June 16,
2001. Cave-in-Rock to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Illinois. (63 mi.) Mile 1233
Staying
alive at 95 (degrees)
We finally thought we'd try the
Early Start, using the other bicycle tourists in our camp as models. Getting
an early start is the best way to enjoy a sunny day in beautiful southern
Illinois, because the temperature quickly climbs to 95+ degrees. Still, it was
cool early in the morning rolling along the Ohio River Scenic Byway to breakfast in the quaint town
of Elizabethtown.
From the moment we entered
Illinois, it became apparent we were in a state more oriented to cycling. The
bicycle route signs that we appreciated in Virginia, but which had disappeared
in Kentucky, were back, and the State of Illinois provided free bike route
maps at the border. We ran into our first recreational bicyclists within a few
hours, and they went out of their way to ask us if we needed anything and to
tell us what to expect ahead on the route. We saw no bicyclists in Kentucky
other than those traveling through.
Mike says today was a good day but
he wasn't speaking for me. As the day progressed, it was hot, there were many long rolling
hills (a few 8% grades), and a headwind. There was some opportunity for me to
draft Mike, but not much. It takes much concentration to draft. The leader's
panniers obscure the road surface, and the drafter must be alert to avoid
hitting obstacles or the leader's rear wheel. Earlier in the trip, Mike hit my
rear wheel while we were both downshifting at the bottom of a hill, went down,
and slid across the road into the guard rail, suffering only minor road rash
and a case of "I told you so" from the person he was following too
closely.
Tomorrow we have a short day into
Carbondale, a break, and some time with an old friend while Mike replaces his
rear rim.
