Day 14

46 miles (?)
I didn't sleep very well at the motel. I don't know why. I should have slept straight through.
When I got up I fixed the tire. I switched from a schrader valve to a presta valve. This was my first experience with a presta valve, but it didn't prove too difficult. And according to Melissa's research (thanks btw) it should actually hold up better with my tires. Time will tell.
I set off and ate some breakfast. It was a nice morning. My pace was moderate. Getting back on route was easier than getting to the Wal-Mart. I passed along some nice scenery. The roads were mostly tarred and chipped. I found that I rather liked the sound of the subtle snap hiss under my tires as the tar bubbles popped beneath them. But then, I've always liked popping tar bubbles. I had a strange fascination with it as a child.
It was another windy day. And i fought against it until late afternoon. As evening approached I saw the wind put to good use. On the horizon I saw dozens of wind generators. The wind farm proved a nice distraction from both the wind and rather boring corn and soybean fields. I don't understand why some people have such a disdain for the look of wind farms. Personally, I find them beautiful. And I was in a bit of awe over it all.
Passing into central time lessened my time to ride. And with the later start from putting in the new tubes it was almost dark when I rolled into Odell, IL. My ACA maps listed the city park and pool as a place to camp. I asked a gas station attendant if he knew anything about it. He didn't but asked the next customer on my behalf. That man did know. He explained to me where it was and said all the cyclists camped there.
I found the pool. The park was across the street. I set up next to the pavilion. This night I slept.

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