Dusting this old blog off

It's been a while since I've last updated, for a number of reasons. The first of which being a lack of really interesting things to write about of late. The nasty little virus that I wrote about last post ended up putting me in the van for four or five more days, and infecting a few other riders. Consequently, I missed crossing the Ohio border into Indiana, all of Indiana, and parts of Illinois. I'm told that Indiana was not fun to bike in, so really it's just as well that I wasn't in sorts for those two days anyway.

There were and are a few really amazing things to report on, however, running the gammot from spiritual to bicycle related. I guess the most important thing to mention is that I am now healthy and have been riding for a few days now, and I can only say that being back on the bike is bliss. Pure, unadulterated, albeit windy, bliss. I was singing and climbing out of the saddle that first day back in Illinois, despite the considerable headwind. It was like being reunited with an old friend. Now for the spiritual moment. I'll move on to a new paragraph in a second, because the occasion merits it, perhaps even two paragraph, but let me end this comma spliced sentence by saying I was planning on writing a whole blog post about the experience entitled "Heaven is a Black Baptist Church".

Back in Dayton, OH, we stayed in a black baptist church. Not only do those people know how to host a dinner and breakfast to die for, they can also say the best blessing that has ever graced my ears. After a delicious meal, the pastor invited a few of us to look in on their choir practice. Of course, most of us jumped at the opportunity even though it meant missing a mandatory presentation. I've never seen a church celebrate their faith in every single thing that they do. It really was the way every church should be; understanding how cheesy the statement sounds, but also realizing that I really mean it, it was so refreshing to see so much...joy. It was moving to hear from one of the congregation members that he considered us all brothers and sisters, and that we should look to one another as brothers and sisters on the trip and take care of one another as such. After being sick, it really was a piece of heaven descended down to us.

Ohhh, and we're in Iowa now. And well that we are, because Illinois is a hard state to ride through, all full of wind and lameness. Don't get me wrong, love the state, but hated to ride though it. I'm told "Windiana" was worse, but I dodged that bullet didn't I? It was amazing to cross the Mississippi and realize that we're really getting into the Midwest now. I've got high hopes for Iowa and getting in touch with some of the Smiley clan that supposedly lives here.

Blogging has gotten a little monotonous, I think it's time to start writing the great American Novel. Happy reading until then! Peace out Hombres.