The first part of the day started off overcast. Then it turned sunny. There was no threat of rain, but it was still very humid. I am resigned to the fact that it will be humid from now until the end.
The hills are not as long or frequent, but occasionally they are just as steep. But as I approached the Mississippi River the land flattened and inside the flood levees it was very flat. Elevation was now just under 400 feet above sea level.
Today was also a day for a new state. At the hostel in Farmington I was told that traffic was either pretty good or pretty bad riding the bridge between Missouri and Illinois. My experience was that is was good. I had a bit of traffic in both directions but because the bridge is narrow I claimed the entire lane so no one would be tempted to pass me. When I did get passed it was safe to pass. The bridge definitely needs some major work for the cement was crumbling on the side and the some of iron along the edge was rusted and eroded.
Immediately upon entering Illinois there was a information center for the town of Chester. Chester is the hometown of Popeye the Sailor creator, Elizie Segar, and they won’t let you forget it.
After leaving the information center I had a choice in roads to take. Either take the main bike route that goes up and down over hills or take the section along the levees in Illinois which is flatter and less traffic. I choose the levee route. Parts of this section were extremely narrow but there was no traffic. It was also flat until I got near Murphysboro then the hills started.
I made it to Murphysboro exhausted and low on liquids, but I made it. Tonight was a night of luxury in a hotel with a pool.
Today’s stats: total mileage 85.56 miles; average speed 13.2 mph; max speed 42.9 mph; elevation gain 3068 feet; elevation descent 3678 feet.