leaving AirBnB Monday morning
I left the AirBnB room at 7:45, McDonalds for breakfast, and was on the road at 8:30. Did six city street miles with little traffic due to this being Memorial Day holiday.
Then I got on the Robert McClory Bike Path for about 34 miles of paved path through woods, parks, and along railroad tracks. Quiet, pleasant cycling.
Robert McClory Bike Path
I had two hours of drizzling rain, ending just in time to eat at 11:00, with a short shower in the early afternoon. I didn’t wear rain gear because it was about 24 C and I was comfortable.
locals enjoying the park
The beauty of riding alone is that my brain can freewheel, and I can ride at whatever speed seems right, and I can stop as the mood strikes. So when I spotted a Taco Bell, in I went.
lunch
There was a Piggley Wiggley grocery store a block from the road into Illinois Beach State Park, and they had half a chicken for $1.00. The Park is almost empty after the weekend, quiet, and a nice change from being a city tourist.
danger on the trail
riding the good life
About 50 miles from Milwaukee, I met a guy walking on the trail who works at the huge Coors brewery and he said I needed to tour it. I think so too. This whole 100 mile stretch between Chicago and Milwaukee is served by Metro train, and the towns seem to be commuter places.
campsite in empty Illinois Beach State Park
beach on Lake Michigan
I covered 51 miles today in 5:13 at 9 mph, with a tailwind, which was a nice easy day, and I feel fine. The sun showed up perfect for camping, and there are no bugs. If I could, I’d do a handstand.
exuberant local