Rain overnight, and a cold front moved in. We layered up for Day 3 and hit the road.

Besides the cold, the wind was a steady 25 mph, coming from the west. We were heading south for the most part, so it challenged us sideways for 40 miles.

The fun really started when google maps bicycle directions turned us onto dirt roads. The gravel and the wet dirt didn’t make the windy conditions any easier.

We grabbed a quick bite and sat outside in front of the shuttered Paramount theater to eat (we didn’t want to warm up and then get cold again.. it had dropped to 47 degrees).

I tried to perform a inspiring warm up dance (keep smiling!) (and whistling!) …. It was a tough day, but we made it!!

Aunt Daisy’s B&B in Kewanee IL.

Such pleasant weather..!! Day 2 of our bike adventure. Instead of making a beeline to our destination, we meandered up to the Hennepin Canal Parkway trail.

Our B&B host suggested a stop at the historic Ryan round barn.

Panoramic view of the Hennepin Canal Parkway trail, which runs just north of Route 80.

Canal trail crossover. It was a nice place for a picnic… This was the only time we saw other people on the trail. Ron kindly offered to take a picture of the couple (who had driven there), and they accepted, but did not return the favor.

Creamed chicken over biscuits, and bread pudding (with actual pudding on top?) It doesn’t look too appealing, but it tasted pretty good in the middle of our 30-mile ride.

Flying down the open road! After trail riding, it feels good to get some speed….

Chestnut Street Inn, Sheffield IL. The home was built in 1854.

We started our 100+ mile trek from Aunt Toni and Uncle Jon’s farm in Princeville, IL.

A midwestern bike adventure… Day 1. Here we are on part of the Rock Island trail in central Illinois.

Just us with our bikes and bags. And soybeans.

The trail is sometimes through the woods, and sometimes it cuts through open fields of corn.

Trail Closed? What?? There was a sign that said “bridge out” but when we got to the creek, there was no bridge to speak of…!

We hiked down the embankment, carried the bikes and bags over the culverts, and used a trail angel’s rope to climb up the other side. Adventuring!

Wait.. what? We biked to Wyoming? Oh, Wyoming, Illinois.

Bakery break… croissant sandwich and homemade cookies. Delicious.

Watch out! During harvest season farm equipment creates real road hazards. We ended Day 1 at a B&B built in 1890.