As I crossed the Mississippi, and then the Illinois River, I had an epiphany about geology, river flow and bicycle riding. Yes, the elevation of Atlantic City, New Jersey is lower than the elevation of Berthoud, Colorado. But downhill applies when a rider is approaching a river and uphill applies when the rider is leaving a river. That is why from Macon to Hannibal Missouri was more or less downhill and I made great time, while Hannibal, MO to Barry, IL was more of less uphill, and today’s time was back to average. Same thing applied a couple days ago approaching the Missouri River at Saint Joseph, MO and today as I crossed the Illinois River. Duh! Another tid-bit of info to keep in mind as I plan a day’s ride.
Today I road quite a bit on a state highway rather than US-36/I-72. Some interesting pros and cons.
Pros of State Highway: Less traffic. Rural character of both countryside and towns. At times a feeling of peace and solitude.
Pros of US-36/I-72: Rollers were smoothed out when compared to state roads. Shoulders were wide. Road is well maintained and for the most part smooth. Travelled faster.
Cons of State Highway: Rollers were more pronounced. Downhill was about the same as US/Interstate Hwy, uphill was much slower. Little to no shoulder. More road items to avoid. Poorer maintenance meaning patches across road made for a bumpy, bumpy, bumpy, bumpy…….ride. Slower travel both between towns and through towns.
Cons of US/Interstate Hwy: More traffic of all types. Less enjoyment of countryside and towns.
Because of the wide shoulder on the US/Interstate Hwy and two lanes of traffic to my left which meant vehicles could be two lanes away from me if they wanted to move to the far-left lane, I actually felt safer on the US/Interstate. When possible, I’ll try to mix the two but will pick US/Interstate rather than go 5 or more miles to be on a state or county road.
And an advantage of riding on a state/county road. There is just more to see and enjoy. This was a beautiful home. I’m sticking to my thought that it is a homestead home due to the size of the trees and the brick chimney. There were plowed fields to the rear and sides with some modern looking, well-maintained barns as well.
Tomorrow’s ride will be from Jacksonville, IL to Decatur, IL. It will be a longer day in terms of miles. My guess is in terms of time as well.