Today was the day we crossed the mighty Mississippi River. To get there, we left Kirksville and continued on SR 6E through the little towns of Edina, Knox City, Brashear, Lewiston, and Ewing. The Missouri rollers continued for a while, but were longer and not as steep as yesterday's. We then turned on US 24E into Quincy. Quincy was a very rich town on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi as evidenced by the glorious mansions lining Main Street.
Two-thousand miles!
Only 1,400 more to go. The past
four weeks have gone by in a flash and the next three will go even
quicker. Only seventeen more days of
riding plus two rest days (Champaign, IL, and Erie, PA) and we will be in
Boston. Is it time to slow down and
smell the roses?
Sheri has joined us. She will replace Eilene on the CrossRoad's staff in Champaign. Welcome Sheri.
4:44; 76 miles; 1,770' climb; 3,645 Calories burned.
Can you believe, 2,000 miles? Willie, Mike R, Dan and Mike S.
Small town America.
Another fixer-upper. As is, needs work.
"The corn is as high as an
Corn elevators.
?????
The approach to the Mississippi River bridge. Since 2009, another bridge has been constructed up river. Where there used to be one lane each way on the old bridge, both are now dedicated to traffic headed into Quincy. It made it much safer to cross for the cyclists.
This is the Illinois state line sign. We sprinkled our California beach sand in continued hopes the wind fairies will favor our rides. Dan isn't so sure as he had a fl@t on the approach to the bridge.
One of Quincy's grand old ladies. Magnificent.
I stopped for a sandwich at a truck stop and couldn't help clowning around. The truck drivers have been fantastic on this trip, giving us wide berths. If you know a trucker, give him/her my heartfelt thanks.
The 100's of rollers must have felt like a 1000. I truly envy you doing this ride. So many interesting things to see, so much variety, towns, the houses -- fancy ones and "fixer-uppers" -- animals, flowers, fields, museums, road signs, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe world looks very different at fifteen miles per hour as you know from your European rides.
DeleteNow can you see why I traded Los Angeles for Kansas and Missouri? Spring and Fall are wonderful too. I can't believe you are more than half way through the trip. I will have to find a good book with pictures now.
ReplyDeleteLovely people and states. The dark green is hard on these Los Angeles eyes. :)
DeleteWhat, no DQ today??
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the towns - our country is beautiful and filled with such amazing places and people. Hope the wind gods favor you tomorrow!
Stopped at Wendy's with Dan for their version of a milkshake before finding the hotel.
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