So Red Velvet was spry today after I checked her oil, added a few pounds of air to the front tire and she was ready for the day. It rained very early this morning before we were up and I was hopeful for a dry day of riding due to a look at the weather last night and reports from home. Well I got about 20 miles down the road and I could see rain off in the distance and everyone traveling the opposite direction had their lights on, so I pulled over and put on the rain gear in the parking lot of a truck stop. It started to rain about 10 minutes later...after about 30 minutes of riding in the rain we stopped at a gas station to fill up. It was miserable and I was a little wet.
As I pulled out of the lot, it started to pour, really hard. I kept going, got on the freeway and could barely see and I stayed about 50 yards behind a tractor trailer rig. It got worse, sheets of rain, I really struggled to see and it was really windy and cold. I felt cold water leaking in everywhere. I kept going and just missed a temporary sign of some kind that had blown onto the road...I would have wrecked for sure if I hit it. I stayed behind the truck and his line. Cars were pulled over to wait it out...but not me...I am too headstrong. I rode through it in 20 to 30 minutes. Later when I got off the freeway, a guy in a truck next to me said I was a bad as* for riding through it. I told him I had no choice.
So it warmed up a bit and I started to dry out some, then it rained again. I blamed all of this on me criticizing Chicago politics in my last posting...I was passing through all this weather in Illinois. 
Red Velvet and my gear drying out at lunch time. I think the buttpad might look cleaner in this picture!
The storm behind me, with my mustache on prominent display. I just might keep it if Cathy let's me!
Hers one minus the mustache.
Red Velvet and my gear drying out at lunch time. I think the buttpad might look cleaner in this picture!
First time I've seen this in a public restroom, Chick-a-filet. I took a sip because I needed it.
The storm would not leave me alone!
I need to fix a mention I made in my last post thanking Brian Irwin with a shout out for his recommendation to take I74 out of the Quad Cities instead of going through Chicago. Turns out the props should have gone to Sara Irwin's father, Mr. Schaefer had suggested this and Brian just relayed it to me. Sara's father could not let the son-in-law take credit, so she let me know today. Hahaha Brian! Also, I appreciate the offer to stay the night at their house near Moline, but I had already reserved a hotel room. It turns out Mr. and Mrs. Schaefer had been in Columbus over the weekend and we would be passing each other on I74. Darn if they didn't see me on the freeway and called Sara to let her know. Nice folks and I'd like to meet them sometime!
Cool old trailer...I need one of these. I like the red wheels.
I passed Jere Mounts in his cool modded van somewhere near Peoria. That's Jere, A-1 for fun!
I really want something like this. The guy towing it had a big smile on his face. I bet his mechanic, parts and paint guy have a big $mile too.
This sign made me happy, happy, happy!
The best thing about today was coming home and my Mom, my sister Kari and her kids Jacob and Emily were there to greet me. And I can't forget Indy....he was elated to see me!
I traveled 540 miles in 12 hours today. I am Happy, Happy, Happy.
I will post my last blog entry tomorrow to wrap it up. Thanks for all your support.
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