Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Day 6: 7/29/24: New Athens to Goreville, IL

Today's route was on a lot of roads that I've ridden on during prior tours.  It started out in a relative flat area of Illinois and ended up in some steep rolling hills.  

I was caught in a few downpours today, and it was cloudy most of the morning.  This made for a nice riding temperature.  By the time I made it to the hills, the sun had come out and the temperature and humidity skyrocketed.

My original plan today was to camp at Little Grassy Campground, which was about a 75 mile ride.  I got there at about 3:15 p.m., and decided to keep riding and camp at Ferne Clyffe State Park, about 20 miles away.  This would make for a shorter ride tomorrow to Marion KY.  I'm already drooling thinking about eating at the Mexican restaurant in Marion tomorrow, and wanted to get there a little earlier in the day.

I made it to the state park (pic below).

A couple from Townsend, TN camping near me talked to me about my trip.  They have their bikes on the back of their Casita travel trailer and are headed out west to ride some rails to trails.  They totally understand the enjoyment of riding a bicycle.  They have a total of 9 bikes between the two of them, and one of his is a bamboo bike he built.  She has biked the Natchez Trace with a support vehicle, but likes the thought of doing a self-contained long trip.

It is hot in this tent tonight.  It's 10:05 p.m. and I'm laying here sweating.  Why did I even bother showering?  Guess I'll have to sweat myself to sleep tonight.

Total miles today:  93.9

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