After a difficult day prior, the team was ready to tackle the day by “eating the frog”, meaning, tackling the greatest challenge of the day first. Today, the team was met with a 13-mile-long gradual hill to start off the ride, followed by rolling hills for the rest of the day, making for an easier ride. Some fun rest stops were made, and the team explored State College the next day!
Quote of the day
“I never take this helmet off, I live in my helmet ”
Ride overview
Mileage: 60.9 miles
Elevation: 3,392 ft
Points of Interest: Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, Poe Valley State Park, Raymond B. Winter State Park, Penn State Berkey Creamery, Palmer Museum of Art
Ride Dedication: Joyce Stah
Tales of the Trail
Team spirits were high this morning when our route master, Andres, gave a little talk about “eating the frog”, the frog in this case being a 13-mile gradual hill at the beginning of our ride, hence, tackling the greatest challenge first. Although it was long, it was an enjoyable ride as it went through lush green scenery and state parks. Our first rest stop of the day was at the Raymond B. Winter State Park. With a lake in sight, clean bathrooms (yay!), shade in the trees, and a wide selection of snacks, the team felt fulfilled and was ready to tackle the rest of the day.
Raymond B. Winter State Park Activities
The rolling hills that the team biked through the rest of the day were deemed easier than past days. This allowed us to enjoy the views, have conversations, and take in the moment without gasping for air. A familiar face that the teams kept encountering throughout this ride was cows. This was no surprise as people outnumber cattle 12.6:1 in Pennsylvania! Known for their cows and dairy industry, it was an honor to see the cows graze the land.
Lots of Cattle!
We landed at Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park for our second and last rest stop of the day. Most of the team opted in for bison burgers at the visitor center (which were delicious) instead of PB&J sandwiches for lunch. One group was able to take a cave tour with a tour guide who made them chuckle. After the well-spent 2-hour rest stop, the team continued onwards towards our stayover for the night at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County, getting some ice cream at the Berkey Creamery, excited for the rest day ahead.
Caves, Ice Cream, and More!
Our rest day was very pleasant, and many of us enjoyed sleeping in for the first time since starting our ride. We started our day with an amazing breakfast provided by UUFCC, which included muffins, hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, and fruit. After breakfast, we took a stroll around the local area and found a cool park to hang out in. Some of us climbed rope-like structures, and others (Matt and Harbin) learned to play Pachelbel’s Canon on the park’s bells. Unfortunately, we didn’t leave the park in time and got rained on.
Park Activities and Happy Eggs
After eating sandwiches – also provided by UUFCC – we shuttled to the downtown area of State College and explored as much as we could. Our town stop included stocking up on supplies and finding some well-needed coffee – shoutout @i4kofee. We found some cool stores and art shops, with a cycling painting catching our eye. We walked around the Penn State spirit stores (enemy territory) and found a “Beat Illinois” pin, but we all know the Fighting Illini will come out on top this year.
Visiting Downtown
After walking around town, we took a trip to The Arboretum at Penn State, where we took in the sights of nature and even found a cave. Next to the arboretum was the Palmer Museum of Art, which possessed many beautiful pieces of art. The collection is the largest between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and is the leading cultural resource of the region. Our last stop was the Berkey Creamery (again), where everyone enjoyed even more ice cream before heading back to the stayover and enjoying yet another meal provided by UUFCC. The day ended with people cleaning their bikes and preparing for the next day
Penn State Arboretum!
Thank you to the community members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County for giving us a place to sleep for two nights and so graciously providing us with 4 meals during our stay!
Cyclists Corner:
Today’s rider: Katie Kobel
How are you feeling today?
Im feeling good today. I feel like this was the best day i’ve had so far with biking, and I’m feeling good about how it went today.
What was your favorite part of today’s ride?
I really liked the beginning of the ride because the sun hadn’t come out yet and it wasn’t too hot. I also didn’t find the climbs to be that bad in the morning, so I could really take in the view, since it wasn’t too hot or too hard of a climb.
What motivated you to join Illini 4000?
I saw the organization last summer when they were on the ride on social media, and I’ve had people in my life and mutual friends with cancer who have been affected, so I like to hear people’s stories and make a difference with raising money [for cancer research].
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?
I did not do biking at all before I came to the ride. I was a competitive swimmer since I was nine years old, so I feel like that helped somewhat with the cardio part, but it’s like different muscles, so I find it a little, still a little challenging.
What is your bike's name? Model?
My bike’s name is Flicka, after the movie. This was Emma’s bike last year, so I’m keeping the name for her.
What are you most nervous/excited about?
I guess I’m most nervous about some of the climbs, because that’s definitely the hardest parrt for me. I am excited about going west and seeing the national parks, and then just the other states I’ve never been to.
Anything else you want to talk about?
I want to give a shout out to the whole team. I feel like we all work well together and everyone makes sure the pace is good for everyone and adjusts when needed. I think everyone gets along pretty well!