Day 48 - Crossing Into Illinois (July 19th, 2024)
City To City: Farmington - Murphysboro
Miles: 78
Miles Total: 3,170
Flats: 10
We left at a time that still allowed us to get to our destination for the day. During the car ride up, our dad texted us asking if we noticed something wrong with their tire since Henry and I were riding with our grandparents again. Sure enough, they had a flat tire. My mom had seen something go flying and immediately suspected something was wrong. So, about five miles away from Farmington, our starting point, we pulled over and changed the tire. We took out all our belongings, and once finished, we packed everything back in and went the short distance to the town. We reluctantly changed into our bike clothes and said downhearted goodbyes.
So, my family left for home, and we packed things onto our bikes. We strapped our airhorns to our handlebars in preparation for the dogs in Kentucky and Virginia. Henry went to the bike shop for more tubes and some dog spray while my dad and I slowly got started.
As mornings go, it was quiet and uneventful. But since we got a later start, we didn't make our daily goal of getting halfway before breaking for lunch. The hills settled down some and became longer and less steep, but still, they were hilly.
We stopped for a break in the late afternoon to refill our water bottles at a gas station. They were generous and allowed us ice-cold water. An employee then asked us what we were doing, and once she heard, she told us to be careful and said, "God bless you!"
Soon, we passed over the Mississippi River and made it to the banks of Illinois! But boy, did we hold up traffic on the bridge crossing over. Since there was so much oncoming traffic, no car could pass us. But everyone was nice, and once we got off the road to let them all pass, some gave a friendly wave or honk.
So, we headed the last thirty miles to Murphysboro. Along the way, a teenage guy in his truck pumped his fist at us, encouraging us to stay strong. Also, along the way, a girl stuck her hand out the window and waved. It was the encouragement we needed because we had been in the sun all day, and since we had gotten a later start, we felt like we were behind mileage-wise.
Once we got to our destination, we met our warm shower host, Jessica, a wonderful and generous woman. She cooked a delicious dinner for us, and since she had to be somewhere, she just left us to do whatever we wanted in her house. We had amazing warm showers that felt wonderful as the water flowed down on us.
Jessica's dog, Echo, was friendly once he got to know us and was relaxed the entire time we were there. Jessica showed us a YouTube video of someone who had gone before us so we could be prepared. Two dogs happened to be in one of the videos. Echo, who was alert, immediately sprinted to the TV and barked.
Jessica told us some interesting things about herself and how she had become the mayor of a small town. She also told us that she had a relative who had moved to Alaska but wanted to return south to visit the other States. Jessica's relative did that, but he visited by bicycle along the Trans Am. He had started in Seattle and caught up with the trail. But he hadn't told anyone until before he asked to visit with Jessica. He had asked something along these lines, "Is it okay if I come and visit you later today?"
Jessica thought he was at an airport and ready to pick him up immediately, but then Jessica's relative added, "I'll make my way to your house."
Jessica asks skeptically, "What do you mean you'll make it to my house?"
"Oh, I'm coming by bicycle. I'm going across America." he casually answered.
Of course, that was a shock to all of the family, but Jessica's relative spent a couple weeks with her before returning to the trail.
We eventually went to sleep; my dad slept on the couch, my brother slept on the futon, and I slept on the floor.
I love how many awesome people you cross paths with
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