The Mason-Dixon Line Runs Where?

Yes, I know that the little banner on the right says June 14, but these are really the happenings from June 13, since I had no internet access on the 13th with which to post. Thank you all for your text messages throughout today wondering if I was in a ditch. As the deer in the following paragraph said, “it’s nice to be missed.”

The morning began in Springfield IL, a town where a lot of kids still mow their own lawns. A short distance outside of town, Bambi decided that she liked double yellow lines as much as I do. I cranked on the brakes and she decided to mosey off the roadway. Then each of us went on to have nicer days, as a result of our individual decisions.

Winding up the few remaining tracks in southern Illinois I went through Granite City. US Steel still operates a mill there, but most all other employers have left many beautiful old brick factory buildings to the ghosts. Some of the tracks that I rode today date back to the 1926 era when RT 66 was new, others ranged from the 30s and 40s.

Television broadcasting must be regional here. MSNBC seems to inform northern Illinois and Fox News must be informing the southern part of the state. Not that I’ve watched much TV while touring, but I have overheard plenty of local conversation in the coffee shops and diners along the way.

David, chef-owner of the Smoke Pit in Collinsville IL, made sure that I was “to the brim” with excellent brisket and warm hospitality. Sassafras wood to him is like mesquite wood is to me, when it comes to smoking meats.

The Chain of Rocks Bridge is a great spot to meet others touring on bikes. There today, I met Christian and 3 of his group from Quebec, all on Harleys. They’re planning on hitting CA, the Pacific coast and then Sturgis.

After crossing the Mississippi, I was able to gather in all the tracks surrounding the greater St. Louis area and then make my way to Villa Ridge, Missouri, for the night. Eight hours of seat time yielded 254 miles today. This was probably the lowest average speed thus far, due to lots of residential and commercial areas being transited. Internet access is not available tonight, June 13th, so this post will appear on June 14th along with tomorrow’s happenings.