Day 30- Pontiac, Illinois

Yes Elliot and I are alive and camping out for the night in Pontiac, IL. After leaving Godfrey a few days ago we decided to get on Route 66 and finish our trip in Chicago where we will be working starting June 12th. 

Our first day following Route 66 landed us in Litchfield, IL about 50 miles south of Springfield. We camped in the Lazy Day RV Park just south of Litchfield. Not the nicest campground at all but it was better then sleeping in a field (debatable) 

The next morning we scampered off to Springfield and pitched a tent in their county fairgrounds. Much nicer then Lazy Day. Free showers, grass to sleep on, and we had electric plugins available to us. We grabbed dinner at Boones Saloon  right across the street from the capital.  

Yesterday was quite the adventure. After leaving Springfield in the morning we headed back out on 66 with the hope to ride as far and long as we could. After seven hours on the bike we pulled into the small township of Shirley, IL. No services or campground in the town but Elliot and I were too tired to push onto Bloomington and try to figure out camping. So we did what any broke college kids do, resorted to knocking on a random door and hope we found someone nice enough to let us pitch a tent in their yard. 

To our surprise the first house we tried said yes. Even better was when our now new friends Dianna K. and her 12yr old grandaughter Dakota pulled up on their golf cart and offered the woods next to their house as a better fit for our tent. We couldn't turn them down and headed across the street to Dianna and her husband Mikes house for the night. After establishing camp in their woods, Dianna brought us out a nice snack and some sodas since we declined dinner as we had ate a few towns back. After stretching our legs on a short walk, Elliot and I got the privilege to spend the evening getting chauffeured around Shirley from Dakota and Dianna on their golf cart! It was an absolute blast. We must have gone around Shirley about 10 times over the two hour adventure but every turn was something new to look at and discover.

 There is really something to be said about small towns. Dianna and Mike are such great people. It amazes me how complete strangers can be so warm and welcoming to Elliot. It really makes you realize just how kind folks can be. 

After sleeping in this morning Dianna made us egg sandwiches for breakfast. Our intent was to get on the road early but as we began to talk with Mike, Dianna, and Dakota the morning soon turned into 12pm. We got to talk with Mike alot more this morning and we are so glad we did. Talk about an amazing guy, and a jack of all trades! He even does his own blacksmithing and woodworking as a hobby! It was incredible seeing some of the items he has made. 

Just like every other day there's always a time when we have to say our goodbyes and get back on the road, but today was a tough one to leave. Going from complete strangers the night before to friends the next day was simply awesome. Elliot and I couldn't have met anyone nicer and more welcoming in the town! She reminded me of my younger siblings and was super fun to be around!   

Thank you so much for your hospitality and welcoming Elliot and I into your home. We can't thank you all enough. 

After getting a late start to our day we were still able to squeeze a 65 mile day out and made it to Pontiac, Illinois. We are looking forward to checking out the Pontiac car and Route 66 museums tomorrow morning before heading out of town. 

We have 130 miles until Chicago and two days to get there. This incredible trip is winding down but still everyday is a new adventure. tomorrow we finally will have a full day of riding with tailwinds and will go as far as the wind can blow us! 

Goodnight to all our friends and family and another big thank you to our new friends from Shirley!

                                  

                                  -Michael 

Day 26 - Godfrey, Illinois

Dear Mother Nature:

        It's starting to feel a little personal with the weather you are dumping on us.

Yesterday was one of those days you are asking yourself why am I riding a bicycle! After waking up to a beautiful morning in Pleasant Hill we were informed by a local worker from the county that we are now trapped between the Mississippi and Illinois River. Around 4 am Tuesday morning there was a levy that gave way about 10 miles south of where we were camped at. Meaning that now the only way to get south to Godfrey was to backtrack thirty miles north and cross the only bridge that was still open in the five county region. 

We spent the morning at city hall trying to figure out where all the flooding was, and what the best route was to get around it. Our 60 mile day soon turned into a 90 mile day. 

After leaving Pleasant Hill a little after 12:15pm we knew today was going to be challenge. Mentally and physically. Thankfully Elliot and I were able to keep focused and pushed late into the evening. We didn't end up making it to the Mazenkos until around 8:30pm last night. It was almost too dark too see the house numbers and street signs when we arrived. 

Fran and Mary had a pizza waiting for us, and welcomed us into their home as if we were their grand kids. It's always a relief to be in the company of such great people. Without the kindness of the Mazenkos and others like them along the way, this trip would have been much more difficult. it's wonderful to be taken in and put up for the night to recharge our batteries and spirits!

We now are at our most southern point of the entire trip. We have traveled 1070 miles south from Lake Itaska State Park, to right outside St. Louis, MO. 

Due to Mother Nature, the wind, and all the flooding from the Mississippi River we have decided to alter our route and head towards Chicago taking the historic Route 66 all the way from St. Louis to Chicago! 

Starting the route today after we say our goodbyes to Fran and Mary! They are simple great! 

Ps: Chloe, I am sorry! Ice cream on me next time I see you and Austen! 

Sincerely, 

                            - Michael 

Day 25 - Pleasant Hill, IL

980 miles down and we are camped in Pleasant Hill, IL about 60 miles north of St. Louis.

 Yesterday we took the day off from riding to recover after our 100 mile day on Saturday, and spent our Sunday relaxing with Elliot's family and family friends in Quincy. Quincy is a very cool town! At one time it was the biggest city in Illinois, even bigger than Chicago back in the late 1800s. The town is full of rich history and amazing architecture on nearly ever building and home. It's amazing to be riding our bikes through such rich American historical towns following the Mississippi. 

After an amazing breakfast thanks to Elliot's cousin Katie, we lounged around the house until late afternoon when we headed over to the Fouble residence to grill out with an evening full of good food, good conversation, and good people! It was a pleasure to meet Dave, Joe, and Betsy, great people!!! Thank you again!

Today we woke up for a picture with Brian before he headed to work, and luckily Katie was free for a couple hours to run Ellit and I across town for a few errands. Always feels good to ride in car! 

After we got our maps and "Chamois Butt'r" we were set to pack up and hit the road.Thanks again Katie and Brian for a wonderful stay! See you guys soon. 

After riding down the street we decided to grab a sandwich at the local grocery store deli before getting on the highway. Lucky for us, we ran into Quincy bike club president Laura and Justin Sievert. After trying to explain the best route to take south today, Justin decided to just grab his bike and ride with us for awhile. Awhile turned into 26 miles. It was awesome to ride with a local cyclist. Only the third time on this trip it has happened. He even went slow for us so we could keep right on his tail! If you are in the Quincy area and looking to get a ride in, contact their club at Quincybikeclub.org

Tomorrow we will be heading to Godfrey, IL to meet up with the Mazenkos, after re-routing around the flooded road 10 miles in front of us!

                                 -Michael 

 

 

Day 24- Quincy, IL

Yesterday was a day to remember for Elliot and I. After a 5:45am wake up call, we were able to get out of Delabar State Park and on the road by 7:30am. Due to flooding of the Mississippi River we were forced to take a 10 mile detour from our intended  route and had to bypass the flooded highway. 

By noon we had already logged 43 miles for the day. After stopping in the town of Dallas City, IL for lunch at the local cafe, we were forced with a decision. We could call it a day and shoot for 20-30 more miles down river and camp for the night, or we could really push ourselves and try for another 60 miles to Elliot's cousins house in Quincy, IL. 

After a burger and fries we decided to put the chips all in and shoot for our first century day of riding which would allow us to take the day off today (Sunday) and rest in Quincy. 

100 miles riding into the wind with 80 lbs of gear packed was not an easy task. We were on the bikes riding for over eight hours yesterday. Despite cramps, muscle  spasms, and exhaustion, we were able to  mentally focus and push through.

Remember folks, Elliot and I are not cyclists. We did not train for this trip, we did not camp as kids or consider ourselves as outdoors people. We are simply two ex-college tennis players who bought bikes, gear, and set out to ride across the country. Also no one told us the wind blows everyday from the south in the spring, making everyday of riding a struggle.

After riding 90 miles we approached the little town of Ursa, IL about 10 miles out of Quincy. While at a gas station mentally preparing to push the last 13miles to Katie and Brians house (Elliot's cousin and her husband) we came across a group of four cyclists from the Quincy area who were on a bike booze cruise of the local winery and bars in the area. After a small swig of whiskey from one of the cyclists flasks we were ready to roll into Quincy. We rode with the group of four a few miles before they took a turn to head over to one last bar. Any other day I would have said let's go with them and make some new friends, but after 90 miles and still having ten miles to ride we had to take a rain check! 

45 minutes later we saw the sign "Welcome to Quincy" we have made it! 100 mile day is in the books. After a lucky run in with an old family friend of Elliot's dad, we stopped in for a beer and relaxed for a bit before heading over to Katie and Brian's house a few blocks away. 

Finally a house to stay in, a bed to sleep in, home cooked food, hot showers, good company, family, and we are happily relaxing for the day in Quincy, IL.

Today will be a recovery day of relaxing around Quincy, and enjoying spending time with Katie and Brian. 

Good times in Quincy, and only two days from St. Louis.

We would also like to thank all of our blog readers from around the states and the world today. Big shout out to our readers from Minnesota, Stacie A. from Tomah, WI, our friends from Ferryville, my cousins Austen and Zoe out in Denver, our friends following us from Godfrey in the St. Louis area, Elliot's sister Ali down in Ecuador, and everyone else who's been sharing this special journey with us!

        

                          -Michael 

Sorry you missed it

Riding into head winds every day, Michael has incurred nipple pain from a constantly blowing shirt. After complaining of this pain, I jokingly suggested maybe he should put bandaids on his nipples. Today Michael used two bandaids and neither were for cuts or bruises. Its the little things.

                                 -Elliot

Night Day 21- Thunder Forrest Reserve

After dodging a storm early this afternoon  we set out to ride five more miles to the Thunder Forrest Reserve about five miles outside Illinois City, IL. Today's harsh winds and sever thunderstorms delayed our route and forced us to seek shelter and get off the road. We had a couple nasty storms blow over us. Luckily once again we were lucky to have shelter for both storm cells. 

We set up camp right before a nasty storm blew in. The only other campers in the forrest reserve ran over in the rain to warn us there were tornados in the area and were leaving. Thankfully we did not see a tornado this evening. Only Mother Nature having a tempter tantrum. 

Today has been a whirlwind of emotions for both Elliot and I. From waking up to 30mph winds blowing directly in our face, to outrunning storms on our bicycles looking for the nearest shelter, everyday is a new adventure in itself.

Tonight's forecast looks like lots of sleep since we are finally away from the trains and surrounded by farm land. Not sure where we will lay our heads tomorrow yet. Another day, another mile, another adventure.

                                -Michael

Afternoon Day 21- weather break

Sever thunderstorms and a tornado watch have left us stranded in a small town about 30 miles south of Moline. Waiting out the storm and hopefully making it to the campgrounds later today! 

Just another day, and another adventure!

                             -Michael