land of lincoln

Did I mention that I’m in Springfield, Illinois for the summer?

Springfield is the capital of Illinois. Every other business is named after Abe Lincoln. There’s a Lincoln Museum, a Lincoln Path, a Lincoln Village, Lincoln’s Home, Lincoln Library… Also, the famous old Route 66 runs through town, so there’s a Route 66 Hotel and Convention Center and the Cozy Dog Drive In on Route 66.

Unlike Bloomington, Indiana, Springfield is not a bike-friendly place. Sure, I can ride my bicycle places, but I have to cross four lane highways and hug the white line; there are very few bike lanes here. But if you’re not going anywhere particular, there are these little towns and villages inside Springfield that are lovely for a casual bike riding and most always bring you to a park.

I was riding around today, when a car pulled up beside me and asked where the Family Kitchen Buffet was. I guess people on bikes exude a certain confidence of knowing where things are. Too bad for him, I had no idea.