The land of lincoln... And beer

DAY 21
Goreville, IL to Chester, IL

Maybe I've been taking crazy pills my whole life, but I've always associated Abraham Lincoln with Illinois. That's why I was confused in Kentucky when we passed through the Lincoln Homestead State Park and Lincoln's birthplace. I was further confused when we finally passed into Illinois to find Lincoln's face on every license plate. Thankfully a quick google search clarified matter. Lincoln was indeed born in Kentucky, but served his political career in Illinois en route to the presidency.

Fist pumpin for McDonalds!

Tell us something we don't know Illinois

Sure hope so :)

74 miles into Chester Illinois today along the Mississippi River and border of Missouri. The terrain was meant to be more rolling hills with a few climbs. It will be our first and last full day in Illinois. Tomorrow morning we'll cross over into Missouri where we have the formidable Ozark mountain range to address. With mountains behind us and mountains in front, we were able to take a detour today. The maps recommend the Mississippi Levee alternate. Similar mileage as the actual Trans America Route, only less hills and you get to ride along the Mississippi River for a fair portion of the day. Let's see, more hills and the same scenery we'd been in for the past week, or a ride atop a levee along the mighty Mississippi River? No Brainer. We were only within sight of the Mississippi a handful of times, but it was a beautiful relaxing day. There was a two hour period where not a single car passed us. It was awesome.

Little town of Gorham

The mighty Mississippi!

The roads in Illinois have been by far the worst

"Why'd you do that?" Becky scolded me. I had promised her a beer for the 5th straight day in a row. Each day ending in an unkept promise due to either a dry county or town. "Now because you promised me one, there's no way I'll get one!", she cries. I chuckle to myself. This evening the promise was more than kept. The good people at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Bar in Chester had constructed a mini bunk house for tired touring cyclists. The least we could do was to support their drinking establishment by enjoying a drink or two... Or five. We cheers to finishing Kentucky, to not being eaten by dogs, and to good friends. We cheers to Illinois, to Dollar General stores and to Miss Amazing (Dirty B knows what I'm talking about). It was an eventful evening that I'm sure we'll all pay for when the alarm goes off in a few short hours at 4:45am.

The Shady Rest Motel, thank you Eagles!

Stats:
Miles: 76.56
Average speed: 11.4 mph
Max speed: 34.1 mph