Day 28 (5/22/22): Take Me to the River
Start: Farmington, MO
End: Carbondale, IL
Mileage: 101 miles
Elevation: 4,164 feet
Greetings from the Land of Lincoln—our 8th State.
The plan for today and tomorrow was to push the mileage so we can make as much progress as possible prior to an expected deluge of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mission accomplished, at least for today.
The century was actually pretty easy (relatively speaking), as the elevation gain was manageable thanks especially to a VERY FLAT alternative route right along the Mississippi River suggested by the Adventure Cycling Association. I’m not sure why anyone would take the primary route which would have added another 2,000 feet. (That would have to be some amazing scenery for me to trade off flat cycling.)
It was quite chilly and gloomy leaving Farmington—mid 50s. I was back to several compression layers up top, tights, and my black ops head gear/gator. I look like such a dork in this getup, but it does the job. It actually makes for easier cycling in the long run when compared to heat. No rain though which is most important.
Lovely scenery leaving Missouri as expected. Illinois was/is nice as well, but as soon as I got near the Mississippi, it was all very flat farming country. It was a very big contrast to what we saw in OK and MO.
I ran into Michael, a bikepacker from Dublin, as I neared the IL border. He’s traveling westbound from Virginia to Oregon. We had a nice chat about what’s was going to be ahead for both of us. He’s on a “3-month holiday”. He was riding a touring bike, but interestingly, he was pedaling in sandals. Can’t believe anyone would do this type of trip not using clipless shoes. (FYI, clipless shoes are actually the type of shoes that clip into the pedals. It’s weird. If you’re interested, let me know.)
I crossed over the Mississippi on an old wobbly bridge with no bike lane. Luckily not a lot of traffic. You arrive in Chester, IL which also happens to be the home of Popeye or at least the guy who created Popeye.
About 50 miles in, I was pleasantly surprised to be passed by a dark grey van with Penn State and Humboldt State stickers. Turned out Tish decided to drive my route. We met at the next pull out, and I got to have a wonderful afternoon treat—a big bowl of cottage cheese.
A few other points:
Great suggestions on the albums (yes Keith, “albums”). I will summarize sometime this week. We have VERY good taste in music.
Dead armadillos have given way to dead opossums. Both are pretty awful. Turtles (dead and alive) have disappeared.
We are in Carbondal, IL—the home of the Southern Illinois University Salukis. I only typed that because I like the word “Saluki”.
What I’m Grateful for Today
Lex had a good day at work on Friday. (That’s not what I’m grateful for. She has good days all the time.) She was given some pretty heavy new responsibilities at the vet clinic and did a fantastic job that was recognized by the right people. That’s great, and I continue to be a very proud father. What’s just as great is that she called us to tell us about her day. I used to do the same thing with my parents when I’d had a good day, got a promotion, or won some type of award. Bailey does the same thing when he has a win at work or with his sewing machines (a story for another day). I’m so glad both kids still get a kick out of telling us about their successes and love to hear their stories of how they’re making their way in the “real world”.
It’s my Mom’s 83rd birthday today. So glad she’s still going strong. Thanks to Joel, Jen, Val, and Brian for showing her such a good time today.