June 24 - Moline to Savanna, IL (58 mi.)

I made the decision during the night to leave all of my camping gear and two front panniers at Deb and Randy's. This leaves me with no camping options for the remainder of the ride (10 days) but instead requires a motel each night and splitting the cost with Eric. I'm sure it will all work out, but leaves me with a bit of anxiety. I picked up all that I had unloaded before leaving and it really didn't weigh much as I have very lightweight gear. I came close to changing my mind at the last second but ended up leaving it. The bike is lighter which will help with the hills the next few days but time will tell if I made the correct decision. [Later: it turned out not be a good decision].

Randy graciously took us to the bike trail at the Celebration Belle in Moline. In addition to allowing us to avoid Andalusia Road in Milan and the morning commute traffic in Rock Island this probably saved us as much as 10 miles of riding

Me and Randy at today's drop off point

 The weather today was ideal and the portions of the path where it was next to the Mississippi River were outstanding. We rode opposite from Riverside Generating Station, next to the John Deere combine assembly plant, through Port Byron which is opposite Le Clair, IA and then near Cordova Energy Center which I had a part in building and operating in the late 1990s/2000s. Cordova will always be a special place for me.

MidAmerican's Riverside Energy Center

John Deere combine assembly factory - Moline, IL

Port Byron high wheeler statue

Le Claire, IA as seen from Port Byron, IL

Cordova Energy Center

The direction through Albany, IL were confusing but we managed to find our way. Had a cheap lunch (Taco Tuesday - $1/each) in Fulton, IL where we went to view the Dutch windmill. The Lincoln Highway passes through Fulton and we rode a couple blocks on it. I'd like to drive it sometime. Then it was off to Savanna, IL where we are spending the night.

Windmill in Fulton, IL

Lincoln Highway sign in Fulton, IL

 Tomorrow we cross into Wisconsin via Galena, IL. This will be a hilly day but hills are good if the traffic is good. I look forward to the challenge of the next few days.