Moline to Princeton: Jim Skiera, ISA Executive Director, Illinois
I am a first timer and just finished up my third consecutive 100-mile day. I feel both exhausted and awesome. Exhausted, as it was a warm and windy day — much of the ride was into a head wind. Awesome, as the training paid off and I made it through all three.
If you are considering doing the Tour des Trees I would highly recommend you don’t wait as long as I did. I have been thinking about it for 10 years, so just do it. The ride itself is not only good exercise, it is a wonderful social experience. I don’t believe you can mix with a better bunch of people, all with similar passions — trees and cycling.
I would liken the experience to a cycling emersion class. I learned more about cycling on the first day of the tour then I did during the five months I trained to participate. The support people are always willing to help. Mechanics are on the ready if you have a problem with your bike, and the seasoned riders welcome you and offer tips throughout the ride to make you a better cyclist. They really helped me kick up my game. I’m hooked and plan to participate again next year. I also raised valuable funds to support tree research — it is a double win.
