Day 31, Chester, IL 50 miles (1261 total)

We left Carbondale before 7 am, and the first 15 miles went by quickly and almost effortlessly. After Murphysboro, we gained a headwind but the grades were relatively mild. After refilling our bottles in Ava, we caught up to Denny and family doing the TransAm. We had read about them in all the journals at the various diners and hostels en route. They had called in for additional support: Kitty (Mom). Until now they had traveled self-supported, but now they are escorted by Mom in the SAG wagon. Quite the caravan: Daniel and Emma on a tandem, Denny and Anna on a recumbent tandem, and Bekah riding solo. Stephanie was determined to make her first Rotary meeting in Chester at noon, so as we passed them (yes- we actually passed someone!) we told them we would try to find them at the Best Western (pool central- the destination for the day) later in the afternoon.

Had a great time with the Chester Rotary Club, they were very interested in our trip and made us feel right at home during their meeting and luncheon. Stephanie told them about the Lake Placid Rotary Club and the recent "Dam Duck Race" fundraiser. That perked them right up! Now they're toying with the idea of having their own race, releasing the ducks into the mighty Mississippi (Chester sits on it's banks) and catching the first one that reaches New Orleans!

Back at the hotel, we did meet up with Kitty and Denny and family, had a nice chat, and they even were so kind and trusting to let us use their car for a run down the street for supplies and dinner! Unfortunately for us, they are detouring north to try their luck on a rail trail to bypass the hills in the Ozarks, and so we won't be able to continue riding with them tomorrow. We wish them the best and especially to be safe!

Tomorrow will be a big day, west of the Mississippi! Lewis and Clark and all of that stuff awaits! Not looking forward to the Ozarks in Missouri, we should be into the heart of them by Saturday. But then again, we hear the high temps may ease a bit by then.