Today was a 107 mile ride through some very flat land. When I first saw the itinerary I thought, “Gee, after a month of riding a 107 mile day will seem like nothing!” Au contraire! Chad felt very strong all day, which he attributed to a large stack of pancakes in the morning. His energy gave out at about mile 102, suggesting that the stack might have been one pancake short. I struggled against the headwind most of the afternoon, although I was still able to maintain a 15+ mph average for the distance. The only real climb all day was the bridge crossing the Illinois River.

Now we’re in Springfield, Illinois, home to a large power plant with Abraham Lincoln on the side.

Dinner was pizza and beer delivered to the hotel. The pizza was sliced in squares instead of wedges, as it usually is out West. Is this a Midwest thing?

Tomorrow it’s on to Champaign and a much anticipated rest day. I’ve worn out a pair of biking shorts which need to be replaced. Big plans!