Day 34 - Quincy to Springfield - 106 miles

Some days it's easier to get going and excited than other days. This particular morning, July 3rd, I decided to take a picture showing that I was excited about another century ride even though I might not have been quite so excited as I pretended. ;)

And off we went. Another day of slight overcast and moderate temps. We've been very fortunate with that on this trip.

Lots of green in Illinois as well!

This guy is Dave. He's been with us since San Francisco but this was his last day. :( He took a spill outside Dodge City and has been riding off and on but something is up with his shoulder so he's taking off to get it looked at. He might be back but maybe not. He's a great guy and I'm glad I got to know him and ride with him. Hope he heals up quickly!

Lots of corn and soybeans in Illinois

Not quite so hilly as the last state though - at least right here.

A behind the back shot of Veronica. She doesn't like chattiness on the bike. One of her favorite phrases as we approach: "Begone with you!"

Look! It's corn! and Fiona.

and a nice farm.

We made it to Springfield and snapped some shots outside the state capitol.

Me with Patty

Then Fiona and I left the bike route to see a few Lincoln sites and find some ice cream.

Classic selfie shot taken without realizing it

The old state capitol building

We found our way down to Lincoln's tomb shortly before it closed for the day. It was cool to walk through and see sculptures of him at different points in his life and read some quotes. 

They told us that soldiers leaving for active duty during WW II started the tradition of rubbing Lincoln's nose for good luck.

The crazy Brit also tried picking his nose

I was just stretching to reach it, no intention of picking!

By this time it was about 5:00 and it had been a long day of cycling. We headed for the motel and reached it about 5:30 so about a 10 hour day. Hard work! With the extra mileage to Lincoln's tomb we were over 110 miles for the day. Time for some rest!