"EVERYTHING BEFORE THE WORD 'BUT' IS BULLSHIT!". (Ned Stark) Speaking of butts...you may be wondering how we ride so many miles sitting on those skinny saddles. Well, it is an issue for all riders. Everyone has a certain amount of discomfort ranging from minor soreness to raging second degree-like burns. Here's what I do. Swab the sitting area with 93% alcohol after showering, that toughens and cleans the skin. Before the ride I apply calmoseptine ointment followed by Eurostyle chamois butter to my butt right where I sit. Finally I pull on one and then a second pair of cycling bib shorts. I've never tried wearing two pair before, butt this year I am. Many of the riders wear a double pair. It really helps. OK, enough of that. It was a great ride today. Perfect weather on perfect roads. Our heading was southeast on hwys 8 and 278 which had good clean shoulders. Logging truck activity did, however pick up. Monticello is the county seat of Drew county, lying in the humid subtropical zone. Historically based on agriculture and silvaculture, Monticello has diversified to include growth in the medical sector. Trent Harman, season 15 "American Idol" winner is from here. Could have fooled me! Tomorrow we cross the Mississippi River and enter...Mississippi, our seventh state. Go Pack Go!