Day 43: cave in rock, me in Kentucky

Just before I left Illinois, I visited the famous Cave in Rock state park. It was way cool, especially after visiting the less famous Tower Rock state park. I biked about a mile off route down the steepest hill ever and found no rock towering over the forest. The park was even missing its sign. The climb back up the steep hill was rough. Cave in Rock redeemed Illinois just before I took the ferry across the Ohio River.

The real story of the day is where I ended up. The First Baptist church in Sebree has a biker hostel that is amazing. The pastor and his wife also cook you dinner! I had called ahead to ask if I could stay there and she replied, "yes, I will have your dinner ready." That was all I needed to hear. I practically flew there.

Here is a picture of my snack pack I made with duck tape to munch on my banana chips while I rode:



Stats and highlights:
Bay Creek Ranch to Sebree KY
Miles: 90
Dogs that chased me: 3 (I just stopped and got off my bike and they stopped)
Ferry: 1
Highlights: exploring cave in rock

Stopping at an Amish store and buying some banana chips, then I attached it to my handlebars and ate them while I rode

Day 42: mr 3000

We did it folks, 3000 total miles traveled!

Right from the start, I knew today was going to be extraordinary. Instead of waking up hot and sticky with sweat, I awoke to the cold (not cool, cold) crisp air of the air conditioned bunk house at the Chester Eagles. I savored the temperature for an extra hour. I was trying to sleep off all those late nights with the Tag Family watching the Olympics and movies. After I finally rolled out of bed, I walked outside to find Gladiator right where i left him. Thanks OnGuard. I then said goodbye to the birthplace of Popeye and snapped a quick photo with the Bluto statue.

The ride was great today. I got to see some scenic parts of Southern Illinois. I stopped at a gas station for a pizza lunch. I rode on a closed road like the American Cowboy I am. Ate a few climbs for afternoon snack. And then it happened. In the city of Goreville, home of the fighting black cats, I officially reached 3000 miles. Note that I only count miles progressed on the TransAm. This does not include miles I rode to get to groceries, gas stations, libraries, etc. Otherwise I could just ride in circles in the parking lot to inflate my stats. I am not about that folks, rest assured my numbers are pure.

- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 42: stats and highlights

Chester IL to Bay Creek Ranch Campground IL
Miles: 98
Terrain: easy
Weather: 90s, not too bad
Highlights:

Bluto:



Enjoying the ride:



Stopping at a fruit stand for the best peaches ever and being given an extra four and two cucumbers for free:



Going rogue in order to stay on my route:



Finding this awesome gate that featured old tree trunks and a birdhouse that was actually housing a keypad to unlock the gate with a secret code:


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.