Late start, originally planned 7am departure, wifey had wanted breakfast; I’ve cooked bacon & eggs which held over for a good distance so no complaints. Last year this was my birthday ride which kicked off summer & over 5k miles for the year. I don’t care for an all trail ride. Too secluded and today was no exception. Crosswind & headwinds were cool and inviting for a change. One day I’m going to enjoy a tailwind! Trails were bursting with activity young & old. I’ve greeted just about everyone I’ve passed and announced as I was approaching. Funniest moment elderly woman swaying left and right. I said young lady I’m passing on your left, she replied you must need glasses if you think I’m young. On I&M; almost wiped out on muddy gravel. It got weird in Lockport (I&M Canal) ran into a of mice & men Lenny type character in confederate shorts! He look at me, grin and kept going. At the Joliet Ironworks bathroom some propaganda written on the wall. I didn’t take a photo to avoid account flagged. South Side trails have more repair stations than drinking fountains! First found at mile 41, second mile 45 and third mile 54. Passed a few gas stations. Most restaurants were closed today due to holiday. Afterwards detour in Joliet (Washington St closed) detour takes you onto I80! I’ve turned back around and rode on sidewalk. Old Plank Road and Thorn Creek Trails were fun. Thorn Creek under construction and is passable. Some reason Thorn Creek abruptly ends at a busy 186th St! For approximately two long miles then through residential neighborhood into Pennsy Greenway! A major detour occurred along the Monon Trail! Decided to go a different direction to go around. Close call in Indiana, man driving small sedan with family; nearly ran the light. Once he noticed he stopped & apologized. I was in middle of intersection and noticed car not slowing down. Immediately I’ve stopped in my tracks and watched him. Stopped to refuel mile 79 in Hammond, IN. Pressed for time cut route short after Calumet Park. Only left out LFT South and about 5 miles. Weaved through the hood to home. Catcalled somewhere on Halsted St! 📍Major Taylor Trail South 📍Cal Sag Trail 📍Centennial Trail 📍I&M Trail 📍Old Plank Road Trail 📍Thorn Creek Trail 📍Pennsy Greenway (Indiana) 📍Monon Trail (Indiana) 📍Wolf Lake (Indiana) Morning devotion; He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:3 ESV God’s Word tells us that God is like a Shepherd who takes care of us. He protects us from harm and He makes sure we’re nourished. If we want to be refreshed by God, we must pause to spend time in His presence and in His Word.