9-12-15  My story of the day

We decided to Stay at East Point Marina in Peoria, IL an additional  day.  It was only $40 for the slip and had free ice and free laundry.  Off came the sheets and towels and any other thing that could possibly need washing. We did housekeeping of which I will spare the boring list.

However, I will share my trip into town.  I needed to go to the nearest pharmacy which was a CVS 1.4 miles away.  Out came the bike and only 1.4 miles…easy peasy.  The first road I got on might as well have been a freeway.  Thank heavens for wide shoulders…that is until I hit construction.  It wasn’t that bad just had to dodge the areas that they jackhammered holes in the cement.   I was feeling good when I got off this road until I got to Highview Road.  The name should have been my first clue.  It was all uphill.  I was so proud of how far I peddled until I had to stop and walk.  At this point I figured I rode at least 3 of the 4 miles. Oh wait, the whole trip is only 1.4 miles.  It sure seemed like 4 miles.  Once I got to the top, I figured I was home free. Zip into town grab my stuff and it will all be downhill home.  That was great thinking until I started down the other side on a steeper grade.  Oh man that means I have to ride uphill both ways.  I get to CVS and there are firemen there doing an inspection.  Halleluiah, my saviors, they know the roads and  cantell me how to get back without the monster hill. Guess what, he laughed at me and yes ma’am there is a route with less hills it’s just 12 miles out of your way. Sigh.

So I get my goods and new water bottle, and hit the road.  The two hills on the way back were twice as steep at the one on the way there.  Yes, I was walking my bike and had nice conversations with all the neighbors who were outside.  We talked about the dreaded hills they lived on.  Finally, I get to the top and a short flat ride later, I am at the top of Highview Road.  It’s all downhill from here. Off I go gaining too much speed but able to control it. I am loving the breeze because as you can imagine by now I’m hot.  That is until my new hat blows off and by the time I can stop, I now have to hoof it back up the hill. I got my hat which has a great saying on it.  “Boat Hair Don’t Care”  I read it and busted out laughing.  What did I go to CVS for? …..Hair Dye.