Sangamon/Illinois River Ride - Sun May 22

[sstodvictory]

Depart from McDonalds in Monticello, IL at 10:00 AM.

Monticello is between Champaign and Decatur on I72. Take Bridge St. exit East into town, South at the stoplight, McDonalds is a few blocks down on the right.

This ride is about as scenic as it gets for my part of the state. Total mileage 204/222 depending on whether or not we make a small loop near Monticello. Total time 5-6 hrs from Monticello to Pekin. We'll stick close to the River. The route goes through Decatur and Springfield. We'll stop for an early lunch at the Buchart Pub. They don't serve much but they have good pizza.

Steve

[sstodvictory]

If anyone's coming tomorrow but you're running late, my cell phone is 217-855-5743.

From Bloomington, the backroads way to Monticello is better than the freeway. I74 East and get off at LeRoy. South of the Freeway 100 yards or so, take the first road that goes East. It'll follow the freeway for a little bit then curve South. It crosses a few other roads but keep heading South until you get to a T. Go East a 100 yards or so and then South again and stay on it until Hwy 10 at Wedron. Go East on Hwy 10 to DeLand. At the DeLand Stop & Go (Caseys?) turn South. Follow that curvy road straight over I72 and into Monticello. Turn South at the stop light to the McDonalds.

I checked the Sangamon portion of the route today West of Springfield and memorized some new roads. Some of the stretches of the route are quite surprising for central IL. You'd never suspect the flatlands has stuff like that 'till you see it.

BTY, if no one shows up, I will adapt a unique new goal for this event, which will be 10 rides without a single attendee. After that I'll shoot for 20. I'm already up to 3.

Steve

[Daffy]

Sorry Steve, I got my bike torn partly apart (weekend project) I hope. Should have my trunk on when done.