Friday, September 18, 2009
Bright lights and big city - CHICAGO
We had only four days of riding in Illinois, mostly on trails rather than the roads, and we have reached Chicago still a bit tired and with rather dusty bikes and gear. We rode into town to stay with Lisa and Robb and their three children, friends of Dan & Stef, and have also lived in Afghanistan for a few years. They have a gorgeous character home in West Downtown, so we're just a 30 minute train ride into the heart of downtown. We've been exploring downtown - the skyscrapers (they have many), rivers, parks and Lake Michigan, and generally walking the streets to see what's around. It's great to be in a City for a change, seeing it's character and drinking good coffee. We will post photo's as soon as we can so you can see what it's like. We head off again on Sunday to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where we will stay with some old friends of mine from Tennessee days - Drew & Steph Bailey. We're loving this trip, but are often missing friends from NZ, Afghanistan, and other places in the world, and wondering what's happening with people - so keep us updated! :) Nicole
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Please say Hi to the Blue Elvis when you see him. We loved Chicago,an amazing art gallery with all this cool art even I recognised. The lake, The Wrigley Bulding. You sure have biked a long way. I am still sleeping with Delwyn. x
ReplyDeleteKelvyn Odwyer
I expected to see youz pretty lean. Whats the story - not going fast enough or too many ribs ??
ReplyDeletesigned - an unknown viewer.
All our love. take care.
Hi Nicole (and Marty)
ReplyDeleteI have to confess to being a "stalker" ... checking out your blog without commenting until now (how rude - sorry!) :o)
You are obviously having an awesome time. I'm very impressed with the progress you're making across the States and am enjoying reading your perspectives on what you're seeing and experiencing as you go along.
Loved the "Minimum Maintenance" photo - you are indeed a lucky man Marty!
All is well here at NZBS Nicole ... still regularly seeing your name popping up here and there in different documents!
Anyway ... take care and keep up the great work on the blog. :o)
Lynne Oxenham
"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring." –Desmond Tutu
Hi Leroy & Col,
ReplyDeleteGlad that you made it to Chicago safely. Must be a tad hairy on some of those roads without a shoulder.
I like the fact that your trip is also a sociology experiment. Marty intent on cracking the American Psyche.
One thing that I love about the majority of Americans I have met is their confidence and positivity.This is something that we as Kiwi's could do with building more in to our culture.
Stay strong, smell the roses and love to Daisy Duke.
Craigus.
Hi Guys, Boy you have gone a long way!! We are very impressed! Love the blog as it is wonderful to keep up to date with your adventure! Our house is on the market as of yesterday...so we are in full 'keep house tidy' mode. Poor kids!! Anyway...keep those posts coming and please dodge the trucks!! Love HNKC
ReplyDeleteHi guys, Great to keep on hearing your travels. We miss you!! Pity you couldn't see Frankos on your bikes, but hope you do later - they are very cool. Awesome people you keep meeting! How on earth are we going to manage to really hear your stories when you get home?? You'll have to live with us for two months!! We are all well, though Nicky's TOO busy just now. Lots of love, Matt and the gummies.
ReplyDeleteHey guys, give us a phone number so that we could call you! My Mac was sick and it's with the doc now. Very much looking forward to November. Our no is: 8708-341-872. Talk to you soon. NY - if it is okay, we will stick with your plan. .
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having an incredible time (still). I have pulled out my map to keep up (my US geography is fairly limited!) and can't believe how far you have gotten! You guys are going to have the best legs in the country when you are done. Blake has gotten most of the way through calving now and I am awaiting my turn (3 weeks to go and counting). Hmmm all this thinking about exercise is making me hungry.....
ReplyDeleteSo glad you could stay with Robb and Lisa! Glad you could experience the big city, even living so close to downtown! Stef
ReplyDelete