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
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