Wow, 61 degrees this morning. Perfect riding weather, but, again, why couldn’t we have had that on the farm?
One thing I have noticed so far about this city is that it is very noisy. We’re not too far from two airports, the El train runs right outside our window, and then there is the horn honking, sirens, and the general traffic noise. However, I did sleep well last night. Not hot for a change.
Spent a lot of time today just sitting around the hostel lobby talking to other riders and getting to know them. We were told tonite at our meeting that this group of riders is the smallest age span difference of all other groups our leaders have led. Only about 10 years between the youngest and oldest. I know there are four of us 70-72 and the youngest so far is 63. And all but one has had multiple experience riding long distances either with other organized groups or as solo, self – supported. So we have a great group.
I did take a walk along the shore with Murray, just to get some fresh air and exercise. We walked past the planetarium, aquarium, and the field museum. Checked out all the gardens around the buildings and took shots of the skyline.
That red building up above in the first two pictures is the Chicago Housing Authority bldg and the blue one is Roosevelt University. Very striking against the skyline.
This fish was outside the aquarium and is made from total junk, pieces of plastic from bottles, old plumbing parts, even a kid’s sand box shovel. Really cool!
Four of us walked the few blocks to get a picture of the beginning of rte 66.
Had our orientation meeting tonight. We got the rules of the trip. All common sense really. But nice to know up front what is expected. We are all excited to get on the road.
And we get a map meeting every night about our next day’s route. That will be very helpful.
After our meetings, they served us deep dish pan pizza and salad. We also had rte 66 drinks. Note the root beer.
Hope I can sleep tonite. I’m excited and anxious to get going.
BikerAl Across America 2018 