Two For The Road

Whenever you want to feel inspired to pursue your inner sense of adventure, find a friend like my best buddy, George. Just being around his infectious enthusiasm and tackle-any-challenge attitude makes you want to take on the world. Or at least an 80+ mile bike ride from the St. Louis area to our hometown of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where we grew up together. Throw on a comfortable pair of cycling shorts, pack a few Power Gels, grab your bike and join us as we hit the open road in search of adventure, trouble, and a few good stories. Wild Hogs!

As we pull out onto Route 15, the sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon and we pedal toward the outskirts of Belleville. Stay on the shoulder and steer clear of the early morning traffic - to this point all the cars and trucks have been very respectful and give us plenty of room. After about an hour or so of pedaling, we cruise through the first small town on the route, Freeburg. We stop at a McDonald's for a natural break where the locals, who are swapping gossip over their early morning coffee, seem amused by my appearance. As I check my look in the bathroom mirror, I suddenly understand why, as I wipe the clomps of sweaty residue from my face and turn off the big red flashing light that's attached to the back of my jacket.

We pull out of Freeburg and as we enter the open two-lane road that takes us closer to our destination, we comment on how you notice the natural beauty of the surrounding farms and landscape a lot more at 15 miles an hour than at 70. Sometimes it's nice just to slow down and take in the scenery. Thus far, the ride not only is a good workout for the body, it rejuvenates the senses and soul, as well.



The sleepy town of Fayetteville is next. It's amazing to cross through these small communities seemingly in the middle of nowhere.






There's a certain charm and relaxed atmosphere that you don't find in the city.
We pedal over an old bridge crossing the Kaskaskia River. The sun is higher in the morning sky and temperatures are unseasonably warm and comfortable. You'll hear the wind on this video, but it's at our backs pushing us onward.



George rolls on the open road about 50 miles outside of Mt. Vernon. Although we keep a consistent speed of 13 to 15 miles an hour, the mood is relaxed and we have the opportunity to swap stories and trade "hey-look-over-there" moments.








We pedal into the rising sun and still closer to our destination.









George rides past an old church in St. Libory. We're nearing the halfway point.






We take a self portrait while riding down the highway.







Just outside of Nashville (IL), George suddenly shouts, "Hey, are those camels over there?" Before I can roll my eyes and attribute George's comments to our exhaustion, I see what he's talking about! Welcome to the Rainbow Ranch, home to camels, zebras and other animals you don't see every day in these parts.





George chats with Alan Blumhorst, zookeeper of the Rainbow Ranch. For more details on this truly unique place, visit www.rainbowranch.com.



We arrive in Nashville with about 27 more miles to go to Mt. Vernon.








Since it's almost lunch time, we enjoy an exquisite meal consisting of muffins, Gatorade and Power Gels at the local mini-mart.





In Ashley, our last stop before Mt. Vernon, George checks in with the outside world.



After just over five hours of riding, we reach the outskirts of Mt. Vernon!







George celebrates,










while I add a bike lift to toast the day.












George and I surprise my mom with a visit.









Then we stop by to see George's parents. George and his dad are pictured here.





Finally, we pedal out to see our friend Curtis (a.k.a. "Peanut") who was one of our trio of buddies while growing up. The trip takes us to Summersville - just east of Mt. Vernon - and helps us to tally just over 80 miles and 6+ hours on the day's ride. While we had the occasional crazy flip us off or drive a little too close to us, overall we were surrounded by well-wishes and smiling faces throughout our journey. The 1st annual Pedal For The Porkchop was a definite success.

Who says you can't go home again? The day was one of laughs, sweat, reflection, and - most of all - friendship. If life is a journey, this is one leg of it that I will never forget. Of course, just as we finish, George looks at me flashing a devious smile and simply says, "What's next?!"

Talk to you soon. Until then, pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff