really good!
Don Says:
Jerry, is that a Japanese beetle or a stinkbug? We report; you decide. (don’t get any closer to Chicago!)
Brian Sagedy Says:
Hope all is well. Miss you guys. Mud run had the dirtiest mud pit EVER! Birthday video is STILL way TOO funny! The inaccurate conception legend lives on!
Lasagna dinner when you get back!
Travis Says:
Nice, Nice, Nice & Nice. Nice day for a ride in the country. Nice barns, homes and café. Nice way for that beetle to escape the crop duster. And nice job, Team.
Morgan Says:
Finally some cool weather and pleasant roads. Never stop eating the delicious looking food…… It’s why we all follow you : – )
Mel Says:
Looks like you had a beautiful, relatively flat ride. Enjoy!
MaryEllen Says:
Who wouldn’t want to ride for free on Jerry’s shorts? 🙂 Was that Chicago deep dish pizza?