Bluffton to Fort Wayne: Hello Indiana

"Indiana Wants Me"

Waking up in your own bed, in your own house, is perhaps one of best starts to long day of riding. After our restful day off which included minor bike maintenance, a quick sushi date complete with window shopping, and lots of eating, we packed up and attempted to leave. The way the ride started should have proved to a bad omen for how the ride will turn out. While filling the tire to an adequate pressure, a rip formed around the base of the tube nozzle, making it effectively useless. This was flat number one. Once fixed and on the rode, we were glad to have mild and steady tail wind. Unencumbered by our panniers ( because Jackie was going to SAG for us until Van Wert, we managed a blazing speeds topping 20 miles per hour. ( trust me, its a blazing speed to tour cyclists). Between Bluffton and Van Wert, we managed to have 4 flats. These ranged from getting pieces of truck tire threads stuck through the tube, to random pinch punctures, to faulty tire patches. Jackie, who I was texting my frustrations to reminded us to think of such happenings as mandatory rest stops. Always the optimist she is. Finally in Van Wert, we sat down to copious amounts of pizza and salad. Wearing cycling clothing in public always gets a funky stair from the "normal" people around.
    Van Wert was where we said good by to Jackie and were reunited with our packs. Now, 30 pounds heavier, we set out to Fort Wayne via route 30. Between Van Wert and Fort Wayne, we managed yet again another 2 or so flats, causing much consternation to our spirits and dampening whatever elation the tail wind had given us. By this time, we had contacted a host willing to take us in when we arrived in Fort Wayne. The site "warmshowers.org", a community particularly gear toured cycle touring will prove quiet useful on this trip. Anyway, the issues surrounding Andrews cursed tire had driven us to the point where a new one must be purchased. Providence has a funny way manifesting itself through frustration. Our search for a new tire in Fort Wayne led us to a bike shop. Pulling it up, it was busy, and by busy, I mean abnormally bustling. People riding in on road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, kayaks laid out on the lawn, Lycra and jersey clad people huddling in groups chatting about bikes.Parking our bikes, it was not long until someone noticed our packs and asked where we are going. Once our trip was explained, we asked about the excitement happening around us. From what they told us, it was the national bike to work day after party. It was a perfect situation of being at the right place at the right time. A table full of good and filling food and drink table open to all biker in area. Although the fellowship with others in our hobby was short lived, our hosts informed us that supper was cooking. We arrived at our host home after racing through the city. We were greated by neighbors Julie and Michelle alogn with a amazing meal of tacos ( fish, chicken, chorizo, and beans, and toppings). That is our day thus far, we are currently cleaned up and resting, ready for a long day tomorrow to South Bend and or Goshen.! Here are some pics of today and some previous days.

First flat even before we started

Crossing into Indiana

Right Place

Right Time

Leaving Pennsylvania a few days ago

Our first real "touring" meal, half gallon of chocolate milk, PB and J sandwiches and three sour cream donuts each