Day 33 - Kirksville, MO to Quincy, IL - 91 miles

Slight chance of rain in the forecast, an overcast sky, cooler temps - we were all pretty happy with that! I started off cycling with Fiona - we were probably the last to leave the motel that day. That seems to be our normal mode and why not? As long as we make it to the next motel by 6 pm, all is good! We are both strong enough riders that the staff members are not very concerned about us. So we take off at our convenience and then generally ride pretty hard so we can take breaks when we want. Long lunch breaks or ice cream breaks. :) I was excited today to be riding my bike across the Mississippi River! I don't know why but I was looking forward to seeing it and crossing over into Illinois.

As we rode past Patty she captured these couple of shots.

In the mornings I've been eating a pretty good sized breakfast - trying to fuel for the day. Downside is that I feel like puking when we hit the hills because I feel too full. So when we hit the first sag stop, we hit the cafe next door - me for a Pepsi, Fiona for a cup of coffee.

We had no idea it was her birthday! Later we realized it was probably for Bob's birthday. Bob is my boss, the great guy that is letting me take 8 weeks off of work to have this amazing adventure. :) I also decided to stop eating less for breakfast and then try snacking more during the first couple of hours on the bike until my body and appetite wake up.

Waiting for the train to finish so we could leave the sag stop.

Missouri is still green and pretty and hilly with lots of crops - predominantly corn and soybeans. We had decided that it was enough with the hills. I could have a hope in my heart every time we came to the top of a hill that there would be some flat - or at least flatter - land waiting ahead. My heart was broken every time! ;) Even when the horizon appeared to be at the same level we were, there would be several small hills in between. Until at last, there wasn't! And we came down out of the hills and it was flat. Weird! And then we got to cross the Mississippi River! I thought it was pretty cool. Not as wide as further downstream of course but still a pretty impressive river! We were coming over the bridge with traffic and no shoulder so we couldn't stop and take pictures which was a bit disappointing. Another disappointment awaited us as we approached the welcome to Illinois sign. There was virtually no way to take a shot with it.

It's on the other side.

We tried this

and this

and then Barry took pity on us and rode down by the river to get this shot for us. Then he had to ride back up a 15% grade hill. Nice guy, huh? Thanks Barry! (That was Texas Barry, not Cincinatti Barry) We got to cycle through a really cool residential area with amazingly beautiful old homes. I would have been happy with any of them. I did not take any photos though. It's almost as though when you're within 5 miles of the motel, nothing matters but getting there and getting done!

Once we'd cleaned up a bit, this was the destination!

And this was the decision - Oreo

and mint Oreo. The verdict? Excellent taste and a great value, especially during happy hour - half price!

Chinese buffet for dinner that night. Buffets don't always have the best food but with a big group, it's nice to be able to walk in and get food quickly and everyone can get what they like. It was good food and hit the spot. I liked my fortune - Don't underestimate yourself. Your social skills are needed by others at this time. Interesting... ;)