Illinois Marathon

I had a great experience on Saturday - I rode escort for the inaugural Illinois Marathon. I had never participated in any type of marathon before, so it was a brand new opportunity for me. I really didn't know what to expect.

It was a lot of fun. Anybody can do this. It is a leisurely ride. We started out about a 1/2 mile ahead of the runners, and joined in about a minute apart. Our job was to ride shotgun aiding any runner that needed help. It was an easy job. I joined early in the throng of runners so that I was nearer the front of the race. I knew those runners would keep a better pace so that riding would be easier.

For a couple of days before the ride, I was trying to figure out which bike to ride and finally settled on the computer bike. It was the right choice. Because the ride was so leisurely, it was easier to sit upright than to hang over the handle bars. Also, with toe clips, it was easier to get out of the pedals quickly.

I will certainly plan on doing it again next year. It was a great experience.

Photo Gallery from the News-Gazette.