Yesterday was a thrill. The transformation from sucky trails to a breathtaking sunset may have been a highlight of the trip for me thus far. As we devoured our Chipotle, the realization set in that we would have to wake up early and ride all day to get from Peru, IL to Davenport, IA. We set our 7am alarms and passed out on our cigarette-scented, intensely firm motel mattress.
I am slightly upset with my body given how sore it is one day following a rest day, and today was not a good day to be sore. We started the ride with 14 miles on the road including one massive hill; at the time, we did not realize how nice we had it. We made it to the Hennepin Canal Trail and our experience exactly matched that of the I&M Canal State Trail: Anything but the paved trail we wanted. Because of the rain yesterday, the wet rocks and moist sand on the trail resulted in quicksand like resistance. We rode around 8.5 miles per hour for about 15 miles until we feared we would never get to Davenport if we stayed on the trail until mile 80. The struggle to even reach 8.5 miles per hour had us running on fumes the rest of the day.
We hopped onto US-6 but only 30 miles in, both of our legs were exhausted (not just me this time!!!). We took frequent breaks and tried to stay strong in the chilly weather. As usual, food made us feel better. We stopped for lunch at the Purple Onion, an adorable, homey, diner-esque restaurant in Annawan, IL. Charlie went with a burger, pie, and cookies, while I kept it simple with a roast beef hot plate. The rich gravy and mashed potatoes warmed my soul as I’d been freezing all morning. Things were looking up, and we were hopeful for our final 40 miles. Charlie even commented that he’s always at his best when he’s full of good food.
Our legs may have been destroyed, but there were hints of positivity in the form of sunshine and 2010s rap music. I jammed out to A Boogie Wit da Hoodie until Charlie yelled that we only had 15 miles remaining. By this point, the sun was blazing down on us, and we were both fired up. I said, “I would love a cute ice cream shoppe right about now.” And of course, the ice cream gods delivered with DAIRY QUEEN (not the cutest of ice cream shoppes, but I’m not complaining). Charlie went with his classic turtle blizzard, and I have legitimately fallen in love with the frosted animal cracker blizzard. Our ice cream pit stop was the perfect final break.
We made our way to a pleasing, PAVED trail that bordered the Mississippi River. Charlie was very excited to see the River, however, I have the geography and history skills of a 5th grader, so I did not understand the hype. We crossed a few bridges, swallowed a few too many gnats, then finally pulled up to our hotel. Today was hard, like “guarding Iowan basketball superstar and Princeton Women’s basketball point guard, Carlie Littlefield”-hard. A little over 8 hours riding and 10.5 hours from door to door, we are really tired.
We spent the evening with Steve and Laura, a connection made through my mom’s friend’s coworker’s brother. As you can see, our connections are so random, but that’s what makes them AMAZING! They took us to the Machine Shed, an Iowan classic. We ate some Midwestern staples like pork and cottage cheese; I had no idea that these were Midwestern staples. We also stopped by the grocery store to stock up for the coming days.
Now, eyes dropping, I am lying in bed in the comfiest robe I’ve ever worn. No complaints. Can’t wait to make it to Iowa City tomorrow!
Another day, another dollar.
-Maddie
Total miles: 1235
Dairy Queen stops: 3
PS May the fourth be the with you!