I thought that I had been here and then realized that Southern Illinois University has a campus in Carbondale. You can tell that I am not from the area. The Edwardsville campus opened in 1957 to provide an opportunity for higher education in this part of the state. A country church with fields as neighbors. It was founded in 1842. I moved this seat from another bike to provide some comfort. There is more give when I hit rough spots. The added cushion is also appreciated. The dirt roads are smoother most of the times that the highway. The paved country roads do not get much traffic and they are better than the main highway. The wet road gave me freckles. It was a warm, soft rain and was very pleasant to ride through.
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It was quickly into the 80s. It was high 80s during the afternoon. 89 degrees high. The cycle computer tells me the temp where I am and it was reading 100+. The road makes it very hot. I enjoy the dirt roads when I find them. Staying hydrated is the key. Drink before you are thirsty. I like seeing classic vehicles. I think this one is older than me. This is not how I am used to seeing classic cars. These are perennials. In Staunton, IL Another classic service station. This is in Mt. Olive, IL. I use Shell gas in my car. This was a surprise. I have heard of Mother Jones the magazine. I had to look her up. She was a champion for the workers, primarily mine workers. Many gave their lives for better working conditions and worker safety. Sadly we still have similar struggles. Many of the graves here are from miners who died during a miner vs. mine owner skirmish known as the "Battle of Virden" in 1898. Social conditions are very much in the news today.
Another wonderful day to cycle. Most of the day was in the 70s and by mid-afternoon it was 81 degrees. The breeze was light. Such conditions are ideal for me. I rode without using my nasal spray and I did not have any trouble, even being near the harvesting. The Illinois people are so friendly. Every farmer will wave as you pass by. I feel right at home. I took a side trip to the Shoal Creek Nature Preserve outside Litchfield. What a pleasant place to explore on foot. This cafe was started in Carlinville, IL in 1924 and was moved to Litchfield when the route changed in 1929. This building was opened in 1935 and is said to be the oldest operating cafe on Route 66. Still a favorite after nearly 100 years! In 2018 Nick and Demi became the current owners. Thanks for carrying on the great service and food. This is a nice local museum and welcome center in Litchfield . We take such pride in our towns don't we. I love local history and seeing the old photos.
I am pleased with my virtual progress. I find time to get on the bike each day. Today was in two shorter sessions. Consistency is what I strive for. Every mile adds up and don't be too hard on yourself. In an earlier post I showed the cement and steel reinforced silos that are common now for the grain elevators. These areas will store the grain until shipping it to a bigger market. The wind has been steady, but not unbearable. The temperature in the mid 70s was very nice. Low traffic on my roads today.
Abraham Lincoln was always a hero for me. Part of it was that he spent his formative years in southern Indiana. I remember visiting the site in Lincoln City, IN as a kid. My dad made the remark that Abe's formative years were in the Hoosier State. This building is a replica of the homestead in Little Pigeon Creek, Indiana. Abe lived in this area from ages 6 to 21 and where he received his formal schooling before moving to Illinois. This is the memorial that I remember in Indiana and now the pictures from Illinois. A pretty capital building. We expect them to have a dome don't we. I did not get inside. Luckily a nice day to be out. Lincoln's home in Springfield as he was in the senate and then the president. Nicely furnished and well preserved The Lincoln burial site and memorial area. Always good luck to rub the nose. The CDC says not to touch your face. Probably not a good time to rub his nose after everyone else also touched it. Does rubbing the nose bring good luck. With all my sightseeing I decided to only travel a little bit out of town. What a wonderful day
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AuthorI love my riding days and look to find interesting and informative items to share. Archives
October 2023
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