This morning we awoke at 5:30am to guarantee we showed up on time for our sponsored breakfast! We rode out to the cycling and fitness warehouse (CFW) at around 6:30am where we were met by the great staff who provided pancakes, sausage links, fruits, and other tasty treats. Thank you to the great people at the First English Lutheran Church of Richmond for their great hospitality the night before, and for setting up the breakfast. The staff at the CFW also provided complimentary bike tune ups for the riders who were in need. Furthermore, they have been fund raising money for the Illini4000!! Thanks again everyone, you are awesome!We started our 84 mile ride with VIP treatment, we had a police escort the first 4 miles through the construction in Richmond. It was definitely a new and unique experience. We took route 40 out to Indianapolis. Along the way many riders stopped at the many yard sales along the route. The team had a competition for who could buy the funniest most random thing. The winner is yet to be decided.The days ride was very difficult because the temperatures were hitting close to 100 degrees. Frequent water stops were a necessity. It is days like this that make you appreciate a soft piece of grass and a good shading tree. Some riders took advantage of the shade and took a power nap.The first group arrived at the stay over at 4:15pm where they were greeted by Dan Bartholomew, a 2009 Illini 4000 rider. His parents have generously provided food and a place to sleep for the night. The multitude of snacks available was everything we dreamed of on our long difficult ride. Thank you for your kindness!Two representatives from the Illinois alumni organization of Indianapolis stopped by to provide us with a hardy meal from Fazolis! I want to thank you on behalf of our satisfied appetites! Your yearly support is an example of the foundation which keeps this organization afloat.Tomorrow we ride to Rockville, IN. The forecast calls for rain, but it could be a refreshing break from this heat we have been experiencing.Ya'll keep reading, we'll keep biking! - I4K