My ride west to Galena

After getting a little more used to my new bike, I took a longer ride to see how the bike and I got along. I plotted out a route that took me west to Galena via Route 20 and Stagecoach Trail.


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I left nice and early in an attemp to beat traffic. I succeeded.


It was a bright and very sunny morning - I was glad to be riding west with the sun at my back.


Chasing my shadow on Route 20 near Hampshire, Il.


I stopped just off Route 20 for some H20.


Route 20 west of Rockford.


Traffic was moving along well.


I took a great road called Stagecoach Trail when I arrived in Lena, Il.






Stagecoach Trail went through a tiny town called Warren.


Stagecoach Trail west of Warren.


Nice trees in front of a tiny house near Apple River.


Stagecoach Trail heading west again.






The Galena History Museum.


Downtown Galena's flood gates on Main St.


Rolling down Main St.






The buildings in the downtown area are built on higher and higher ground.


I stopped at this mansion for a break and noticed that I had a couple of new friends along for a ride.






Since I had 2 nails in my rear tire I decided it was best to turn around and head for home. This is Route 20 east of Galena. I'm approaching a lookout tower.




This is the view from the tower area (I didn't climb it this time).

[IMG]http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk148/britt_vfr/VFR%20to%20Galena%20May%202008/GalenaRide2008065.jpg[/IMG]

I stopped to add some air to my tire. It had lost 6 psi so far.


Route 84 headed south towards Savannah.




Mississippi Palasades State Park is a beautiful place.




Route 84 approaching Route 64.
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Messing with the camera at speed on an empty Route 64.










Nuclear power plant cooling towers off in the distance in Byron, Il.


Crossing the Rock River in Byron, Il.


The Fox River in St. Charles, Il.


I got home by 2:45 and covered 338 miles - many of those with 2 nails in my rear tire.


I pulled the nails from the tire at home, and it went flat in about 20 seconds.



It's time to get online and find myself a new tire. From now on I think I'll avoid stopping on gravel shoulders, where nails apparently lie in wait for people like me...