I realllllly wanted to be able to say I rode every mile of this journey. Unfortunately, I had to face the reality of my left knee ( for days it's been 'speaking' to me every mile). Because I was in bad shape with pain yesterday, I decided to do only 1/2 of the ride today. That said, I road only 35 miles.....but it was 35 miles of hills!! (what happen to flat corn fields of Iowa?-- I was riding in pine tree forests along sandstone bluffs).
So, I swallowed my pride knowing I have 5 more weeks of riding ( it's embarrassing when these older ladies are asking me how my aches and pains are!!!) In my head, I keep hearing my mom say "come on Jeanette, be smart...take care of yourself".
The miles I did ride were beautiful. We crossed into Iowa today, riding along the shores of the Mississippi River again....then turning slightly inward. The highlight of the day was stopping at The National Effigy Mounds Monument . This is the place where the sacred Indian burial grounds have been discovered (some archeologist believe these may be as old as 1000 bc). It was pretty cool - check it out on google if you get a chance.
Towards the end of my ride today, I saw this beautiful old church & cemetery. It looked like something you'd see in Europe. It was so beautiful tucked away in these luscious green hills. I stopped in the church and said a prayer......
I prayed for FLAT corn fields.
Today's photos......
J... glad you listened to your Mother, she is right... take care of yourself and those knees. Wow five more weeks.... that is just crazy!
ReplyDeleteMiss you...call me soon....love Sister
Christine is right..."Wow five more weeks, that
ReplyDeleteis just crazy". But at least you get to mark it
off your bucket list.
Hope your rest pays off for tomorrow.
Love you,
You are such a gift and inspiration! I, too am glad to hear you're taking care of yourself. Makes you and your journey a little more of the human kind. Remember, you are in grandma M's part of the country and she'd have not been happy about you not taking care of yourself!! Prayers for strong knees and easier terrain from here on out!!
ReplyDeleteLuvya,
Hi Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteLast night we had our bonfire and sent you good thoughts! Yes, please take care of yourself because we have so much to do when you get back home. Here's hoping your prayers are answered and your ride consists FLAT corn fields until your knees feel better. Ride on, ride on....
All my love to you!
Remember me......
ReplyDeleteHi J., I miss you! Yesterday I finally got on my bike & went to church--Marty, Christine & I said a prayer for you.And yes, we all gathered around the fire last night & toasted to you & your ride--your dream. Did ya feel us?? Sounds like you needed a boost :) J, Im so sorry your knees are hurting. Im glad you finally listened to your mom & took a day off :)
Maria hooked me up this morning w/your blog. So sorry it took me so long. Since I've been MIA, I feel I can keep writing for days...we need to catch up! Well, just know I think about you everyday. I miss you my friend.
Love you, San
This little bike ride cost you a fortune. Along with the price tag comes a "courtesy van" Even if you do only half a mile a day, you just take that van and know that we all think you are one tough cookie for even attempting something so crazy as this cross country ride. Try to reposition your saddle, handle bars, cleats so that different angles of your body share the work. Praying for locus-free, flat, corn fields.
ReplyDeleteHI Jennette Im with you in "soul" sista. Im surfing while you riding.. Sounds like a very fun trip.. and keeeepppp going 1500000000 miles arghhh!
ReplyDeletechris locker
Glad to hear it's not a race. Stop when you need to. I'm buying a bike when you get back.
ReplyDeleteLove you, mean it,
Jennice