It was 26 miles from today’s starting point to the ferry at the Ohio River. We had to wait for the ferry to return and fell into conversation with a local family out on their motorcycles. They told the story of the history of the ferry that started in the 19th century. It seems the original ferry man would size up a customer, and if they seemed to be well off and no one else was around, he would rob them, kill them and throw the bodies into the river. Apparently this went on for years. There was no such danger as we crossed the wide Ohio into Cave-in-Rock, IL, our third state.
When Sally arrived ahead of me at the ferry crossing she caught up with the Adventure Cycling Tour. They are following the entire Trans Am route to Oregon. There are nine riders with two support staff. I eventually caught up with them farther down the road, and will stay ahead as they plan a day off tomorrow. They are camping in parks, church yards and fire house halls.
The riding in Illinois is much like Kentucky. The route goes through Shawnee National Forest. There are some steep hills with rolling sections along the ridge lines. The hills are called the little Ozarks. We finished after 76 miles at Tunnel Hill at the junction of a 45 mile rail to trail bike trail. We walked the quarter mile to go through the 100 yard tunnel. It was much cooler inside than the 90 degree riding temperatures.
When Sally arrived ahead of me at the ferry crossing she caught up with the Adventure Cycling Tour. They are following the entire Trans Am route to Oregon. There are nine riders with two support staff. I eventually caught up with them farther down the road, and will stay ahead as they plan a day off tomorrow. They are camping in parks, church yards and fire house halls.
The riding in Illinois is much like Kentucky. The route goes through Shawnee National Forest. There are some steep hills with rolling sections along the ridge lines. The hills are called the little Ozarks. We finished after 76 miles at Tunnel Hill at the junction of a 45 mile rail to trail bike trail. We walked the quarter mile to go through the 100 yard tunnel. It was much cooler inside than the 90 degree riding temperatures.
Sally PS – Checked in by phone with family and friends at the 1747 Nellis Tavern Rhubarb Festival in St. Johnsville, NY. Chatted with sisters, brother and Tom F., and know that John M. and mom, Alice were also in attendance. Shout out to cross-country biking ladies gathering in Door County WI, today. Miss you all.
Technical note - the SD card reader seems to have stopped working so pictures will have to wait until we can get a replacement. Check back as we will update past posts.
Technical note - the SD card reader seems to have stopped working so pictures will have to wait until we can get a replacement. Check back as we will update past posts.
Post update 6/8 - The boy is holding a chicken snake, so called because it eats chicken eggs. He caught it on the nearby golf course and was terrorizing the teenage girls nearby. He is the son of the people who managed the hotel we stayed at.
John M was already in NYC visiting kids. Alice came with friend. She was soooo excited to see everyone and be there again.
ReplyDeleteSally -- I get my shot in the AM and then we are on the way to Wisconsin. Wish you'd be there. We will spend two nights at camp en route. I hope to post WI pics to my travel blog so you can see what you're missing.
ReplyDeleteIda