A Four-State Day

Yes, we were in four states today. We left Tennessee this morning and crossed into Kentucky at 8.8 miles. After approximately 52 miles, we crossed the Ohio River and into Illinois. However, this crossing was via a van shuttle. The bridge across the river is barely wide enough to accommodate two vehicles, let alone a bike in the road. We had a couple of motorcyclists volunteer to form a rear blockade for us, but I politely declined. There would have been many irate motorists behind. We were dropped in Cairo, IL, a once bustling town that now looks like a ghost town along its main street. Not only were most businesses closed, but a good many 19th and early 20th century homes were boarded up. We were warned not to linger as the local residents can be quite rough. We barely saw any though. We crossed the Mississippi River at mile 87. This bridge had a very wide shoulder and I stayed on the bridge for 20 minutes taking pictures.

The first SAG stop was in Columbus KY. After a devastating flood in 1927, the town was relocated 1 mile east of the river. It was the first time that an entire town was moved. We traveled to the river to see the sights. The east side was high on a bluff over the river and it was unimaginable that the river rose high enough to flood the town. The west side was much lower and I could easily see that it would flood.

The picture of the tugboat has 35 barges in front of it. The barges are lashed together. Last night I read in "Life on the Mississippi" that an experienced river boat pilot made $250 per month in the 1870s. That was virtually a small fortune at the time. The skill to push 35 barges at a time up the river must be immense and I imagine that today's wages must recompense the pilot quite well. The river has many sand bars and shoals. It is changing all the time. The current is quite swift now, as it is above flood stage, and you can see logs and branches floating in the river. Technology has undoubtedly made piloting easier than back in the bad old days, but I can see where it is still very challenging.

The bicyclist in the picture with the cannon is Jerry Griswold. He is by far the most experienced touring cyclist I will ever know. He has made well over a hundred trips. He has cycled in one SE Asian country (Thailand I think) 60 times. He has blogged his trips since 2005. The current trip already has more than 2,000 visits and two of his blogs have more than 24,000 visits. He is a very strong rider.

Our injured cyclist from two days ago stopped by the hotel this afternoon to retrieve his bike and belongings. I helped load his bike into his car and it seemed to not have a scratch on it. Despite his many facial cuts, Rollie was in a good mood. The helmet was in a bag and one of the riders said it was in pieces. It saved his life. So everyone out there, wear your helmet all the time. It was good to see him and I wish him well. The trip from his hometown to Ripley, TN is 658 miles.

Today's stats: 89 miles, 17.5 mph through mile 49 and the shuttle (I left the Garmin on during the shuttle to maintain cue sheet accuracy so end of day average speed is not accurate), 2183 feet climbing.

Highlight of the day. Crossing the Mississippi River.