Route Map
Journal Excerpts
From Butch’s journal:
The trip from Chester to Harrisburg, Illinois was 80 miles. It was a tough day for Chris. He had three flat tires. We stayed at a Baptist Church, which had a nice kitchen, lots of bedrooms, a rec room, and a color T.V. The Olympic games were just starting that day, and with all the conveniences of home, we decided to stay an extra day. We worked on our bikes and watched the Olympics. It was really a restful day.
From Nancy’s journal:
We were up at five again this morning. My body still felt stiff, but I knew that would pass. It seemed like it took forever to cover the first few miles. The roads were really narrow and there was no shoulder to ride on. These big semis came whizzing by very close, and I almost got knocked off my bike a few times. Finally, we turned onto a better road with a shoulder. The shoulder had a lot of glass and stuff on it, and Chris got three flat tires…
The last fifteen miles into Harrisburg seemed endless, but we finally did make it at about three thirty. The church we are staying in is great. It has a color T.V., jukebox, pool table, ping pong table, and a basketball hoop. We’ll even get to watch the Olympics tonight. We went swimming at the public pool, and the man only charged us half price. I just took a shower because of the scrapes on my legs.
From Tani’s journal:
We’re all getting excited and counting the days to D.C. Chris had a long day with 3 flat tires. We had 2 half hour lunches. That was icky. All we had time to do was gulp down our food.
Judy found us a really great church. It had a pool table, ping pong, and a t.v. I ran over to put my laundry in and came back to the church and watched the Olympics. I ran back and forth all night. We all liked the Olympics, so we decided to make Harrisburg a two-day layover. It was almost like home, watching the Olympics. I was laying there watching, and Syd would start bugging me, just like Dad. I think I’m homesick.
From Nancy’s journal (day of rest):
We got to sleep in until nine o’clock this morning. Sleep seems like such a luxury. I got up, repacked my pack, and did all those things I needed to do. Kevin and I went to a cafe for breakfast. It had quick service and good food. What else can you expect?
Tani and Syd showed up a little later with the mail. They had driven to Carmi to get it. I got a care package from home. It was filled with cookies, hot cocoa, peanuts, raisins, and granola bars. It was great! I must have eaten at least ten cookies while I read my mail. I wrote letters and took it easy all afternoon. It was one of the most relaxing days we’ve had. Later, we had a birthday party for Brad. Tani and I bought him a present, a cake and ice cream. We served it to all the guys and then got stuck with the dishes. We have all the luck.
All Journals
Click on the images to view the full journal entry from each person.
Photos
Click on the collage to view the photo album.
