Raaaiiinn

First off, camping was worse. I had company and the site had better facilities, but rocky ground makes it really hard to put down stakes and it was much hotter than last time. I couldn't get to sleep because I was so uncomfortable. Maybe I should have brought a better tent.

Second, it's a good bit nicer riding with other people. However, I'm not sure if it's nice enough to compensate for the misery of camping and the extra weight needed for a mostly camping tour (kitchen + better tent + more clothes).

My new friends ride a good bit differenly than me (I'm not an expert biker. In fact I'm pretty new at this). First, they take hills a lot slower than me. This might explain why very hilly days make me so incredibly tired. Second, they seem to take the whole day getting to their destination (with their destination a LOT more flexible than me because they camp). They stop for large meals (that last over an hour) and do a little sight seeing. I don't eat large meals while I ride (banana + trail mix every hour) and don't do much else other than ride while I ride. Third, they do less distance with fewer rest days (they were going on 2.5 weeks without a rest). They would do very short days for rest instead (30 miles or so). Finally they can draft each other on strong headwind days! Unfair!!

As for today: it rained. A lot. We had 4 very strong showers and were only able to find shelter 3 times. Got drenched during storm 4. I was just barely able to get to the bike shop before it closed (had to leave the other guys behind to make it).

Unfortunately I had to leave everyone back in Carbondale and move ahead to Murphysboro on my own. I just won't be able to make it to tomorrow's motel if I don't and it's supposed to rain all week (I do NOT want to camp in the rain).

I may or may not re-meet up with them. I can follow where they are online. I neglected to take photos on the iPhone. Sorry!

I did a little over 60 miles (with a couple of shortcut miles on top of that).