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.

Day 41: missing Missouri and crossing the Mississippi

It is not so much the state itself that I miss but the people I left behind. It is always hard the first day out after a good visit, but today feels extra lonely. Luckily, I am combating the post-visit depression with a few big milestones and an awesome place to "camp" for the night.

I crossed over the mighty Mississippi River in the late afternoon. I decided to soak in the last day with the Tagliaferres and didn't get back on the road until four o'clockish. Hanging out with them was the right decision. I did a short day into Chester, IL and am staying in a bunkhouse with a fan and air conditioner. The local chapter of the Eagles maintains it behind their building and it is great. I made a few phone calls, took a shower and am turning in early. Putting in a good day of biking tomorrow will surely raise my spirits.

Chester is the birthplace of Popeye, I made sure to shave in St Louis so I could make a good Popeye face:



Stats and highlights

Ozora MO to Chester IL
Miles: 20
Weather: sunny and moderate temps
Highlights:

Spending time with family

Crossing Mississippi

Chatting with some Chester youth

A nice lady buying me my subway sandwich