Throughout the day there was the threat of rain. I knew before we left that we would be rained upon a few times. We delayed our departure from the fire station until 9:30 to avoid early morning showers. After the first morning climb the showers came. We took refuge under a large tree alongside the road. Once the rain subsided we were off to Utica with a thunderstorm on the immediate horizon. We made it to Utica before the next storm hit and rode that one out either inside the gas station\/convenience store, or outside under a building overhang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lightening and rain stopped and we were back on the road again. Just outside of Beech Grove another storm, with torrential rain, started. We rode frantically for cover for the rain was making our visibility poor and worse for any car coming up from behind us. By this time the four of us were separated and taking shelter at our own safe spots. Sue and I were tucked under the canopy of a gas station next to pump. Greg was a few miles back under a tree as was Bill, even further behind Greg. Once the thunderstorm subsided we were on to Sebree. The destination for the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s ride we delayed our morning department because of rain, got throughly soaked twice, and stopped because of heavy downpours and lightening three times. It was a wet day but the it was not over. Sometimes, a terrible day can turn out to be a great day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out destination was the First Baptist Church of Sebree. This church has the reputation of providing the best resources for TransAm cyclists. It is large, open, game room, cyclists room, showers, washer and drier, and nice kitchen. As soon as we pulled up to the building a car pulled up to welcome us. It was Bob, the retired pastor who lived across the street. He showed us around the place and was very proud of the accommodations, and should be because they were very good. Bob also asked us to join him and his wife for dinner. There was no way that would could turn down that offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were already two other cyclists at the hostel. One was Amador, or Spanish cycling friend, and Wade a solo cyclist from Oregon. All 6 of us were invited to Bob and Violet\u2019s house for dinner. I am not sure how she did it, but within 60 minutes of our arrival Violet had prepared a meal of pulled pork, salad, and lemon pie for desert. Bob was the pastor of the church for 35 years prior to his retirement and him and his wife have been hosting cycling guests ever since. It was treat for all of us to experience Bob and Violet\u2019s hospitality. A day that started out wet and continued to be soggy to a great memory that not one of us will forget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s stats: total mileage 52.95, average speed 13.8 mph, elevation gain 2493 feet, elevation descent 2582, max speed 35.9 mph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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