Life On A B-I7

Route

• Bradford to Odell

Metrics

• Miles: 77
• Average Speed: Under 10 mph
• Ride Time: All Day

Notes

Thought #24

• Use the gifts you’ve been given to the best of your ability.

Thought #24 and a half

• The Buddha taught his disciples: When they are shot with an arrow (an arrow being misfortune) they should not compound that by shooting themselves with a second arrow. In other words, it does no good to worry and dwell on your misfortune. The best response you can adopt is to be positive and look for the good in what has been handed to you.

Last night I arrived in Bradford and went to the City Park. There was a covered picnic area and a gazebo in the park. The park closed at Sunset, that means they don’t want overnight campers. Given that, I decided that sleeping in the gazebo would be the best option. Before I got bike and gear organized for the night in the gazebo, I decided to fix dinner in the picnic area.

I was joined by a golden blonde kitty. She was young and shy, but very inquisitive. For dinner I was having fried sweet corn and Spam. The kitty was very intrigued by that. Once I finished cooking my concoction I gave it a go. The sweet corn was good, but I decided Spam is not my deal. I gave a little taste of the Spam to the kitty and she was delighted. I gave her the rest of the Spam and made a friend for life.

I ended today by riding a mile long stretch of Historic Route 66. At the end of that stretch was a completely restored Standard Oil Gas Station from 1938. Route 66, from San Diego, California to Chicago. Illinois was the first American highway to be fully paved. All the roads I traveled today were fully paved. However, of the 77 miles I traveled, there was only a 4 mile stretch of road that had a paved shoulder. You need to be very defensive when riding in these conditions. I’ll leave it at that.

I’m more than halfway through the trip and i’m still figuring out the best way to pack all my gear each morning. I’m a little surprised by that. I keep coming up with new more efficient ways to pack everything. I might have it all figured out by the time I reach Bar Harbor, with any luck.

Historic Route 66 outside Odell Illinois. this is the only stretch of Route 66. I will see on this tour.

Fill-er-up!

Itinerary / Maps