Riding today was a joy. We left from the hotel and after a few blocks were on a bike path that put us in a separated lane on a bridge over the Mississippi. On the Illinois side we rode a few blocks in s quiet neighborhood to another bike path which put us on a network of paths that took us the first thirty two miles. It was fantastic and beautiful. We rode ten miles or so on a nature trail then a paved former rail bed into the countryside and the corn and soybean fields. The temperature never got above ninety degrees and I'd swear we had a tailwind. As you can see from the climbing stat, it was not a particularly demanding day except for the fact that being flat riding it requires continuous pedaling. It is different from riding rollers and will take a little adjusting to. We've been watching the weather and big rains and mega temps are happening all our original route. After one day, it seems like we made the right choice. I can also say that after one day we have already had almost as many friendly drivers in Illinois as we had in four days if Missouri. St Louis being the exception. As an incidental observation, people in Illinois smile more than people in Missouri. Again, excepting St Louis.
I knew my watching To Wong Foo would bring you happy trails!
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