DOnezo

7/20/2016

Traveler to traveler Mark hooked me up with some cheese grits and coffee in the AM, and a copy of one of his favorite travel books by Ted Kerasote. Reading isn't my favorite, but I'll definitely check it out.
Idiotically I threw out something that helps with a certain area while riding. Hadn't used it for 5+ days so I figured there was no use in lugging the stuff around. Since it's gotten hotter/mugger there's been a lot more sweating... So had to see if chap stick does the trick. It doesn't.

Stopped for my morning donuts and coffee 30 miles in along Long Beach, a tenish miles stretch along the beach with pretty but expensive houses. In the coffee shop I realized how bad I truly smelled. Three days of riding without a shower and even longer for laundry, it was gross. But two lake baths has to equal one shower right? That's math.

The rest of the ride was simply Google maps screaming in my ear every three seconds to turn right here or stay on this trail or make a U turn, since it was just a complex maze of shitty bike trails and side roads. Finally though the skyline of Chicago crept up, getting clearer and bigger as I put in more miles... That was pretty sweet.

Made it to my aunt and uncles' house and had the most incredible shower of the trip. Hot water, shampoo, soap, the works. I guess I missed some of the little luxuries in life.

So that's it... Shows over. Even if I ride tomorrow it's a simple 20ish miles and a little west, so I feel like it won't be much. Whoever someone asked where I'm finishing I always said Chicago, and now I'm here.

Since I couldn't bring anything back with me all I have to show for the 2,400 miles is a torn up bottom, ridiculously absurd tan lines, some scraps that will fade to scars, and phenomenal new friends.