Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

After a wonderful day off in Chicago, the team rode 40 miles to Lincolnshire. Today’s ride was dedicated to Nancy Harmon, the mom of one Lindsey’s friends. She is battling breast cancer right now.

We started at Buckingham Fountain and headed north on the Lakeshore Path.  After 27 miles, we stopped at Turnbull Woods in Glencoe for a picnic provided by our parents and Jonathon Schlesinger, one of I4K’s founders. Jonathon manned the grill and really provided a very nice event. It was delicious and fun to continue spending time with some of our families.

After lunch anyone could ride the remaining 13 miles to Lincolnshire with us. We had a handful of parents and friends join us. I personally liked being able to give my parents a taste of what we do all day, every day. The last stretch really flew by for all of us, and we arrived at our stay over around 4.

Some of the team went home for a final chance to sleep in their own beds, and the rest stayed at the Marriot Lincolnshire. Tyler, Illini 4000’s president, treated those of us who stayed to dinner at Red Robin, a very kind and generous gesture.

Tonight is our last night in Illinois! We are a little sad to be leaving the state that most of us call home, but extremely excited for what lies ahead. Many alumni say that after Chicago is when the “real” I4K starts. For whatever reason, many memories stand out from the west for them. We are looking forward to seeing some stunning scenery and making more memories of our own.

DR