Today the Illini 4000 team members got a well deserved rest. After riding nearly 500 miles in the first week, everyone was quite ready for a break.We began the day by sleeping in. We woke up at around 9:30 am which is over three and a half more hours of sleep than we normally would get and boy was it worth it. A team meeting followed a quick breakfast in which we talked about any issues that had arisen within the first week of riding. Everyone was very constructive and polite with their ideas and concerns. On a more positive note, we went around in a circle and told each other our favorite time we have had thus far or what we love about our team. It was very touching to see everyone so close with one another in such a short amount of time.We then thanked our president Conor Canaday for all of the work he has put into this organization over the past three years and especially his invaluable help as our driver, lead mechanic, and general sensai throughout this first week of the trip. As a thank you the team pitched in and decided to pay for his transportation back to his home of Channahon, IL. We really cannot express in words how thankful we are for all Conor's help throughout all the preparation and in this ultra-hectic first week of the ride.After all of this, we made our way to the picnic provided by the University of Illinois Alumni Club of Pittsburgh. Matt Cady, an '09 rider, prepared and organized the whole barbecue including the delicious foods (both meaty and vegetarian of course!) and copious amounts of drinks. It was such a relaxing time to chit chat with some U of I grads in the area and indulge in some delicious foods.Afterwards, most people had some bike maintenance to take care of. Being Memorial Day, everyone had to hop around to local bike shops and REI in order to catch them when still open while others worked on simple issues back at the stayover at the Church of Ascension.We just received news that Taylor, Christian, and Ivy got us a donation from Chipotle Mexican Grill so that all riders will be able to receive a free burrito and drink for dinner! Needless to say we are quite pumped!!!As we recover from our bumps and bruises to go along with a general soreness, we are all looking ahead to our 90 plus mile trip to Cadiz, OH tomorrow. As beautiful as you are Pennsylvania, the mountains and hills were rough and maybe next time we meet, there will be a different form of transportation in the mix.Have a wonderful day!