Today marked the third day in a row where the team was faced with biking in extreme heat. Don’t worry though, by now we are pro’s at dealing with these conditions with groups getting their sun sleeves wet with cold water at rest stops, drinking electrolytes, etc. We took on a shorter day and were met with some of the first rolling hills that Iowa had to offer us.
quote of the day
“Every time we adopt something, I lose power”
ride overview
Mileage: 59.4 Miles
Elevation: 1,852 ft
Points of Interest: Fire Nutrition, Rise and Grind (Coffee), University of Iowa
Ride Dedication: Vicki Kobel
tales of the trail
The team was ready to tackle a shorter ride today (crazy to think 60 miles is short now), getting up early to beat the heat for the third day in a row! The goal for the day was to have quick rest stops. That being said, our van driver for the day, Jason, chose the first rest stop to be at a smoothie shop, with a coffee drive-through nearby… The team did a great job making it a quicker (relatively) rest stop, nonetheless. Some got smoothies at Fire Nutrition, while most got a coffee at the Rise and Grind coffee shop nearby.
Throughout the day, our team kept up with our hydration. After experiencing the heat the last two days, we now knew what to expect and how to take care of our bodies on these hot days. Iowa surprised us with some climbing on their hills (thought nothing compared to those in Pennsylvania and West Virginia). With 2-3 miles left to the stayover, the last group decided to tackle the challenge of each member of the group drinking half a gallon of milk and riding the rest of the way to the stayover. Only one member of the group completed the challenge successfully, Harbin! The other members, unfortunately, did not finish the half gallon milk, or the milk came up in some other way before they got back on the bike (don’t ask).
After all the groups got to our stayover at the First Mennonite Church, the group shuttled to showers and were treated to dinner by our hosts. Later that night, our team had the privilege of speaking to Meredith and Donna about their cancer experiences. It was a pleasure being able to speak with them and hear about their journeys (be sure to read their story in the near future)! The team ended the night with a movie and was ready to tackle the next day. Thank you so much to the First Mennonite Church for giving us a place to sleep, along with the dinner and delicious breakfast that was provided so early in the morning!
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Veronica Kozak
How are you feeling today?
We got in early, so we had a lot of time to rest and just be human. So I'm feeling good.
What was your favorite part of today’s ride?
I really liked walking through the drive-through at a coffee place. It was funny because there were cars in front and back, and there was a bunch of cyclists just walking through to get coffee. And the owner was really sweet, and she gave us stickers. And the coffee was delicious. I got a vanilla honey cinnamon ice saute.
What motivated you to join Illini 4000?
A lot motivated me. My sister did the ride in 2016, and I knew I always wanted to do it because it sounded amazing to bike across the country. But it wasn't until my uncle passed away from cancer, and near my freshman year of entering college that I knew I wanted to do the ride then and there, just as a way to pay homage to him and also prove to myself that I could do something like I 4k and push myself in that way.
Before joining Illini 4000, how much bike training had you done, and did you have any other athletic background that you feel prepared you for this ride?
Well, for my first ride, I hadn't touched a bike in five years prior, so I was not prepared at all. But that just shows that anyone can do it, and it's possible with effort, determination, and willpower. You can do it if you really want for this ride. I will be honest, I didn't train as much as I did my first time around, but I'm really surprised. I think my experience doing it the first time helped, and I was mentally prepared a lot more this time around. I think that helped me get through the physically challenging days on the ride the second time. And I think that's what got me through, just having a little bit of experience, and being able to do that.
What is your bike's name? Model?
My bike's name is Bobby, B, O, B, B, Y, and the model is a Trek Domani 2
What are you most nervous/excited about?
It's a bit nerve-wracking having to lead a team of 15, and knowing that I am, in a way, responsible for everyone. But I'm also excited at the same time, because I think we got a good bunch this time around. And I love everyone's personality, and I think they fit well, and everyone's great.