Coast2Coast Day 58:  Monmouth to Kewanee, IL; thunderstorm delay to start, and starting on Northern Tier Route!

This morning’s bike riding was delayed by a downpour, and the first miles were a bit ‘splash-splashy’ on the road.  Progressed through the 30 miles North to connect with the Northern Tier Route, where traffic was lighter, though the road was rough until Sherrard.  Stopped at the 7-11 for some hydration drink, and had a conversation with the cashier, Kaitlyn.  She was born in Texas, and she has had discussions with her husband to possibly return.  The idea seems to die when they realize the Summer heat there.  They have two children, a son 8 and a daughter 13.  At the moment the son has expressed multiple ‘crushes’ and has Evel Knievel tendencies, and so is a ‘handful!’

When both sides of the road are blessed with fields of corn, and on occasion the corn is but six or so feet from the edge of the pavement, it seems that the stalks are sentinels protecting the road for the bicyclists, as other vehicles seem to be rare on such roads.

Cathy was able to visit the birthplace of her fraternity, founded in 1870 at Monmouth College by six (progressive-for-their-time) women.  Reading of their struggles and history nearly brought tears and shivers.

Stopped in Cambridge to consume a PB&J sandwich I had carried around for two days.  Cathy had wrapped it well, so it was still fresh.  Cambridge impressed as a cool and quaint town, with tree lined streets to cool the emerging Sun!

Met up with Cathy at the Public Library in Kewanee.  A very nice, historic building!  We went to lunch at Cerno’s, built by Pabst Blue Ribbon in the 19th Century.  The fifty foot mahogany bar survived Prohibition, though the male patrons did take their ‘lady friends’ upstairs for a beverage, as the bar was then male-only.

We did go through the tedious exercise of trying to get some timing set for visiting with family and friends along the Northern Tier Route.  With the possibility of weather complications, all are estimates!  We do feel good that we have been flexible, and are adapting as we go.  Now that we enter areas that are much more populated, we will see what ‘traffic’ that may add complications, as well.

Tomorrow looks to be a ‘short’ day!

Cheers!