We’re half way to Key West! Before I started people asked how long it would take me. I guessed 10 weeks. 4 days behind but I didn’t pedal for 4 days so, to me, I’m right on track!
Started the day with a big climb out of Marquette. 500’ in 1.5 miles wouldn’t be a big deal hiking but it’s lots of work on a bike.
Spent a good part of the day on the River Bluffs Scenic Parkway. We were up on the ridges above the river.
The only problem on the Scenic Byway was I didn’t see the river or the bluffs all day…unless you consider this a bluff.
I usually stop in the morning after 25-35 miles. Get something to eat and sit on something other than my bike seat.
This morning I passed a town with a couple cafes at 28 miles. Didn’t stop because there was another town 6 miles up the road. Nothing there. As was the case in the next town. Ended up going 54 miles until I found somewhere to stop.
Discovered that 40 miles without a stop is as far as I can efficiently go. We were pretty slow the last 14 miles.
It was humid but relatively cool today (mid 70’s). Good for pedaling. Thought it was foggy/hazy early in AM but later realized it was smoke from wildfires in west.
Made it to Dyersville shortly after my sole break of the day. It was only 17 miles so a fairly easy cruise.
Dyersville is the home of Field of Dreams. Think I’ll be within 2 miles of field tomorrow. Hoping to stop there.
It’s supposed to be hot and humid for next week or so. By hot I’m talking 95, not 105 like MT. I’ll take the humidity over really high temperatures. The heat radiates off pavement. Humidity doesn’t. I just sweat profusely.
While I’m at at, why do most bad things on a bicycle start with H? Hills. Heat. Headwinds. Humidity. Is this someone’s idea of a joke?
Ride on.
Just Pete
DON’T QUIT
When Things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and debts are high,
And you want to Smile but have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won if he’d stuck it out,
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You might succeed with another blow.
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might captured the victor’s cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown,
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.”
Just Pete Hiking 
Great pace being established in your quest! I admire your dedication in setting a goal and going for it. Keep it going
LikeLike
Field of Dreams today, how I know how much you will enjoy it. You are doing such an amazing ride and we are so proud of you. I love your determination!! Isn’t a good feeling to know you are half way? A reminder to stop when you do see a Cafe so you don’t have to pedal so far to the next one. I always wonder if you are tenting or at a motel. Take it one day at a time and go Jeff and Gertie! Love you, Mom
LikeLike
Pete, thanks for all of your Inspiration! Keep on keeping on!
LikeLike
great job! Enjoy the memories!!
LikeLike
It’s the third quarter now!
Keep pounding away!🙏
LikeLike
WOW! Not sure where you found that poem but it was perfect for my morning.
Our 14 mth old grandson, Easton, was murdered by his noncustodial mother on November 2, 2020.
We are helping our 25 yr old son care for his other son who is 5. Louie has septo optic dysplasia but with therapies and lots of love Louie is growing and developing unbelievingly well.
But there are days…seeing our son walk thru this unbearable pain and bearing it ourselves feels far too overwhelming.
I find running, hiking and cycling – surrounding Louie and I in nature calms the burn.
I love your journey and envy the freedom.
It is my dream to experience El Caminho fe Santiago.
Journey on and enjoy the view,
Rose
LikeLike
Oooh, sorry you had to go 54 miles before you could eat. That’s horrible! The pictures were nice. That looks like quite the cathedral?? Seeing the Field of Dreams will be cool!! Enjoy it. Our weather in the Hills has been terribly hot the last 2 weeks—and WAY more humid than normal. The smoke from wildfires has made itself known. Your poem was spot on! Keep going. After today you’ll be MORE THAN halfway there!! Pure awesomeness on your part!! You and Gerty are rocking this ride! 👏🚴❤️ Ride safe, hoping for nice tailwinds! God Speed!
LikeLike
You forgot Hemorrhoids 🙂 Half way and on schedule is a great accomplishment given what you have overcome. Many of those who have tried what you are doing do not finish. You are truely my hero. Ride on and enjoy the experience. don
LikeLike
Love the poem! Congratulations on your half way journey! Stay well, safe, hydrate, rest… See you in September!
LikeLike
YAY!!! Half way!! Don beat me to the roids😆
To bad you won’t be at the Field of Dreams when the Yankees play the White Sox. That would have been awesome. You and Gerty are doing fab but it’s sounds as if you see something to eat in the morning don’t pass it up. As much as you like to sit on something other then your bike seat I’m sure Gerty is enjoying some fresh air🤣
Stay safe and peddle on🤘🏻🚴🏻♂️🍺
LikeLike
Pete, you are amazing. I have enjoyed reading your update each morning. What you are doing is simply unbelievable. Thanks for sharing your journey. I look forward to seeing you back on the golf course soon. And I love the “Don’t Quit” message. That is spot on!
LikeLike
Hello Pete Joe and Jill Doyle here, We have been following you and your fascinating adventure You sir personify this poem You’ve got guts …coach I love your photography and write ups Keep the faith Suspect your current adventure makes walking 18 holes at plantation with 13 pounds of lead in your bag a cakewalk With respect Joe
Joe Doyle C: (904)254-9897 E: joed32082@gmail.com
>
LikeLike