Day 34 Quincy to Springfield.

America has waited 232 years for this moment, but it finally arrived, I was in the USA on my birthday, so finally all the fireworks had some meaning. The group were in party mood and several people had decorated their bikes, themselves or both in red white and blue to celebrate the occasion. We all wore our group tops in honour, except Alan who wore red, white and blue in a different configuration! Bill pointed out that it put the rest of us at risk as drivers could be aiming for him!! I said he should look out for grassy knolls on the route.
The fireworks were not only in honour of me as Al and Skip made it a hat trick of birthday boys. Photos were taken of the bike decorations outside the hotel and then we left at around 7.00am heading for Springfield, the capitol of Illinois, home of Abe Lincoln and possibly the Simpsons (we didn't see them). It was a lovely fresh morning and quiet because it was a holiday. Steve , Al and I were riding together and not going at a frantic pace as there was a long way to go. After 14 miles we went through the town of Liberty, which struck me as being rather apt. The roads were good and the dreaded roller-coasters had given way to a more flattish route with some minor drags.
At the first SAG in Chambersberg there were red, white and blue cakes and Tootsie Rolls (little rolls of toffee in 'Stars and Stripes' paper. Bill joined us when we set off and later Deb joined us to the next SAG.
Soon after that we crossed the Illinois River into the little town of Meredosia and the townsfolk were busy getting the place ready for the celebrations. Stalls were being set up along the side of the road to sell ice cream and cotton candy (candy floss) and the BBQs were being fired up. It all seemed very nice and we would like to have stayed. Got to the second SAG at 67 miles.
After that the route was basically flat and we stopped to take a photo of the 90 degree longitude sign. A little later the next photo op was for Al at a town called Berlin (remember Al is German). When we rolled into Springfield it was quiet and the roads were easily negotiated. We visited the centre and saw some of the old buildings, took photos of the capitol building and tried to find somewhere to eat, but failed (yes it happens). Places were either closed or very busy if they were open.
Having travelled through Springfield to the eastern outskirts we found that the hotel was near a large power station that looked vaguely familiar. The others went to the entrance while I did an extra lap of the car park to round off the mile. As I approached the doors Alan came out with a camera and as I stopped the door flew open and Diane came out shouting 'Happy Birthday!' To say I was stunned would be the understatement of the year. Alan's task was to take a photo of my jaw dropping, which he did admirably. I couldn't have had a better birthday present. The hotel staff were all in on the 'secret' and the moment Diane ran out to meet me was too much for one of the receptionists.
There were choruses of Happy Birthday for the 3 birthday boys at route rap and Diane had arranged a lovely couple of birthday cakes to share around, one like the stars and stripes. Later there were lots of firework displays around the place and a couple of bottles of beer helped the celebrations along.
It was quite a 4th of July, one I will never forget and Springfield Illinois will be a special memory.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who sent me birthday messages, it is was very much appreciated. Thank you.
Today's distance was 106 miles.