Day 71-Another State Finished…Hello Illinois!

As we were nearing the end of our ride in Missouri today, I was thinking back to when we crossed into it from Kansas. It seems like a long time ago, but it was just one week! So much up and down (even today, until we dropped down the Mississippi Bluffs to the floodplain). The Ozarks were beautiful (even in the rain that one day). It was a good and challenging state to ride. 

Today, we had 35ish miles until a convenience store opportunity. We did stop in Farmington, at the Casey’s to pack out some Gatorade. I also carry a bottle of electrolytes and a bottle of water. The electrolytes are essential in the heat and humidity. I never used to be that concerned, but I am a total convert to plenty of electrolytes!

Here’s some of the scenery from our last bit in Missouri. 

We saw a few vineyards today. 

See that “V” in the trees? I thought the road was probably going that way. Fortunately, it did not. 

Starting to be able to see far far away!

This quarry is slowly removing the mountain of “hard stone”.

After the convenience store, we had a bit more uphill, before dropping down to the floodplain. At an intersection, we joined the Mississippi River Trail. 

Starting down to the flat. 

Flattest road we’ve been on in awhile! Surrounded by corn. 

Onto Hwy 51 (lots of traffic, but a wide shoulder), we got our first look at the bridge over the Mississippi River to Illinois. 

They were doing bridge work which meant one lane with a traffic light (I prefer a flagger because then humans know you are on the bridge). 

We rode as far as the construction, then waited for the next green light. 

Waiting…

Might as well take a photo of the River!

Once the cars started moving, we got ready to join the tail end and ride like crazy. A nice trucker motioned for us to go in front of him, then followed us all the way across the bridge. No one was going to start coming from the other direction with a big semi coming toward them! We were grateful!

Across the bridge, and we were in Illinois!

Whoop! State number 9! Just two more to go!

Photo op for the bikes and the bridge. 

Doug doing his best Popeye look (he needs more spinach).




Our home for the night is a cyclist-only bike hostel (of sorts) at the Eagle’s Lodge. The bike shack can sleep 9 people. 

Pretty tight quarters, but okay for just two of us. 

The Shady Rest Bike Hostel. 

The Eagle’s Club (there is a shower over there, and restrooms to the far left side of the photo). They also serve dinner!

Tilmann parked for his first night in Illinois. 

Tomorrow we finish Map 9, and go on to the map that will take us into Kentucky. Hopefully, by the time we get to Berea, KY, we’ll be able to make it through eastern Kentucky without a detour.