Last Day G.A.R.T. Ride

My portion of this ride has ended.
The time that I've shared has been blended
With Hills and with Heat.
With good folks to meet.
My mem-or-ies will be quite splendid. 

I left our Airbnb at seven a.m.
To walk bike across crushed limestone.
Riding over that crushed rock feels very unsteady for me.

I stood waiting for Nancy on her bike to join me,
To lead me through today's route.
Here came van with Nancy driving.

Not feeling well enough to ride,
She ferried my bike & me to
Catch up with other riders.

I rode with, or within sight of
Jim, Sharon, Hope, Margaret.
First three in list ride eBikes.

Mostly highway riding today.
Temps around ninety degrees.
Heat has been SO debilitating on this trip.

About ten miles from endpoint,
Moline's Radison Hotel,
I called to be picked up.
Combination of frequent hills and heat—
I was "wiped.”

I pulled into driveway of a lovely home,
Asked owner if I could wait there for my ride.
She was generous, friendly.
We had a good conversation.
I had interrupted her planting flowers.

Today is my last day with this ride.
Donna and Mike are leaving also.
Others will ride to Washington, D.C.

I'm guessing that in a few days,
I'll wish I were riding with them.
Now, though, I'm weary from heat and hills.
Ready to be complete.

As always,
I've had good interactions with riding companions,
And lived two weeks of
Life on the road.
That's an experience I value.
How lucky I am to have had another "run" of that.

This will close out daily Bike Notes.
Thanks for reading along.
Please continue with our weekly "mailing.”

Hugs and great appreciation,
Lin