Day 21: Monday, 05/28/18, Moline to Galena, IL.

Map of today's ride:



Distance of Today's Ride: 93.1 miles

Trip Total Distance: 1440.4 miles

Elevation Gain:  3255 feet

Riding Time:  6:48 hrs:mins

Our day started with Mindy having a "hotel" flat tire... Mindy thinks Wayne/Dad punctured it during the night since he needs laundry washed!!

Today's ride was hot with the temperature on my Garmin external sensor reading 96 degrees for parts of the ride. We had one rider who is temperature sensitive, and he chose to ride in the SAG van toward the end of the ride. Knowing that the forecast for today was supposed to be record breaking, we had breakfast at 5 am and we were all on the road pedaling a few minutes after 6 am for the 93 mile ride day. 

We rode the first 35 miles today on the GRT (Great River Trail) for only bicycles and pedestrians. The trails are nice for not having to deal with road traffic; however, trails are also slower and can be more confusing than normal roads. Consequently, it takes more time to cover the day's distance on these higher mileage days.

Happy Memorial Day!  Today is a reminder to remember and honor those who have dedicated their lives to our country.  "To those in uniform serving today and to those who have served in the past, we honor you today and everyday." ...Unknown 

This picture was taken just prior to entering Port Byron, IL.  The town shown is Le Claire, Iowa.  It is the birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody and home of American Pickers on the History Channel.  Every year, there is a tug-of-war across the mighty Mississippi River between Le Claire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois.  On a Saturday every August, all water traffic yields the right of way to a 2,400 foot, 680 pound rope that stretches between Le Claire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois.  Eleven teams from each side are formed and the side with the most winning teams takes the Alabaster Eagle trophy for that year.

A view of the riding on the Great River Trail.

Meet Will B. Rollin. This 30 foot fiberglass statue of an old-time bicyclist (on a Penny Farthing) stands along the Mississippi River, in downtown Port Byron.  This was a $60,000 gift to the village from former mayor Larry Bay and his wife, Carol.  Their investment is intended to promote the riverfront, the village, cycling and good health.  The white trousers and blue jacket represent the water and sky.  Will B. Rolling was spiced up with John Deere green for his tie and hat band.

A changing view from the GRT

While riding today, Wayne/Dad's front wheel stopped turning!  Turns out he had a material like fishing line that wrapped around the hub of his front wheel which suddenly stopped his wheel from turning.  Lucky that he wasn't going down a hill at 35 mph when the wheel stopped turning. Also lucky for us, Michael, the mechanic (in a cape) happened to magically appear and save the day!

This picture was taken just prior to the end of our ride on the GRT near Savanna, IL. The river is overflowing its banks due to all the rain the area has experienced.

Today, at mile 55, we began our initial climb into Galena, IL.  (BTW, the first hill we encountered had a 15% grade!) About 20 miles out from the town, we had a spectacular view of the farms and country side.

Tonight we are staying in Galena.  It is a small town in northwest Illinois known for its well-preserved 19th century buildings.  Galena is a popular destination year round, with peak travel times May - October.  Downtown Galena boasts a half mile of more than 120 independently owned stores with boutique shopping, antiques and gourmet food.