Can’t see this very well but it is an oil well rig. Didn’t know they did that in Illinois.
Today was a nice day. I shortened it by 20 miles and only did 52 so I could get off the road by noon. Yesterday’s heat really zapped me and I sweat so much, it runs down my face and drips off my chin. I even wear a bandanna to soak it up but it gets so wet, it can’t absorb any more. And I drink constantly.
I was so tired after my frustrating day yesterday, that I could hardly function. Just about fell asleep waiting for my laundry to dry. I did go to bed early and slept all nite, unusual for me, but woke up still feeling muscle tired. Just didn’t feel like pushing it, esp in this heat. Hence, the reason for dropping 20 miles.
So right out of town, The road is rough and no shoulder with an occasional obnoxious truck. Only lasted 4 miles and then I had a shoulder of varying sorts the rest of the way. At least somewhere to ride without falling off the road into gravel. These IL trucks just don’t get over.
The road surface went from rough to newly paved and smooth with other variations every few miles so I didn’t get bored. Kept me on my toes. I like riding on the smooth part of the road when I can and then just move over when vehicles come. Most shoulders are rougher with debris and causes more drag but very good for having somewhere to go.
The scenery today was great. Lots of farm land interspersed with deciduous woods. It really was a nice ride and no thunderstorms pushing me. I could just lollygag if I wanted and take it all in.
Tomorrow should be another 50 mile day and arrive in Indiana. Making progress. Just hope the weather holds. No rest day til we get a wet, stormy day.
52.5 miles today. 1220.8 total
BikerAl Across America 2018 