Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Day 5 Sept 12, 2018

Bowling Green, OH to Bourbonnais, IL

260 miles

Last night we had to fix the metal rack on the back of the bike. During travel it had broken off and had become loose, and was being held on by bungees. Mike did think this was nice because it gave the backrest a little more give and was move comfortable. However, not safe. It took some work but we managed to get it fixed.

Oreos were given by Mary to everyone, however, she did forget to offer some to her own rider. So much for a good support crew member. Mary gave me a ride on the wheeled "shop" chair we have along with was fun -- I probably should have been wearing a helmet with her crazy driving. And Steve now has a new name because I cannot stop calling him Larry. So, Steve is now known as either Steve, Larry or the new name of Starry.

We thought today would start without a hitch because we had done our checklist the night before and were overly confident in the success for the morning. We started with an early morning issue of needing to switch out a tire. We solved that problem.

There was also a loud noise that again made Mike's face get that scary panic look-- but Starry was able to find the culprit a nylon nut jammed between the chain and the sprocket. We had then named him support crew member of the day!  YAYYYY Starry!

Starry continued to impress us with his awesome supportive skills when he drove the whole way, he filled up the gas tanks without any of us other support crew remembering, he helped Mike again later, AND after dinner he dropped us off at the hotel before dropping off the truck by the trailer. Ladies and Gentleman-- the real MVP of the day!!!! MISTER STARRY!!!!!!! (also known as Mikes older brother Steve Butts!) Not to mention...look at this beautiful picture I was able to capture.

GOOOOOOOOO TEAM BUTTS!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, we actually didn't have to run errands for Mike today-- it was the first time so far. PRAISE THE LORD!!! (trust me, it gets old, but we are here for a reason). So, as I was minding my own business walking into the hotel to bring my luggage, my bag broke--just the handle, but this isn't the first problem. So it has some wheels, but you hit anything and its going wonky and takes a bazillion seconds to get back into working order, then the strap broke, so Mom and I went and bought a new suitcase, because lets be real--ain't nobody got time for that. So we had a nice walk around a mall and a busy street. Some lady even pulled up next to us and asked if we needed a ride. I assume she thought we were homeless or stranded or something because I was holding a suitcase. hmmmm if only I could read minds. Anyway, we politely declined. 

We were excited to see that some of our friends made it back without being on the sweeper. Rick, Skeeter (John), Cris, etc. There was a crash or two and hope we see those guys doing better soon. 

Oh! As Mary, Mom and I were walking around scooping out single guys, we ran into a team who used Budweiser beer cans with wire wrapped around to make a muffler. The Budweiser spokesperson who promoter or whomever it was was impressive and took video of it! I mean seriously, people have to get creative out here.

Here are some picture from last night and today:

Our Irish friends plus Charlie

All of us helping out

MVP Starry with Mike


Me saying: wait....what did you say? I"m what? riiiiiiiight??



 Nap when you can

Wherever, whenever



Mary and her friends. She has some beard growing to do

Apparently Mikes dad would work on his bikes the same way with his ankles crossed the same way, how cool is that? 


Cheers to another day, rootebeer


"Bikers helping bikers" Past Cannonballer helping Mike



Sooooo close to my name

Thought this sweeper guy who picks up the bikes that can't be fixed on the road side, was pretty freaking awesome!



 Hotel welcoming us in!


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