Well, failed my goal of sticking to my pre-planned meal plan yesterday, because I ended up getting antsy at work and going home to get a 25 mile bike ride in. Which of course makes me way hungrier. At some less-healthy food, but didn't go too overboard.
Also, I've been 'gently' reminded that I haven't posted updates from my 500 mile ride, lol! So, I've posted my favorite highlights below. It was an incredible week, and was one of the most challenging things I've done. I'm so glad I didn't listen to the people who told me I would never be able to complete it (looking at you, snooty bike shop man).
The ride consisted of days from 40 miles to 100 miles, with little towns to stop at during the day. But by far the best part was the people I met. On the ride, I met people from all over the world, and made a friend who lives close-ish to me in Chicago. Him and I are actually meeting up next weekend for a century ride in Door County!
The second best part was the food. Oh, good god the food. I have never eaten so much pie. Little old church ladies were selling it along the road the whole week. Gooseberry pie made with a lard crust is just incredible. Then, when you got close to each overnight town, there would be signs for where you could get food. Downtown, they would always have the food trucks and vendors set up, but many local churches or clubs would have dinners. My absolute favorite night was at this local church. The dinner cost a mere $6, and included an enormous plate of pasta with homemade Italian meat sauce, homemade rolls, and this Philippino pork dish with homemade egg rolls and these insane pastries for dessert. I have never eaten so much food in one sitting in my life, lol! And, with all the riding, I miraculously didn't gain a pound that week.
And the third best part was all of the beer. Along the route, when you got close to the overnight towns, there was a free craft beer truck. So of course we always had to stop there! And exploring the small town bars each night was a ton of fun. Also, fun fact, cycling is a surprisingly excellent hangover cure.
Stopping at a town on the second day
The best pie I've ever eaten in my life
An early stop in a town. I think at like 8 am? This was taken shortly after me saying "hold my beer, watch this"
A super cool bike sculpture coming into town
Coming out of the corn for free beer
