Day 30 June 21st Hennepin Heaven

Peru IL to Geneseo IL 68 miles (1,338))

After 9.5 hours of riding - 7.5 of which were on the Hennepin Canal Trail - I saw my first cyclists of the day. I took a picture of them as they were riding toward me and then asked them if they minded (I've run into a couple of situations where people do not want their pictures taken. I always respect their wishes and if, like in this situation, I have already taken a picture then I will delete it and not use it). They said they didn't mind. While we were stopped we talked about the area - they are both locals - and about my journey. I gave them a coaster and as usual ask them as they put their summer drink on the coaster if they would send a thought or prayer my way. Immediately they both said, "Sure, we will definitely pray for you." Before parting, Marisol (the one taking the selfie) said, "Let's pray for you now, okay?" I responded "Okay!" Marisol offered a touching prayer and I could tell Sarah Grace was joining in agreement.

I got up early and started riding at about 5:15. I knew I had a long day ahead of me and was concerned about the wind and being on unpaved surfaces for most of the 68 miles ahead of me. After about 2 hours of riding on roads and strong headwinds I made it to the Hennepin Canal Trail. This turned out to be one of the most amazing trails yet:

It rained last night and, while much of the rain was absorbed by the crushed stone surface of this trail, in places it was gooey and felt like gremlins pulling on my tires - similar to spots on the GAP Trail that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago.

I came upon these geese blocking the trail. The one closest must have been the dominant male. He came at me with wings outspread and hissing. I dismounted, as I proceeded slowly, careful to keep my bicycle between me and him, I got out my pepper spray. It was still windy so fortunately I remembered Laura's exhortation to be careful to only use the pepper spray when I was upwind from the direction I'm spraying. Once I maneuvered myself to be upwind from the aggressive goose, I tried spraying him. I'm pretty sure I hit him but from what I could tell it had no effect. Eventually all the geese and goslings made it into the water and the male considered it a victory and let me proceed peacefully.

The only people I saw before meeting Marisol and Sarah Grace were some fishermen.

I eventually made it to my overnight destination, Geneseo Campground, where I indulged by renting a cabin. This is by far the best privately owned campground that I have stayed in. The owners greeted me in the office and were personable and helpful. In addition, the campground was clean, well laid out and quiet.