Day 3The I4k rumor mill was churning last night as word of a 43 mile day spread about. The people simply couldn’t believe it…43 miles, it’s just too easy. Despite the weariness, we did indeed have a very short 43 mile ride from Philadelphia into Newark, Delaware. The cross into Delaware 20 miles into the day marked the fourth state we have ridden in; New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and now Delaware.Despite the laid back nature that a short day provides, the extreme heat did provide a challenge. With temperatures soaring throughout the day many teams were caught filling up water bottles consistently (as well as pouring the water all over their bodies). The rest stop was crucial and enjoyable as usual as Taylor Swift prominently sang out through the van’s speakers. Riders sang along and enjoyed donated bread from a market the day before. An aquatic war may have begun during the rest stop; eye witnesses confirmed that water guns and water balloons were purchased at a nearby dollar store (this also marks the third consecutive day that a dollar store profited from our journey).More importantly, the kindness that we have grown familiar to has continued in Delaware. Our gracious hosts not only gave us a place to sleep, but also provided a hearty meal that sufficiently stuffed the entire team (they even had enough food for our multiple vegetarians). A special thanks to Gerry, Wayne, Phil, Pastor Robert, and the other volunteers at Salem United Methodist for all of your generosity and help. Aside from our hosts, more and more people are coming up to us on the streets and in parking lots. A group of riders stopped for ice cream and left the employees mystified when they heard our story, and the same goes for grocery s shoppers at a Lion Food shop and the manager at a local pool that a few riders took a dip in. Tomorrow begins our first real challenge. A 77 mile ride with serious altitude changes en roué to Baltimore. Bring it on. Thanks for the continued support,Illini 4000