Day 1 - ending near Atlanta, IL - Downstate Illinois

July 7, 2025

Day 1 - ending near Atlanta, IL

I was up late last night packing, which delayed me getting to bed until 2:15am this morning. Packing for a bike trip is my least favorite thing to do! Up at 5:30am. This morning's job was easier - just get the bags loaded on the bike. As I was doing that, the neighbor kids came over with their mom to say goodbye - so sweet!

Finally on my way at 8:40am, but just far enough to get me to Aunt Ginny's Cafe, three blocks away. Their counter seats three. There was a new person there today, a fellow who just moved to town a week ago. Had fun bicycle conversations with him. He's hoping to get his bike rolling so he can check out the trail that goes to East Peoria. Tracy, the waitress I usually get, was there this morning. She is so much fun! Even when the place is full and busy, she has a warm smile for everyone. She agreed to be the first person-picture of my trip. Finally on my way southeast at 9:18am.

There are not many campgrounds within a day's ride of my home that I haven't been to before. Hickory Lane Campground a few miles south of Atlanta - my destination for today, is on that list. I did try to vary my route to get there, but was only partially successful with that.

I finally came upon a shaded area for a break at 10:52am. I was glad to get off the road for a moment; my routing had me on roads that gravel trucks were using.

At 11:57am I happened upon the perfect place for my noon break - Briggs Cemetery. I had a trail mix snack, and drank some of one of the bottles of frozen Gatorade I had with me, which had been stored in a new insulated bag I'm trying. It was very pleasant in the shade with the gentle northeast breeze. I also took this break opportunity to disconnect my rear radar unit. I think it's failed for good. That's OK, my glasses-mounted rear view mirror works well, as long as I pay attention.

On trips lately, I've been reporting how far I make it by noon. Today's report: 18.1 miles.

I finally unfolded my map. I was seeing a town ahead, and the map let me know it was Armington. I arrived there at 1:55pm. They have a couple of tables with umbrellas, so I took advantage of that to have another break in the shade.
Atlanta would be the next town, and I planned to eat supper there. What I hadn't planned on was running out of energy before I got there. That made the last 4 miles into town a slow go.
Atlanta does have lots of sites downtown, and I did take time to get pictures of some of them, though getting to the restaurant is what was on my mind the whole time. Finally there at 4:05pm.

Country Aire serves breakfast all day, but I finally decided on their meatloaf dinner, which includes ice cream for dessert. Eating was all I needed, and I quickly recovered.

Hickory Lane Campground is not too far south of Atlanta. I arrived there at 5:46pm. The campground owner gave me a golf cart ride to check out sites. I was pleasantly surprised that the $10 fee for bicyclists includes electricity. I'm at site C4, under shade trees and near a pond. I enjoyed a Pepsi from the camp store first, then got the tent set up. Decided to take a shower while the phone charged, so I could write the "Evening Report" that I send out to family and friends. I got the report ready, then discovered that there's not enough cell phone signal here to send it. So I rode my bike up to the campground entrance to look for a signal. That worked. I grabbed a sunset picture while I was there. On the way back I stopped at the campground office, where I found out they have wifi for campers here! That helps!

As I'm working on this report, I'm speaking into my phone, which is typing what I say. I've done this in the past off and on, but it seems to work pretty well now, and sure saves time. 10:00pm, and I have the rough draft of the report text done! Next I need to sort pictures. That usually takes me longer.

This day sure has worked out well for me. I'm so blessed to be able to do this, and to have so many people supporting me. Thanks everyone!

Jeff