Springfield to Monticello, Illinois, 75miles

Today we had a great start from Springfield. Leaving at about 7:30, it was cool and slightly overcast when we cycled from Lincoln's house. As Anders and I made our way east, huge clouds kept following us and blocking the sun keeping it very pleasant and cool. This landscape would have been an oven a week before, but we were granted 'safe passage'. It was Sunday, and nobody was driving on the roads. Most of the day we never heard any sounds but the robins and red wing blackbirds chirping. This whole day was spent in near silence from noise and distractions of the modern world. Thomas Merton comes to mind. There are vast spaces and rows of corn and soy beans lining the single lane roads throughout Sangamon County. It is not difficult to imagine this place 150 years ago. The train that Lincoln road east for his inauguration followed the same lines that exist today in central Illinois. At times, it seemed like we were traveling across an Ocean of grass and farmland with huge skies overhead. We never got rained on but kept passing wet roads. Day 1 had a zen quality. After 75 miles,-now time for some Dairy Queen!

Bicycle packing

Having limited space is also a good thing...less to worry about. Also, less to haul. Even still, every little bit adds up. 

Sent from my iPhone

Three Oaks, Michigan, training ride

This is the heartland in farm country Michigan, and the final days of readying equipment for our departure on Saturday.

Sent from my iPhone

Sent from my iPhone

Ft. Sheridan, IL- 50 mile training ride

Sheridan was one of Lincoln's key generals and commented on his height by saying "5'4" would do in a pinch." (Lincoln was a foot taller.)

Chicago, Lake and Wacker

This is the site of the 'Wigwam', on Lake and Wacker in Chicago where Lincoln was nominated. This is the conceptual starting point for "Taking Measure Across America" and an area I walk by on my way to work and where the idea of tracing a historic path from Illinois to Washington was born. This overlooked spot in Chicago and in our awareness is a place that literally opened a doorway to Lincoln and his ideas that changed the course of our country.

Gathering Equipment

The updates after July 11 will have to be posted via a cell post, all
of the expedition equiment is now being tested.