Monday, September 19, 2022

Day 15 Downwind, Downriver Day 64mi Fulton IL to Fairport IA

We woke up in Fulton to a clear day with the wind at our back.  The plan was to jump on the combination of mostly paved bicycle paths connected by marked MRT or Great River Road signage that connected Fulton to the I74 Bridge connecting the IL to the IA side of the Quad Cities then to continue down the IA side if the river to our destination campground.  Here we are early on, up on the dike protecting Fulton from flood waters. 
This section of the Mississippi was taken near the town of Cordova, IL.
The street in front of the town's library was decorated with artwork from the children in the area.
20+ miles into the ride it was time to re-energize with Vit D milk infused with chocolate thanks to Shamrock Dairy and Dollar General.
A bit further downwind and downstream we came across this gentleman riding a high wheel bicycle in a Port Byron park.
This gentleman was happy to take our photo then tell us about the annual tug of war event between teams pulling from the IA side in LeClare and the teams on the IL bank in Port Byron.  
This was a tree carving inside a welcome center on the way into East Moline IL.  We also got some strong positive recommendations to cross the river into ia using the new I74 Bridge with separated pedestrian - bicycle lane.   
There was a huge separated lane for bicyclists, walkers, and runners.
In the middle of the span there was a wider rest area and viewing deck with a glass windowed circle in the pavement that allows you to view strait down towards the river below.
Their was also a riverfront park with bike path on the IA side of the Quad Cities.  A large swing railroad bridge was swung open to allow barge traffic to pass.
Before leaving Davenport all together, the path made its way through an island wildlife refuge.  Here Wendy is crossing back from the island to the IA mainland.
Our camp at the Shady Creek County Rec Area. The Mississippi is in the background.
The sun finally settles on day 15.