Craig Hamnett

It is just now, as I am writing about this day, that I have realised that this was actually my first century ride. I covered 101 miles without realising it. At the time I wasn’t sure where I stayed and only thought I’d done 80 miles!

The guy told me last night he’d be leaving on his Harley at about 7 to go and ride with his buddies. They were touring and riding to Washington DC for War Veterans day. The Harley’s attempt to wake me up ended in the same vein as their trademark application for the sound of their motorbike – a miserable failure. It wasn’t until 8 until I woke up, and 9 by the time I started riding. Continue reading →

Leaving Sandy’s in the morning I needed to get back on track and start making some time up. I had already delayed my estimated arrival date into Chicago and I didn’t want to have to delay it further. 135 miles should be an easy two day ride, right?

After re-fuelling and figuring out the right direction I should be heading (South Bend was tricky to escape) I was soon onto the back-roads and riding through fields. Not actual fields, on the gravel roads between fields. Continue reading →

The morning after the night before – I think is the expression. Although not fuelled on too much alcohol, sleep wasn’t in plentiful supply.

Neil came to the rescue though and made delicious pancakes and bacon. The pancakes went down a treat with some syrup but before I could feast upon the bacon, two little rascals (Neil’s kids) had pinched it! Since they were so adorable I decided that ripping the delicious pig-meat from their guts was not a suitable punishment. Continue reading →

Leaving the motel in the morning I got chatting to the owner who was also a big cyclist. After talking to him (and filling up my bottles with ice) I started thinking about the fact I am actually doing rather a lot of cycling and the implications it has as to who I am.

I’d have never thought to actually call myself a cyclist before. It’s difficult to explain but often I feel as though I’m a fraud and not a “real” cyclist. I’ve heard about people who feel like this in their jobs (maybe under qualified), but never as a hobby/sport. This feeling of fraud isn’t because I’m actually renting a car for the entire trip, but it is something that has been bothering me slightly. Continue reading →

The combination of the rain through the night and the morning dew made for a very damp start. The tent is still holding up very well, I was warm and dry inside – I just had to dry the outer before I packed it up.

I heard a vehicle pull up a little distance away and I popped my head out of of the tent like an apprehensive turtle. There was a car park about 50 metres away, you could easily see the pavilion through the trees – the vehicle turned out to be a rangers SUV. I gave a nod and wave of acknowledgment and proceeded to pack up my gear. Continue reading →

After a days rest at the campsite and with the weather returning to it’s former glory it was time to attempt a century. The planned route took me on a couple of bike trails which always makes me slightly nervous as sometimes they can be difficult to find and aren’t very well signposted.

15 miles in and my hurriedly scribbled directions soon got me confused going through the town of Norwalk – I hadn’t even ventured onto a trail yet. After gathering my bearings and making a couple of good educated directional guesses I was back on track. At which point I decided it was a good time to stop for pizza. Hello Marco’s Pizza. Continue reading →

Heavy rain and impending storms – check.
Toilet block all to myself with free Wifi – check.
Chances of me riding today – 0%.

I was the only tent on the campsite, presumably because the weather was so bad. The other people on the campsite had their own toilet in their RV so I was mainly undisturbed most of the day. Continue reading →