Roden's Scooter Ride

  Weather today was a little chilly in the morning and fine by the end of the day. The problem with riding little scooter is finding a route that works.   Today was typical, on Apple maps they recommended a 140 mile route, Scot Route (an app for scooter only) recommended a 240 mile route.   When asked for intermediate routes both suggested partial routes that were only 120 miles long if put in as separate parts.   That is what we did and we ended up on a 122 mile ride on pretty good roads.   As we got closer and closer to big city the roads became busier but they were acceptable.   Other notes: one thing for hope is reduction in trash on the side of the road it seems like people are trying harder to keep the litter under control Some trees are already showing autumn colors Soya crops are being harvested here and not in other states Saw one really dumb driver today he had to pass me twice and both were bad passes.   Once the on coming traffic had to mov...

  Weather report for today was partly sunny with a chilly morning and very comfortable afternoon.   It was little bit of a tough ride only because the roads were poor in places meaning we were bounced around a little.   The distance was 93 miles and as we left early we arrived in Champaign IL way early at 12:00.   The roads were flat and therefore fast.   The traffic was medium.   Therefore there was a lot of passing cars.   But with long straight aways and what is my guess as drivers being used to farm equipment, the people rushed by.   As we had a lot of time we spent the first hour of it walking around Busey Woods a nature preserve.   This was relaxing and gave us a break from riding and some exercise.   Then Dianne wanted her DQ fix for the day which was easy, Next stop was the Spurlock museum that covered all the ancient history from all the continents.   They did a really good job explaining not   only the history but als...

  Weather was great no need for a jacket all day. The route from Granite City to Springfield was like old times as we followed the Route 66 trail.   It was busy though, I guess that should not be a surprise as it is the first day of fall and it was a nice day.   This meant that a lot of people were out for a drive and route 66 i the perfect spot to be.   This meant that I had limited time to count.   As not only do I have to look out on the road ahead but I also have to watch behind to make sure the traffic is not building up too much.   When ever I see cars behind I look for a good place to “let” then pass.   As soon as I find one I pull as far to the right as possible and slow to 20 MPH or less to give them the maximum time to get pass.   Some times I even have to wave them pass.   Let is quotes as some don’t wait they just go regardless. When we arrived in Springfield it was just 1:00 so we skipped the hotel and went directly to Lincoln’s ...

  Good Riding weather no jacket was needed for the morning and with a quick stop we managed to avoid getting wet when a thundershower passed over us.   Todays ride was short but interesting stops along the way meaning it was full day although we covered only 50 miles to Granite City IL.   So the Lewis and Clark bike route is completed and surprising to me a little early. As far as the ride goes today there were no problems.   There were some roads that could have been better but even that really amount to me whining and I have been told not to whine.   We crossed the Mississippi at Alton on Hwy 67 they are repairing that bridge.   Dianne and I are thinking about riding out and looking at the chain of Rocks bridge before but it is not certain. The first stop was at the Lewis and Clark historic site on the IL side of the river.   It like most of the historic sites run by the national park service great.   One of the exhibits was of the Keel boat sho...

  Weather was good today but cool this morning so I wore a jacket till about 1 and then just my shirt.   The ride was really busy traffic and the roads were not all that great. so I spent most of my time watching where I was traveling and avoiding stuff.   We cover 126 miles from Jackson city to Saint Charles MO.   The problem was the major bike route was the Katy Trail and that is not allowed for us.   So we on a 4 lane for at least 70 of miles.   The two lanes were on for the other part was either busy, curvy, hilly or just plan bad roads.   From what I could tell the route stayed largely on the bluffs above the Missouri but had to cross the river a couple of times.   Most of the route was wooded and farming did not appear to the industry it had been the last couple of days.   So over all it was busy comfortable day with some views and a lot of greenery. Other notes: My credit card did not make it to the hotel today so I am out of credit an...

  The forecast sucked today so I checked the radar and found a hole that should last 2 hours and we rushed to catch it.   It did work and we had only a little rain and we finished fast.   the ride was to be 48 miles and it took only 2 hours.   We did ride on pavement all the way which was not a problem but show how a few minutes make a big difference.   The route left Booneville and followed the Missouri river though hills and forested low lands.   We arrived in Jefferson City early and took to our room. Now as soon as I got to the room I got a call from the Noblesville sheriff department saying I missed a jury call, therefore there was an arrest warrant for me.   I followed directions to a web site that looked OK but then officer on the other end started to demand payment.   This seem odd and he would take a credit card number they wanted cash.   At this point Dianne said it seem like a scam so I said I would call him back.   Then I cal...