Previously on “BLizWatch” our intrepid travelers were driving to western Illinois to catch a train. Overall nothing major to report but there were a few snags that add up to an increased overall stress.

First, the train was late leaving Chicago by about ninety minutes. Not a big deal but we didn’t get this info until we were well en route so we had about the same amount of extra time to kill in Galesburg, but they also kept telling us to stay close in case the situation improved. Or so we thought, because nearly an hour before the newly scheduled time, we were at the car getting the bikes ready for transport and we saw the train roll into the station and we knew we had only a few minutes because it’s a relatively short stop. We raced to the train in the 90F temps but were waved off by the baggage controller who yelled “it’s not your train!” which finally sank in. This was the Southwest Chief heading to Los Angeles (and ABQ), the same train we’d be catching on our trip home!

An hour’s wait and we were prepared when the train arrived. A luggage consierge pointed us to the back of the train, where we waited in line to board. Last to check in, the person in charge of that car said he had no room for our bikes and we had to go to the very front of the train. Okay! Meanwhile the platform is empty and the train is trying to make up time and two dim bulbs with bikes are fast walking clippity clop to the front of the train in the heat from the sun but moreso the blistering stares of the passengers on the train who know we’ve just made them even more delayed. Finally made it to the front and stowed the bikes (blissful AC). The train departed immediately and our next task was to walk backwards through the length of the train. Past the fancy roomettes, the less fancy roomettes, the dining car (which was full) the observation car (also full) and then three coaches class cars. Our seats were in the second to last row of the train!

Thankfully the rest of the journey was very pleasant. We had room to spread out and a nice variety of restrooms to choose from. We managed to get some sleep between midnight and 6am where time sort of disappeared. Then we lost an hour due to the time change and briefly despaired, but not really. It was a beautiful morning and we arrived at Union Station about 20 minutes late. All due to those damn bikers!

We collected our bags and bikes and everything was intact. We’d secured an old suitcase from a neighbor and many of our bike bags and other small bits were in there to make moving around in the stations easier. We parked next to a small dumpster and then proceeded to put everything into its place. The luggage with the broken wheel ended up in the dumpster; we’ll figure something else out for our trip home, which seems like a problem we can just solve later.

We had a fun chat with a local who was super excited for us. He vacations in Europe by bike and we had a lot to talk about. We weren’t in any hurry and were feeling pretty good about everything. We hadn’t yet ridden a pedal stroke yet. 😂

I had a 25 mile, mostly uphill route planned to get to Jeff’s house. It was a very nice ride nearly all on bike trails along rivers and creeks, except for the heat, which was approaching 90F again. A dry heat though! We definitely didn’t drink enough water or eat enough food or take enough breaks… but we made it and were thrilled to pull into Jeff’s garage. The last time we’d been there was by car two years ago, when we stayed at his house while he was in Africa. This time we were glad that he would be around to greet us and keep us entertained.

Jeff is, well what can I say, he’s just fun to talk to and we’d grown close on our 2020 trip to East Africa. There was a lot of catch up to do; we showered, Jeff ordered us a bunch of delicious takeout Chinese food and we refueled for the next day’s trials. Always so good to see Jeff — what a perfect way to ease our way into the altitude and mountain environment!

We slept great with the windows open, on a comfortable mattress with big puffy pillows. We knew this was our last good sleep for awhile! In the morning we woke to a beautiful sunrise, gathered our gear and Jeff watched us put our bikes back into touring configuration. We said our goodbyes with the promise of a visit from him sometime soon, perhaps!

We had a five minute ride to the Lone Pine RTD station where we’d catch light rail back to Union Station. All went to plan, no excitement to report.

It all went so smoothly, in fact, that we caught an earlier bus than expected to Frisco, CO. Cool deal!

We hope to do a bit of shopping once there, stop at a cafe and eat a big brunch, then be on our way up Boreas Pass. After summiting, we’ll descend a bit and then stop at a national forest campground for the evening. It won’t be easy but it’s also not a particularly difficult climb compared to others in our route. You’ll find out tomorrow if any of that actually happened!!