Meals are served at the state parks, usually at the campgrounds and under several large canopies. Sometimes we eat in the lodge restaurants, too, especially breakfast. The meals in the campgrounds are followed by the evening meeting, with talk about the day's ride, what's coming up tomorrow, and entertainment of some sort.


    And just what is this rapt group looking at? In most cases, it's either Barb or Joe Anderson, the two people most responsible for TRIRI, in every sense of the word.


    One of the first stops for most people after leaving Brown County State Park is the Story Inn. Unluckily enough, the restaurant there is not open so early in the day. Some of the riders have returned at a later time and on their own, and report that the food is delicious.


    The midwest had some unusually heavy rains this year, and this portion of Indiana got its share. Some portions of the route one day had to be changed, as the water was even deeper than what you see here. For most riders, this section was not a big deal, but trust me - a "triker's enema" is not something to look foward to!

    One of the nice things about these rides is meeting the other riders - and, sometimes getting a chance to ride something new. In this case, I met a couple from New Mexico who rode this tandem Greenspeed recumbent trike. Of course, when they asked if I'd like to captain it for a short ride, I did. I'm familiar with recumbents and trikes, and Greenspeeds especially, but this was my first time on one of their tandems. It was surprisingly quick and maneuverable.
  

    I really like riding in these rural areas of Indiana. You can spot towns and roads with unusual names, and stores that look like something from another era. Plus, these days you can find some unusual political statements, some nearly hidden, others impossible to miss.
    

    While recumbents are becoming more and more common, some models - such as this Optima Street Machine from the Netherlands - are rare enough to attract my attention.  And I'm sure the owner will agree - recumbent riders get lots of questions, especially recumbent trike owners. I answer them as best I can, and I enjoy the inevitable "recumbent smile" that a first-time rider has.
 

    One of the highlights of this trip was the visit to the "Pioneer Village" at Spring Mill State Park. Several original and reconstructed buildings, including the old mill itself. And, we had a guided tour by one of the most interesting and knowledgeable people I've encountered at such places.

   

    Usually there are convenience stores, gas stations, porta-potties or something handy when 'nature calls'. And rarely, it's an old-time outhouse. And trust me - most people got just as close as the door, and decided that finding a suitable bunch of bushes or trees was preferable!
 

    After something like this, it makes the lodge rooms even more appreciated. And, I also appreciated the relative narrow width of my Greenspeed GT3 - some of the doorways, not to mention the stairs - which made it easier to get in and out of these rooms. And, for those especially tough places, I was glad that I had something rare in the world of recumbent trikes - it folds.

    A benefit of these tours is the chance to not only meet new friends, but to renew acquaintances with those you've rode with before. Cathy is one of those people I hope to see again, while the "Women Of Will"  I have met before. They're a great bunch of riders, and fun to talk to as well.
 

    The last meeting of the tour concentrates on what we've done for the past few days, and a chance to see what's been placed in the lost-and-found box during the week. Joe Anderson describes the items, and sometimes there is a joyous reunion.  And, there's one more chance to buy the TRIRI t-shirts and jerseys.