We are in Illinois. Mayb13

 Tonight we are in Moline, Illinois, right on the banks of the Mississippi. We rode 60: miles, through rolling farmland, some of which didn’t roll so much as we slogged against headwind.  The winds were much kinder near the end, and even though it was another 93 degree, it didn’t feel as hot, especially the last six or so miles coming up right next to the river.

We have come almost 500 miles since we started riding ten days ago.  If we stayed on the Interstate, it would be 270 miles back to Council Bluffs, but we don’t ride in a very straight line.

We are seeing lots of very large farm machinery.  The other day a tractor came down the road with such enormous tires that I think I that I could have ridden right under it.

Another delightfully unexpected sight along the road.

Wading in a channel of the Mississippi. On a hot afternoon, it felt so good. 

We all get trip shirts, and last night several of us inadvertently sat together for our meeting.  Usually Nancy puts all the towns where we stay on the back.  This year she listed all the trail we are riding.  And the yellow and blue colors are in honor of the Ukrainian flag.