Well, not the state of Louisiana. It is the city of Louisiana, Missouri. We rode over the bridge back into Missouri after spending most of the day in Illinois. We are staying at the River's Edge Motel, a pitching wedge from the Mississippi River. I think this was the only motel for the 106 miles from St Louis, otherwise we would not be staying in this very low budget place.
The river bike path was flooded just at the Arch heading out of St Louis. The company re-routed us out of town and we were on the levee bike soon enough. We were on it for all but about 4 miles to the first SAG at mile 27. We had a good view of the river and saw the first lock operation on the river. They will be more common in upcoming days. I did not stay to examine them as when you are riding in heat and have to cover 106 miles, you must move right along.
We were able to cross the Mississippi River into Illinois at mile 12 over the old Route 66 road. This bridge is now only for bikes and pedestrians. Some old route 66 memorabilia was placed on the bridge. A mural was on the wall commemorating the old road (see picture). There were what appeared to be old pilot houses in the river (see picture).
We had our first ferry ride today. The ferry was there when we arrived at it, but we had to wait while it was being gassed up. I like getting off a ferry because there are no cars after for a long while. At 60 miles we had covered 1000 feet in climbing. Over the next 20 miles, we covered just over another 1000 feet of climbing, including a couple of hills with a brief 15 percent grade on them.
I was pleased to make the whole distance today because I was doubtful on Monday. My head cold did not bother me too much but the allergies really cropped up with 25 miles to go. My eyes were very red.
Day's statistics: 106.7 miles, 15.2 mph, 2431 feet climbing.
Highlight of the day: John Hicks: riding along the Mississippi; John W., Ron, and I agree on the Old Chain of Rocks bridge. We are all sitting outside for Internet connectivity.
The bridge is the old Chain of Rocks bridge, and those 'pilot houses' are actually water intakes for the Chain of Rocks water treatment plant (the intakes were built in the late 19th century and are still in use).
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