We did it!!! Well… not all of it. But a big chunk of it. Or, some of it… anyway, we’re here in Champaign and very very happy to have a rest day. This morning we goodbye to Randy and the church and had a hot and humid ride out of Indiana. The state line was only 18 miles into the route today and we (of course) had fun posing and feeling proud in front of the state sign.

Though rain was expected, the entire day was clear and sunny— we were so happy! And it was as flat as Illinois can be, which was fun because we can hit a pretty high cruising speed. Then we got about ten or fifteen miles from Champaign, and saw in the distance— dark, ominous clouds. And lots of them. Soon enough it started to absolutely pour! But we were so close, and so glad to be almost back into town, that it was fun and hilarious that this storm caught us at the very last minute. I got a flat tire (my first of the trip) so Willard, Bang, Gibby and I spent an extra few minutes in the downpour before riding to Beckman Institute at the University. We met up with everyone and the Prairie Dragon Paddlers, and celebrated our return to the place that started it all!

Tomorrow is a rest day, so no journal. But I’ll see you again before Chicago! I-L-L!

— Marielle