Day Thirty-nine

Looks like it's out of Harry Potter but it's the old school next to the Hoosier Gym.

Gym teacher Joy is clearly in her element.

John and Pam but can she dunk?

From Adella's hangdog look she's clearly stunned by my vivid recreation of a Coach Tom Blackburn "inspirational" speech.

The co-captains of GHS 68 basketball recreating their usual starting roles.

My practices aren’t designed for your enjoyment.

Coach Norman Dale Hoosiers

Super easy day zipping along Historic Highway 40 all the way to Richmond. Highway 40 was one of the original transcontinental routes going from San Francisco to Atlantic City. The western end has become truncated and it now ends just outside Park City, UT. For traveling by bicycle it’s certainly a better alternative than I-70.

Noticed we actually passed by TWO DQ’s on the way out of Indianapolis but it was early in the ride and even I have to draw the line somewhere. Blizzards for breakfast? Soon we were out of the commercial area and started passing along the main streets of small towns. Probably should have taken more time to stop and enjoy some local pastries and coffee but we’ve gotten into this hurry-up mindset trying to get the mileage done before the hot weather and/or thundershowers arrive.

We did make a short side trip in Knightstown to the gym where they filmed Hoosiers. We got a tour from Reid, a 1960 graduate and generally had a blast shooting hoops and just acting up.

Other than that it was pretty quiet on the road. Kevin has returned for this leg of the tour so Phil has someone to play with for a few days. There’s still some sickness bouncing around (Fran, Locomotive John) but everyone’s riding and for the first time I heard people talking about “how many days are left”.

My virtual rider today was my baby brother, Lee, who most of you remember is a mountain biker from Denver. His birthday was yesterday and I know he'd be apoplectic to be associated with road weenies but I took him along anyway. It's okay kid, I used to take you to the GHS basketball games too...remember?

Early to bed tonight. Someone said we have four centuries and two states coming up!

Today’s ratings: (the higher the better or easier)

Scenery: 7

Road conditions: 8

Grunt factor: 9