We crossed the Illinois River on the Brussels Ferry. The ride to Brussels was flat until just before town then got a bit hilly until descending into Hamburg. We stopped for Gatorade at the Red and White grocery store in Brussels. I stopped and took a photo of the Kamp Family Farm on Schleeper Rd. wondering if this belonged to Jane's folks. We stopped for Gatorade again in Batchtown at a restaurant/ bar and talked two nice ladies finishing their breakfast. I asked if they knew the Kamp family and it appeared they knew them all. They said they thought Jane's folks lived just after we got off the ferry. I probably missed the sign. Anyway these two ladies described the road ahead of us to Hamburg and darn if they didn't nail it; every hill, every dale.
Eric is traveling very light and rides faster than me. He waited for me in Hamburg but I never saw him. I came across three guys and asked where the closest place was where I could get cool refreshment and they said just a couple of miles down the road was a bar. I figured Eric would have gone there so off I went. When I got there - no Eric. I knew then that I had passed him somewhere back in Hamburg. I assumed he would figure it out and he did. We got cooled off and full of cold beverage and took off for the last 15 miles to Pleasant Hill. This section was flat and there was a bit of a tail wind so we were here at 1:30 PM. I didn't see Eric as I made my way through town to the PH convenience store. He had a reservation at the Stage Coach Inn. I figured I'd eat something and drink a DC (Diet Coke for those who don't know me) before heading off to find him. My original plan was to camp at the Great Rivers CG here in town but it is very hot and humid and I'm sure I wouldn't be able to sleep inside a tent. So I told Eric I'd split the $50 cost of the room tonight. I have Warm Showers hosts set up for the next two nights. I found the Stage Coach Inn and Eric had everything pretty well set up by the time I got here. We're chillin' in the AC waiting for laundry to finish and dinner time to roll around.
Hot day today but very peaceful riding on lightly traveled roads. Good views of the Mississippi when riding high on the bluffs and excellent river scenery in Hamburg. There didn't seem to much in Hamburg, but it is not due to lack of scenery. A few miles outside of Pleasant Hill I could clearly see the bluffs on the Missouri side around Louisiana. Having ridden that side two years ago, I was sure glad I was not on that side in this heat and humidity today. It is a beautiful drive in a car, but there are some killer hills if traveling by bicycle.
Tomorrow off to Quincy. I don't think it's supposed to be quite as hot as the last four days.
Later:
Do I have a great family or what. My sister Cathy and brother-in-law Bob drove down to Pleasant Hill tonight for a short visit. Thanks Cathy. You're a terrific sister and a great supporter. I also heard from my other sister Deb who agreed to host me Monday night. And I get the honor of going on RAGBRAI in July with my brother Brad. And what can I say about my wonderful bride who supports me in these hair-brained adventures. You are the greatest Sweetheart.
The Stage Coach Inn was a bit of a trip. It is a converted nursing home that is set as a lodge for hunting season. The price was right and it AC so no complaints. It is located just north of PH High School.
I walked over to the football field where I played a number of times in high school (with the tune of Springsteen's Glory Days in my head).
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| Bob, Cathy and me in Pleasant Hill, IL |
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| My cycling companion Eric Sansone |
Was good to see how healthy you look, even after all that biking. I see you are taking good care of yourself and having the time of your life. You go for it brother! Love ya! Cathy
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