Day 24: Vandalia, IL to Alton, IL (65.0 miles)

Jun 4

Jun 4 Day 24: Vandalia, IL to Alton, IL (65.0 miles)

Left Okaw Valley Kampground around 7:15, right after a “photo shoot” in front of the sign. Today’s ride from Vandalia to Alton was just about a straight line. Towns of interest included Mulberry Grove, Greenville, Hamel, and Alton.Much of today’s ride was on Routes 40 and 140. I’m enjoying watching the big farm equipment in action, as the land is finally dry enough for plowing, harrowing, and planting. Daily, we see lots of different color equipment (Deere, Case IH, Ford, and others). We stopped for a coffee break at Greenville University and met several local people and their cute kids and dogs. Tonight we are staying at a Comfort Inn in Alton, the first real bed since Pittsburgh. Alton sits on the banks of the Mississippi, just across from Missouri.

We’ve ridden 1325 miles so far, so we are about 1/3 done. This is officially the longest bike trip I’ve ever been on, eclipsing the 1977 Michigan ride, which was 3 weeks long. Spoke to cousin Pete today, hopefully he’ll meet with us tomorrow.

If you have any questions about this trip please send a note or write a comment. Thanks.

Image above: Vintage tractor near Mulberry Grove