Day 35 Valparaiso, Indiana (82 miles)

Rough road surfaces is the name of the game today. With some high traffic areas as well. Oh, and did I mention the rough roads. Welcome to Indiana folks.

Something about Valparaiso: Valparaiso (pronounced /ˌvɑːlpəˈreɪzoʊ/ vahl-pə-RAY-zoh) is in Porter County, Indiana, and is the southeasternmost suburb of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is the county seat of Porter County. The population was 27,428 at the 2000 census, making it the 2nd largest city in Porter County. Its nickname is Valpo and its Motto is "Vale of Paradise". Valparaiso is also home to namesake Valparaiso University, occupying 310 acres on the south side of the city near downtown. This is where the riders are staying tonight.

The city holds the the Popcorn Festival every summer. It honors Orville Redenbacher, a former resident who built a popcorn factory here. Redenbacher participated in most of the festival's parades until his death in 1995.


Today's weather forecast for Valparaiso:
Temperature: 80.9 °F
Dew Point: 75.3 °F
Humidity: 83%
Wind Speed: 5.0mph
Wind Gust: 19.0mph
Wind: WNW
Pressure: 29.85in
Precipitation: 0.39in

Today the riders left Coal City after very little sleep for two days and everything in their possession wet and soggy. They weren't complaining though, because it had stopped raining and blue skies cheered them on. They weren't complaining that is until reaching Indiana. Chuck and I tried to warn them about the Volkswagen swallowing pot holes. I almost was sucked up by one in 2008 but survived with only two flat tires (simultaneously I might add). Not only were the riders welcomed to Indiana without a state sign and potholes but they also got huge amounts of tar in the holes and cracks. The tar was not any better on a bike as it still made for a bumpy ride.

The nice thing about the day was getting to Valpo, having air conditioning, being able to do laundry, dry everything out, and eat in the college cafeteria. Most of the riders had root beer floats but they were short one. Chuck didn't want one. He just wanted ice cream so he went across the street to a gas station to get some. It's the rider's last night in a dorm. They only have 10 more riding days left in the whole trip.