Today was a milestone for both the ride and many of the riders. We have entered our fifth state: Indiana, the Crossroads of America. In doing this, many riders have now completed their first century! It was a proud day with good weather and flat roads that let our team shine. In addition, the fun we had during the ride really helped to minimize the imposing distance as we begin to turn southwest toward UIUC.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 99.2 (+0.8)
Elevation: +1584’/-1420’
General Direction: Roll southwest from Maumee, follow the Maumee River on old U.S. 24 (Route 424) until mile 47, turn south through Defiance and west onto connecting roads following the river, cross the Indiana border at mile 74.2, and continue WSW into Fort Wayne.
Points of Interest: Maumee River, North Turkeyfoot State Park, various riverside metroparks, downtown Defiance, downtown Fort Wayne
Tales of the Trail
Today was smooth sailing, er, pedaling for our team. We left Maumee bright and early as usual and followed along the Maumee River for 94 of the 99 miles en route. Most of our scenery consisted of the bending treeline along the river as well as plenty of farmland. We had mostly clear skies and a high in the mid-70s, and the air quality continued to improve as we rode. We had not one, but two tire explosions and plenty of other issues but pushed through.
Knocking out a few more states before Indiana.
Our second rest stop in downtown Defiance, OH garnered us some delicious caffienated drinks and sandwiches at the cozy Cabin Fever Coffee. Many patrons and employees talked with us about our mission and the ride and by the end we had nearly every head turning in the place. Our jerseys aren’t just for riding, they are in many ways uniforms that demonstrate our purpose even at first glance.
We arrived into Fort Wayne a bit before dinner, and what a dinner it was. Our hosts at The River Christian Church made an absolutely stunning homemade meal of roast chicken with sweet potatoes and onions, bruschetta pasta, potatoes, broccoli, and folded blueberry pies. We played a bit of MarioKart and grabbed some Dairy Queen as well. Definitely a worthy celebration for a great first achievement for many on the team. Tomorrow’s destination is Logansport, IN at a hefty 78 miles.
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Jonathan Yuen, Ride Leader
How are you today? I’m doing great! Today was a lot of fun, I did my first century and I think today was a good day to do it. The air quality wasn’t much of an issue and Indiana roads are pretty flat so it was very manageable. Sam R., Nabeel, Edward, and Olivia were very fun to ride with; we sang songs, learned about people’s favorite colors, and had a great time.
What make and model of bicycle are you riding? A Black Trek Emonda ALR 4 Disc.
What is your favorite aspect about the ride so far? Why is it your favorite? Its tough, but probably the ability to work and grow as a team. We all have responsibilities and there is lots of problem solving and working through any communication issues we may have that goes on. We are a really good group and I love spending time with everyone on this team. After the team meeting we had in Sandusky, knowing more about why people are doing the ride makes a very big impact for me too.
How much cycling did you do before training for I4K specifically? Before joining I4K in 2020, the most I’ve probably cycled in my life at one time was three miles. My training with the 2020 team, which was cut short, mostly involved running and lots of lifting. After 2020, I did a few rides with I4K alums and didn’t get back into running until last April.
Where on today’s route (generally or specific mile marker) was the most memorable for you? What happened? I have two, the first was after mile 30 when Edward starting pulling and we averaged 18-20 mph for about ten miles. It was very enjoyable to get into that zone and to go that fast. The second was after Olivia joined us at mile 48, from then to the end we were chatting, singing a lot of different songs (including plenty of T Swift), and getting up to shenanigans. One point I remember was when everyone in the group gave a very detailed description of their favorite food, dessert, and drink.
Anything you’d like to say to those cheering you on? Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I may not be the greatest at communicating or following up, but know that I always appreciate your support. I am very grateful for everything we’ve been doing and what this will do for me in the future.
Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)
Laurel trades in the bike for a ‘dozer.
~Dictionary of I4K~
Century: A single ride with a duration of 100 miles.
UIUC: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, home of the Fighting Illini, and our host university. Most of our team attends or has recently graduated from UIUC. Kathryn and Mike are exceptions with Kathryn having just completed her nursing program at Parkland College and Mike being a teacher of special education at Champaign Centennial High School.
Jersey: The top or “shirt” element of biking gear. Very lightweight and moisture-wicking with a zipper in the center. The orange and blue I4K jerseys are designed by the board and made by Primal, and are part of the worn riding gear on each day of the ride.
All systems go from Jean, note the three interested horses in the background.