Wednesday, June 8th .... Today is a very needed and eagerly anticipated rest day.  I had one of the best night's sleep since the trip began.  The weather forecast for Champaign is rain for in the mooring and starting to clear by the afternoon.  This is followed by a good forecast for our departure tomorrow morning.  I hope this holds as predicted.  Today I will be cleaning, charging and tuning up the bike for the next leg of the trip.  I also plan to get a hair cut as I am looking "rode hard and put away wet" and I am sure I will feel better if I look a little more presentable.

We have another long seven days before our final rest day in Erie, PA.  I am looking forward to this rest day as Stan Sanford, one of my riding buddies from Jacksonville, has arranged to be in Erie (his home town) visiting family and friends when I arrive so he can spend the day with me and then join me for the first 50 miles of our ride out of Erie.  

When we leave tomorrow we will be two weeks from our arrival in Burlington.  It is hard to believe we are that close to the end.  I have reached the point where I no longer have concerns about making it.  I have satisfied myself that I can do it.  The remaining question is what is the next challenge to be dealt with.  This trip has had many and surely there will be more.

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