Here we are friends and family! We have finally made it into Illinois! Yesterday was a haul. Lets just say Elliot and I have a new respect for hills. After waking up yesterday to rain, and another overcast day, we pushed our legs, and sometimes were forces to push our bikes as well! Steep hills and heavy bikes do not mix.
Despite grinding all day in the hills,the country side was gorgeous. Atop some of these knolls we climbed you could see rolling countryside and farm houses for miles. We managed to make it into Galena, IL around 3:30pm and grabbed a late lunch.
Galena, IL is a very cool little town! We were told its one of the best preserved downtown districts on this entire trip and it shows. Main Street is filled with tons of mom and pa specialty shops, it makes you feel like you are in a small European village.
After leaving Galena we still had another 34 miles to grind out before we could set up camp in Pallasides State Park. Finally after outrunning a storm and seeking shelter at a gas station in a very small town we were able to arrive at the campsite.
Major difference in state parks from Minnesota and Wisconsin to Illinois. Trees, amenities, how they are set up for campers. Minnesota and Wisconsin are tough acts to beat.
Last night was buggy with lots of thunder and lighting. Elliot and I were unsure if it was raining at times, or if it was just the black flies hitting the inside of our rain cover seeking our flesh and bone! Those are nasty little guys.
After waking up to a warm and sunny Illinois morning, Elliot and I packed up camp and hit the road around 10:30am today. Mainly because our tent felt like a heat oven this morning.
After stopping for another delicious gas station breakfast in Savannah, we were on a mission to Find where the Illinois Great River Bike Trail started. At the foot of the trail was an authentic 1920s Milwaukee Rail Road passenger car complete with a free museum and a very sweet woman inside. After a short history lesson, picture, and signing the guest book, we were on our way on the IGRT for the next 62 miles.
The trail is a series of bike paths and biker friendly roads that bring you down the Mississippi to Moline, IL. Today was another adventure. After riding with no shirts for about 4 hrs we arrived in Port Byron for a break and subway visit. Gotta eat fresh!
After a 75 mile day we finally arrived at the KOA Campgrounds outside Moline. We were very excited when we saw that they had a hottub, and nice clean showers.
After a long, hot, sweaty day nothing is better then a nice shower and hottub soak! Despite my 3rd degree sunburn from today, and Elliot's battle scars (we won't go into further detail) we are tired and looking forward to sleeping another night in our donated tent, courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Margolies.
Good night and Go Blackhawks!!!
-Michael
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