As can be seen in the pic above skies are again hazy, essentially blocking out the sun. Preparing to ride feels a little bit like ground hog day, still wearing layers with full chaps and leather jackets.
We found our now familiar friend, Hwy 20 East and headed out. What Nebraska has given up in corn along this road, Iowa is making up for it.
The road itself continues to impress us. It has fun features like the turn off to the World's Largest Popcorn Ball. It is smooth, and tranquil. After several miles on the road it occurred to me that there was something missing. Billboards! There simply aren't any and I didn't miss them. Except to notice their absence, I actually appreciated not have the constant interruption. It's the physical manifestation as unplugging from the phone or outside distractions. It really provides for an opportunity to take it all in.
Our first fuel stop/Monster stop was in Fort Dodge. In an effort to include more pics, I grabbed a quick one of the water tower. Most people are probably familiar with these as they are quite prevalent in the mid-west, but for those that haven't travel outside of Idaho, this is for you benefit. In addition this pic shows that haze gave way to a sky full of clouds. While we munched our snacks, we were treated to the high school band practicing in the field across the street. They sound prepared as the perfected the National Anthem, probably in preparation for Friday night's game. As we rolled out of town, I noticed the bank clock had the temp at 71 degrees.
We finally got some of the retail therapy that typically accompanies a trip like this when we stopped by Silver Eagle Harley Davidson in Waterloo. After finding a shirt and the always needed dealer pins and poker chips, we grabbed a quick bite to it. We also got a tip from Steve at Silver Eagle about a great place to eat in Wisconsin when we get there. We visited with a few riders from Minnesota before getting back to it. It was warm enough to switch from full chaps to half chaps, to fingerless gloves and ditch the sweatshirt under the leather jacket.
On our way to Dubuque, we rode past the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville. While we didn't have time to stop, it certainly looked like an interesting place. McGrath Harley Davidson made for our second round of retail therapy today. Shane was working pretty hard at getting us to consider a new bike purchase on the trip. As odd as that might sound, we have a least a handful of friends that have actually purchased a new bike on a trip like this. We were able to strip down a little further, now in t-shirt sleeves with denim vests and no jackets, before departing from Dubuque.
Crossing over the Mississippi River puts one in Illinois. Here Hwy 20 is known as the Great River Road. The first town of any real consequence is Galena, the home town of Ulysses S. Grant. The town has a lot of character and looks to be a fun place to further explore. In Illinois, Hwy 20 is hilly. It was a bit of treat to ride the peaks and valleys which feel a bit like a rollercoaster. When on hilltops, there are scenic overlooks of the farm land valleys. This however was also the slowest portion of US 20 we've ridden. Thus far, we've been able to cruise at near interstate speeds without much in the way of obstacles. Not the case here, but that could have been in part because we're close to the point where we are just ready to get there.
Rockford was intended to be our third HD store of the day, but they were closed before we were able to get there. Next time! Not too far out of Rockford, we said goodbye to our now good buddy Hwy 20. It has serve us well and we both highly recommend it as a preferred option over the interstate. We joined I-90 and just like our experience last night, it was only for 80 ish miles and we were ready for the quicker pace.
What we were not ready for was the tolls. Yes, there were signs to warn us. No that did not help us to be prepared. When we rolled into that first toll booth, we must have seemed like aliens. Other drivers quickly became frustrated with us when we were scolded for trying to pay and cross through together. And when we had to dismount the bikes and start digging for cash, the other drivers couldn't take it. Where did I put my cash? Which bag? Which pocket? As I watched cars select reverse and switch lanes to go around us, I found it. Luckily I was smart enough to break a $20 so I'd have better luck at the next two toll gates.
We were late enough in the day I felt pretty good about missing the traffic going into Chicago. The hotel where the meeting is held is downtown. I mean, all the way down town on the Miracle Mile, downtown. Turns out that even at 8pm there is traffic. So shortly after we cleared the third toll booth, which went much smoother than the first two, we found ourselves doing 80 + mph down I-90 thru 6 lanes of traffic with the sun setting in our mirrors. With about 25 miles to go, traffic was getting more congested and had slowed to stop and go at a few points. When we finally found our exit, we were amongst the sky scrapers. We found our hotel and were able to park in the garage across the street.
Tomorrow is the all day meeting for me. I'm not sure what Torrey will do, but the spa/gym and sun patio are sure to be a part of it.
Total miles today: 491
Time to travel that distance: 13.25 hours (Good Retail therapy takes time)
Total Cumulative mileage: 1533
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