Illinois Segment
Quincy to Danville
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| Date | Miles | Elevation | Comments | Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8-June | 76 | Wonderful weather for today's ride. Seemed like we had a tailwinds all day. Got to Quincy at 2:00 PM. Into a new state. Quincy is an old river town with lots of old mansions -- a really lovely town. Oh, yes -- I have a confession to make -- when I got to Topeka, my son-in-law's father offered me some chocolate -- and I ate it!! | Quincy | |
9-June | 108 | A perfect June day for riding in the Midwest. The sky was clear, the temperature not too hot (81 degrees), and tailwinds. While it was a long day, you just had to pace yourself. There was some climbing, but most was early in the day. Along the way we saw cornfield after cornfield, plus some well manicured farms. We also crossed the Illinois River. The countryside reminded me of my childhood in Iowa. Then we reached Springfield around rush hour, and that spoil the mood -- it was really scary riding through the urban traffic after several days in the country. But we made it! | Springfield | |
10-June | 88 | As we prepared to depart, a violent storm blew into town and forced a delay (they won't let us ride if there is hail or lightning). But then it stopped and we took off. The weather was still threatening, but the hail and rain didn't happen. We just had another day of tailwinds (crosswinds when we turned). The countryside was like yesterday. As we rode into Champaign, it was nice to think that tomorrow was a day off! We did some laundry, had dinner and went to bed early. | Champaign | |
11-June | 0 | Nice day off. A really bad storm "exploded" in the afternoon with black skies and heavy rain. After dinner, it really cam down and there were tornado warning. The rain was so heavy that there was some flooding. | Champaign |
| Emails Received | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jenny Heck | I'm a friend of Verena Florence who will be joining Joan shortly. Just let them know I'm thinking of both of them as they trek across America! What an adventure! Go girls! | |
| 6/10 | Ben Patrick | Hi Joan! Your trip route almost duplicates the route I took sixteen years ago - brings back lots of memories. One of those memories is that a stack of pancakes in Champaign, IL. was the most expensive of the trip, $2.75. The cheapest was in Pittsburgh at Roy Rogers, 75 cents. Take care and may the wind remain to your back! |
| 6/10 | Jay Johnson | Joan: Well you're damn near there, Joan. What an amazing thing you are going to accomplish. As for me I just bought my plane ride to Paris. I guess I'm going to PBP. Spend a whole lot of money for four days of pain and agony meandering leasurely through the beautiful French countryside. Some are sicker than others. Keep on pedaling, Joan. Wish I was there. |
| 6/11 | Leslie Moss | Hi Joan! I shared your jouney page with Rick. We're impressed and he's envious! You're amazing and I hope you'll share the adventures of your journey, with us, in person at a future DKG meeting! You go girl!! Fondly, Leslie Moss |
| 6/11 | Verena Florence | Hey Joannie, I'm now counting the hours. I just checked with FedEx. My bike left Champaign this evening.... destination unknown.... but hopefully Indianapolis. It looks like my miniscule part of the trip is actually going to happen. I can't wait to see you. I have a zillion wishes to bring to you from many of our club members and friends. Enjoy your day of rest in Champaign. I will see you Friday evening. Happy tailwind, Verena |