Extreme/Far/Really West Michigan Ride Report 7/28/08

Hey all, meet Jason Jeross, a member of our team headed to DV in October (already sporting his jersey!). He was kind enough to invite me out to Timbuktu Shorewood, IL for a ride with the Joliet Bicycle Club on Sunday. I must say, his directions were impeccable, and I arrived earlier than necessary for our 8:00 a.m. roll-out. Definitely a good way to start the day.

Turns out, Shorewood is not near water, and doesn’t have much in the way of trees. But if you’re in the market for cornfields, blue skies, good pavement, and hardly a car in sight—this is your place. Our 42 mile ride (our group had about six of us--but there were probably a dozen or so riders in total) took us through the town of Morris, where we stopped at a bakery on Main St. I'm still deciding what I think of the Deliverance-esque muzak piped through the entire town on an otherwise silent and empty Sunday morning. I've decided. It's creepy.

While a totally awesome guy, Jason hasn’t made it to any of our team rides yet, what with him all living in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and taking care of the five, count ‘em, FIVE kids under the age of 10 he and his wife have (five year old Madison has type 1 and is his inspiration to ride). Plus, he’s training a ton on his own, working to qualify for a team out his way. However, I think I may have convinced him to bring the brood over to O’Connor’s next Sunday so you all can meet this friendly, dedicated, and super cool member of our team.