On the 24th day of riding during this trip, I finally found myself riding into familiar territory. Not simply the Cedar Rapids area: it's familiar territory on a bicycle when you know when you know the ins and outs of the path ahead. When you know where the intersections, stops, rest areas, shade, and so much more are, you're riding into familiar territory; even down to the most minor details, like the bumps on the route ahead: you're riding into familiar territory. Despite this increasing familiarity I experienced with every mile whittled away, it was accompanied by a thought that was quickly developing like a summer thunderstorm: is this all really happening? Of course, I was pedaling down the Cedar Valley Nature Trail toward Cedar Rapids. It's factual that I had departed from Waterloo, IA earlier in the morning. After being away from the area for just over three weeks, it seemed odd to be back in the area by bicycle. This odd feeling was compounded by the fact that I hadn't seen anyone in the Cedar Rapids area for over three weeks. It all seemed surreal. Stopping for a meal at the Sag Wagon in Cedar Rapids reassured me that this all wasn't a dream. After riding back to my apartment, I cleaned up and began to get things ready for the ride to Dixon tomorrow. The ride would be at least 125 miles, which will make it the longest distance I've ever ridden in a day. Prior to thinking much more about the ride to Dixon, I had to set aside preparations for the following day. This evening was the first of three gatherings I had planned along the trip. My hope was to see friends, family, and attempt to raise awareness and donations for pancreatic cancer research. This evening's event was at the Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids, which is a place that I usually stop when riding around the area. I opted to ride the bike without the gear and trailer to the brewery, and it felt like I was flying high; pedaling without effort. Seeing friends and meeting new folks at the brewery also made me feel like I was flying high. It was just the rejuvenation that I needed before riding to Dixon the next day. Rather than ride back to my apartment from the brewery, my good friend Michael Schwartz drove me home. I'm very thankful for this, as this gave me more time to continue preparing for tomorrow's ride. When it was all said and done, I was finally to bed by 10:45pm. Waking up very early by 3:30am would hopefully allow me to get to Dixon with some time to spare before the 5:00pm gathering at Tipsy's.
