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Day 17: {now north of their route between "X" and "Y"}
JUNE 18: Markley, Ind. to Winamac, Ind. 79 miles via U.S. Route 224 and Indiana Routes 5, 114 and 14. Average speed for the day, 11.3 mph. Total trip mileage, 1,040.
You read it right: We hit the 1,000 mile mark today, the 18th day of our trip. That computes to an average of nearly 58 miles a day, which isn’t bad considering the mechanical difficulties we have had.
Our goal setting out was to ride 60 miles a day six days, with one day off each week. That computes to an average of about 51 miles a day, which means were a bit ahead of schedule.
We’ll be taking three of the next four days off to visit my mom in Winnetka, Ill., so that average will fall somewhat. But we’re really looking forward to the break. The plan is to leave our bikes at a cycle shop in Kankakee, Ill., where we’ll arrive tomorrow, then rent a car and head north two hours or so for the weekend.
Today began inauspiciously: Within two hours Ben had two flats and one busted derailleur hanger. He repaired the flats in quick order and, luckily, had a spare hanger in his tool kit. By 10:30 a.m. his troubles were over and clear sailing was ahead.
Hit the 1,000-mile mark at 1:30 p.m. near the microscopic but spectacularly named town of Disko, Ind.
Today’s weather was perfect (mid 70s), winds were low and traffic was light. Stopped for lunch in Akron, Ind. and downed two huge submarine sandwiches at Smitty’s Deli and Antique store. There you can munch while looking at vintage radios, books, roadmaps, gas station signs and more.
Covered 31 more miles in the afternoon, then shared a large pizza with Ben at Winamac’s Pizza King. It doesn’t matter what we eat, both of us are still losing weight on the road.
So forget all those fad diets and exercise gizmos they peddle on late-night TV. Get on a bike saddle 10 hours a day and you’re home free.
