21.71 miles.

We did it. HOLY shit.

I asked Spaghetti to go on a bike ride with me yesterday, it was about 90 degrees and we left at 11:50 am (I know GREAT time to head out for a bike ride in 90 degree heat right?)

So with the kids being at his parents, and we had NOTHING planned. We thought we’d make a day of this. Now kids free bike ride is awesome, there are some SUPER long trails by us, one being the I&M Canal Trail, goes from Chicago all the way to Seneca, and maybe even further. We usually stay around here, but a good hour of biking is fun.

He suggests we try something new. We go down the trail SOUTH west, and go a way we never went before. I know the towns around us, so sure lets go.

I just got a new bike tote, it’s a deep pouch, that held my 1 liter of water, and my little pouch that had my chap stick, sunblock, cell phone and inhaler in it.

We rode, and rode. The beginning part is horrible, I think next time, we should just go RIGHT for the trail, instead of taking a side road for 2 miles in direct sun (hardest part!)

Now 90 degrees is suck-tastic in direct sun, and here in south Chicago it’s humid as hell, think Florida humid. BUT down in the woods the temperature was about low 80’s so it was bearable.

We both said that we were proud that even though a small tree was down, we carried our bikes over instead of just going home. And when we saw the 5 mile marker for a state park, we decided to go for it. (even though we had just gone 6 miles already)

I drank the whole 1 liter on the way there, and at the park some kind people gave me a liter of water to take back with me. We took about 20 minutes total in breaks. (more me needing them then him)

The trip was an adventure. A great one. Of proud moments like that we kept going, we laughed, we talked, there was NO t.v. or internet between us. We had official “US time”

Along the way there were of coarse animals.

2 frogs. They hopped along in front of us.

2 cranes. One in the marsh nearby, one flew RIGHT over our heads.

1 beaver. Walked right in front of us.

1 doe. She was running towards us! She halted when she saw us, and ran down the path in front of us while we rode behind her!

12 hissing geese. Now we have a TON of geese around here. BUT when the path has a drop off one side, and water directly on the other and these geese (about 6 adults the rest smaller, probably born this spring) were in a space about the size of a minivan, they are NOT to be messed with.

They protect their young, and HISSED and flapped at us as we drove by, I was more concerned with them biting us and I’m not one to be swayed by animals. (except the hissing geese)

3 Racoon. 2 big, one baby, the baby was adorable just sitting along the path.

Like I said the beginning was tough, and so that meant the ending 2 miles was insane. We were hoping to be home by 3, and well full sun, at 3 pm was HARD. I didn’t give up.

I walked for a bit. But so did Spaghetti right before the 2 miles of sun is a HUGE super STEEP hill, and not sure I’ve seen anyone ride it. I had a hard time pushing my bike up (thanks to Spaghetti for coming back down and helping!)

So 3 pm was the goal? At 2:57pm we got to the trail about 2 blocks from out house, 2:58 close to the end of the trail, WE pushed hard and at 2:59:48 we were at the garage door!!

I staggered off my bike, into the house (HAD to PEE!!) into our swim suits and dove into our pool. Floated around for about 30 minutes, chatting about our adventure, guessing if we were over or under 17 miles, he took the under I said more then 18, I won! 21.71 miles total.

So it’s the day after, my legs and back are good, the thing that’s the sorest?! Not my butt (but close) my right wrist! I can go one handed and didn’t realize that I go left hand free, and all my weight was pushing on my right wrist for 3 hours!

Will we do it again? Yep. Hoping to bring some camping gear, and go 20 + miles one way, camp and head back the next day. Until then, I’ll just take it easy in the house!

Thanks for the adventure, the quality time, and memories Spaghetti. xo

Feisty