Of bikers, hikers and a first leg of the Will County Triple Crown Challenge

The I&M Canal State Trail, often close between the canal and the Des Plaines, in Channahon was a good first leg to do the Will County Triple Crown Challenge. (Dale Bowman)

I’m a serious walker, so I see bicyclists as a subspecies of Satanists. Though after hiking 13 miles Monday afternoon on the I&M Canal State Trail, I should beg the Almighty for forgiveness.

Of the nearly 100 cyclists that zoomed past me, only one came silently close enough to raise the hair on my arms. All others were unfailingly polite, saying, “On your left” or “Hello,” as they barreled past me, missing the blooming fleabane.