God also lives in Illinois

Dear Son,


Dad and I rode an 18-wheeler today... 2 wheels at a time.

The Sunday Riders started out with 9 bikes today. You remember that this is the gang that we joined 3 seasons ago. Dad and I look forward to good weather each week so that we can "get on our bikes and ride!" This is what gets us through the weekly drudgery that we endure for the necessary paycheck.

It was a glorious fall day ... sixties and sunny. As we headed west, love songs and hymns caroled in my head. I could feel undulations and vibrations from the road, from beneath the soles of my boots up to the depths of my soul. I was cruising effortlessly up to 90 mph with my newly installed windshield, thanks to your wonderful father. Does it ever get better than this?

Oh yes, indeed it does.

We gassed up in Mt. Carroll and proceeded into God's country. The roads became twisty and snaky and hilly; even almost mountainous, by Illinois standards. Don't forget that we live in a state where we can drive hundreds of miles within 0.05% gradient without turns... or so I used to think, up till this past weekend. Son, we have a corner of twisty heaven in the northwestern region of our great Land of Lincoln.

We rode on a roller coaster named Country Roads 4, 7 and 15 leading into the town of Elizabeth. I had to lean left, and then I leaned right. I had to downshift, and then I up-shifted. I had to remember to breathe as I maneuvered 60-mph turns on manicured, banked curves through Wisconsin-like bucolic vistas. There was no room for mental love songs or hymns or ponderings. I could barely hear the roar of the engine over my heart drumming against my chest.

This may be our last ride this season. But what exhilarating, life-affirming last 336 miles they were.

Thanks, Neil and Ben and the rest of the Sunday riders for a great season.

So many roads, so little time.

Love,

Mom and Dad