Monday, June 8, 2009

Quincy to Springfield, Illinois

108 miles, 6:25 riding time, 2,167 feet of climbing, 5,585 Calories

"Now he belongs to the ages."

As you know, Springfield is the capital of Illinois. It is also the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln. After Lincoln's assassination, his body was removed to Springfield - over the course of several years, he was reburied several times before finally being interred in the current vault. The story makes fascinating reading; at one point there was a plot to steal the body and hold it for ransom. Unfortunately, our route does not take us near the monument - I would have really liked to see it.

Because of thunderstorms, we delayed our departure out of Quincy until 8:30 AM. When we left, the rain had stopped, but the streets were wet. The blasted wind, which was forecast to at least be neutral, failed to shift to the west as promised. We either fought into a head wind or had gusts coming at us from the side. Out of Quincy, we climbed out of the river valley, over some long rollers, before dropping into the Illinois River valley. We crossed the Illinois on a narrow two-lane bridge, but it wasn't nearly as thrilling as crossing the Mississippi yesterday. Then, it was out of the Illinois valley and then flat, flat, flat into Springfield. Al, Peter, Chris, Willie, Fred, and I came in together. Ira was in the lobby shortly thereafter. Then it was off to Steak n Shake for a large, chocolate milkshake.

"Share the road," doesn't mean with bicycles in Illinois - large farm equipment is more likely.

6 comments:

  1. Beach Bike Trek Update - NEWSFLASH!!!

    We have been joined by an uninvited eighth rider. [Although he was uninvited, we welcomed him to our team nonetheless, as we are a kind and jovial group and always willing to embrace a fellow trekker.]

    Our new rider - known locally as "The Boy" or "S-Cat" - is quite a character and has made a rather large impression, not all good, on the rest of the team. In body, he is small and rather plump, with a profusion of gingery hair. In nature, he does not appear to be much of a team player. When we encouraged him to join us for a short test ride, to introduce him to our riding dynamics and use of the paceline, he was oddly indifferent, and kept veering off on his own with little regard for the rest of us. In addition, he has one small quirk that seems to have captured the (unhealthy) interest of D2 - he insists on carrying a small, bedraggled fish-shaped object in his paws, which he stops to surreptitiously lick in a most peculiar manner every five or six feet.

    I do not know whether or not he possesses the will or determination to complete the journey with us, but he is most welcome and we will do everything in our power to ensure a successful team effort.

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  2. Large Chocolate milkshakes, chocolate milk, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. There must be more to riding across this incredible country of ours than sampling all things drinkable in chocolate form. Of course there is, and you have been generous in sharing it with us. I'm really enjoying your trip, your photos, your descriptions of the ride, the local town facts and color, the song lyrics, and the info on the riders on your adventure. While I think you will have your fill of drinkable chocolate by the time you get back home, perhaps you may be in the mood for Candied Pecans. There will be a batch waiting for you upon your return.

    Nancy

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  3. Nancy,

    Funny you write of this chocolate facination of bike riders, I guess is the 'in' thing with them, I'm not a bike rider at all. I mean I have a ten speed, shiny red, looks great every time I see it....but getting back to the chocolate I been drinking chocolate milk for a while now, it all started about a month ago.

    Jaime

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  4. Sorry, Mom says I have to apologize and I can't user her login to post stupid stuff! I have my own email now!

    Thanks Jim for taking this ride; SO many trees to sniff... I should do the ride next year.

    Licks
    Kali (K-Dog)

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  5. Congratulations Jim on officially being inducted into the East Coast (the right coast to divers) and crossing over the Mississippi river. From now on fruits, nuts and tofu are thrown in the trash. It's Philly CheeseSteaks, Sam Adam's beer, and NASCAR on TV! Get used to flying the 1 finger salute now that you are on the East Coast!!

    Johnoly, Chuckitall & Amazz, Your D2D friends!

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  6. Dear Mr. Lyle,
    My dad, Willie, is riding with you. I looked at your website and I like your pictures. Can you show my dad how to take good pictures like yours? :)

    Catherine A - the 13 year old

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