DAY 6

We are in Bloomington, IL. at the Best Western. It rained on us yesterday for approximately 5 1/2 hours while we were on the road. We all rested well and some woke up and their boots were still wet. It was overcast and a little cold, but no rain. We are to meet two of Chuck's college roommates in Naperville, IL., which is approximately 21 miles west of downtown Chicago at 2 PM. Not a problem. We put on some of our rain gear because we had heard that there was a possibility of rain and that it was raining in Chicago. It was agreed that if it started raining on us, we would pull over and put on the rest of the rain gear. I led the group northbound on I-55. We left at 10:45 AM. As we were northbound, the sun poked out of the clouds and it looked good! We rode for 85 miles and at 11:54 AM, we stopped in Channahon, IL. for gas. After we gassed up, we took a break and had some snacks. Some of us changed to lighter gloves and put on sunglasses. Chuck and I looked at the map to make sure where we were going to exit and get to the Best Western in Naperville.

Chuck led us northbound and the traffic and weather were cooperating. We arrived at the Joliet exit, it started to rain. It wasn't too bad. It sprinkled off and on for only a few miles. There was, however, a very black cloud over the area that we were headed. We continued on I-55 looking for our exit. We were getting close to Midway Airport when we got off of the interstate to check the map. The exit that we were supposed to get off at was not there! We ended up in a Cicero and then headed west on Highway 34. We "toured" several small towns and dodged a lot of potholes. We finally arrived in Naperville and found the "Famous Dave's" barbecue restaurant, where we were going to meet with Chuck's friends. We arrived at 4:36 PM after riding 62 miles. We went in and found Chuck's friends already inside. We all met them and were seated in a small room all to ourselves. After we were seated, Bruce walked in and graced us with his presence. Bruce had gone straight to the Best Western and found that we had not checked in yet so he went to the restaurant. As he rode to the restaurant, 1 mile away, it began to rain. We enjoyed lunch and the company of Chuck's friends. We finally left at 4:30 PM and rode 1 mile to the Best Western. We arrived at 4:36 PM, checked in, unloaded our Motors and tucked them in for the night.

Later, some of us walked a short distance to a K-Mart for some supplies. Then, some of us walked to a movie theatre and watched, "The Bucket List." Later again, Chuck, Jim, Jan and I walked over to T.G.I. Fridays for a late dinner. Soon after returning to the motel, we secured for the night. Today we only traveled 148 miles. Tomorrow we actually start the Old Route 66 Ride, starting at Grant Park, in the area of Lake Shore Drive and Adams. Tune in tomorrow!