Sullivan, Missouri to Rolla, Missouri A forty plus mile day today. The weather was kind. Low clouds all day kept things cool. What little wind there was, was at my back. And the route was mostly on I-44 service/frontage roads, so the grades and traffic were tolerable. Stopping for a second breakfast at Shelley’s Route… Continue reading

Stanton, Missouri to Sullivan, Missouri Last night was the first time since I left Woodstock that I’ve camped overnight. I had a pretty good night’s sleep; the new sleeping pad I bought is longer, thicker, and much more comfortable than my old one. Definitely worth the investment. Woke just after sunrise, made coffee, and checked… Continue reading

Pacific, Missouri to Stanton, Missouri Was on the road by 6:30 AM. After the short day yesterday, I felt like I had my legs under me today. The weather forecast was for winds to increase from the south by early afternoon, and temperatures to get into the upper 80’s. So the more miles I could… Continue reading

Wildwood, Missouri to Pacific, Missouri Woke and checked the weather radar. An area of light to moderate rain would be moving through the area until mid-afternoon. Which left me with a decision. Should I wear my rain gear? Or shouldn’t I? When it’s warm out like this morning and I’m wearing my raincoat while riding,… Continue reading

Granite City, Illinois to Wildwood, Missouri Today was a day loaded with contrast. When I started out just after 6:30 AM, it was cloudy and threatening rain; by the time I finished, the weather was sunny and hot. When I rode the riverfront bike trail into and through St. Louis, I mostly rode past old… Continue reading

Litchfield, Illinois to Granite City, Illinois Another good day. A bit chilly when I started out, but warmed up pretty fast so that I removed my jacket and stowed it away by just after 10 AM. And even though I was pedaling into the wind all day, it was pretty light so didn’t bother me… Continue reading

Springfield, Illinois to Litchfield, Illinois When it comes to cycling, there’s nothing better than flat asphalt, light traffic, and a 25 miles per hour wind at your back on a bright sunny day. And that pretty much sums up my day today. I remember a quote from an old TV series, “The A Team”. “I… Continue reading

Lincoln, Illinois to Springfield, Illinois Another beautiful day for a bike ride. The weather was much like yesterday: a decent component of the wind was at my back, the skies were clear, and the sun was shining. Woke early and was on the road after partaking of the motel’s free continental breakfast (coffee, a pastry,… Continue reading

Bloomington, Illinois to Lincoln, Illinois Enjoyed a beautiful ride today. The wind was at my back, the skies were clear and the sun was shining, and the first twenty miles were on a paved bike path that ran alongside the Historic Route 66 highway. Riding on that smooth and fast bike path, I had visions… Continue reading

Pontiac, Illinois to Bloomington, Illinois Very windy today. Pedaling into a relentless southwest wind made for a very long day today. Almost 8 hours in the saddle. Thankfully, I don’t have any saddle sores, but I do have a sore butt. I mean, my poor butt bones can only take so much. So, by late… Continue reading