 Typical Moline Suburban home, trees play such an important role in front yards of most homes.  Things have come along way |
 John Deere payed $300,000 for this baby, 1 of a couple remaining, most were melted down for steel during the war effort.  A town of keen golfers |
20/7/2011, Silvis to Moline
29km, 2 hrs, 14.83 av, Total 2854km, still unbearably hot
It was great to sleep in AC. Once packed I headed over to the vehicle workshop next door, the owner gave me a couple of spanners to tighten the steering dampener.
From here I headed back to the cycle track, heading south to Moline only a few miles south still on the Illinois side of the MR.
Pushing into a developed southerly gave some relief from the already incessant heat.
Coming alongside on the trail, a fellow asked where I was heading, explaining my plans, we continued riding together.
Having introduced ourselves we enjoyed each others company for a few miles. Mary Beth said why dont you join me for breakfast, we went to a neat little cafe in downtown Moline, enjoyed some healthy food and chatted away.
She was an attractive fit girl married to a local attorney with a twelve year old son, and was involved in the Make a Wish Foundation and had seen some children see their wish of going to Australia become a reality.
We sat around for some time before I headed off to my motel with directions she gave me.. The Economy Inn has 88 rooms and $45/night, outstanding value, even had a pool. If here in Moline and not looking for luxury accommodation I would recommend this establishment.
The main attraction here in Moline is the John Deere pavillion. Leaving the motel on an unladen bike, at a reasonbly sized intersection, I hit an unlevel area in the prodominantly concrete roads, my tyres being at high pressure and springy caused my camera to launch itself from the stubby holder on the bars.
I caused a bit of traffic havoc as I retrieved it just before the lights went green allowing traffic head for the camera.
It being apparently undamaged was a relief, I didn’t really want to buy a new camera for this reason.
Finding the John Deere Pavillion, I entered enjoying the AC and the exhibit. It was quite emotional see this iconic symbol of agriculture that is such an American success story and continuing to do so.
A guide told me that Russia and many other post Soviet nations are big customers .While some smaller tractors are made in Europe.
They had a display bridging time with the earliest to most modern units on display.
Down town Milone has no real centre with scattered cafes and shops located among some vacant buildings. Banks and other institutions are prominent as well. The main shopping mall, South Park is 5m from town. A name easy to remember but a place not visited.
Spending an hour in a health food come organic produce chatting with the staff filled in some time and avoided the heat.
Finding a plastic drink bottle of 1 litre capacity that contained no BPA’s was purchased to replace the PET bot I have had for a month. This and a delectable smoothey was purchased from from the store.
With time at my disposal, stopping to talk to people about all manner of topics has become such a pleasure. Revealing things about our respective lifestyles and things that impact on them enriches all involved.
Spotting a black squirell in their carpark, calling one of the girls she explained they had black versions here, further adding, they are more aggressive than than their fairer kin.
Recieving an email from from Martha from Marthas Hilltop at Miles, she was happy to see I had survived the heat and that the guys who I joined were enjoying reading these chroniclres. Thanks Martha, your hospitality,surprise location and food were so welcome. I really enjoyed the company of the breakfast crew.
In the interest of self preservation and relaxation, I have booked lodging at Rock Island tomorrow night, it is one quarter of the quad cities. An active arts and entertainment scene exists within the city. At $35/night, this is the cheapest so far , it has been recommended in my guide book, as early stated, shelter from the weather, a bed, shower and AC are all I want.
Prior to nesting, I enjoyed a swim in the motel pool, the water was warm, but of a lower temperature than that of the outside air, some relief was obtained.
29km, 2 hrs, 14.83 av, Total 2854km, still unbearably hot
It was great to sleep in AC. Once packed I headed over to the vehicle workshop next door, the owner gave me a couple of spanners to tighten the steering dampener.
From here I headed back to the cycle track, heading south to Moline only a few miles south still on the Illinois side of the MR.
Pushing into a developed southerly gave some relief from the already incessant heat.
Coming alongside on the trail, a fellow asked where I was heading, explaining my plans, we continued riding together.
Having introduced ourselves we enjoyed each others company for a few miles. Mary Beth said why dont you join me for breakfast, we went to a neat little cafe in downtown Moline, enjoyed some healthy food and chatted away.
She was an attractive fit girl married to a local attorney with a twelve year old son, and was involved in the Make a Wish Foundation and had seen some children see their wish of going to Australia become a reality.
We sat around for some time before I headed off to my motel with directions she gave me.. The Economy Inn has 88 rooms and $45/night, outstanding value, even had a pool. If here in Moline and not looking for luxury accommodation I would recommend this establishment.
The main attraction here in Moline is the John Deere pavillion. Leaving the motel on an unladen bike, at a reasonbly sized intersection, I hit an unlevel area in the prodominantly concrete roads, my tyres being at high pressure and springy caused my camera to launch itself from the stubby holder on the bars.
I caused a bit of traffic havoc as I retrieved it just before the lights went green allowing traffic head for the camera.
It being apparently undamaged was a relief, I didn’t really want to buy a new camera for this reason.
Finding the John Deere Pavillion, I entered enjoying the AC and the exhibit. It was quite emotional see this iconic symbol of agriculture that is such an American success story and continuing to do so.
A guide told me that Russia and many other post Soviet nations are big customers .While some smaller tractors are made in Europe.
They had a display bridging time with the earliest to most modern units on display.
Down town Milone has no real centre with scattered cafes and shops located among some vacant buildings. Banks and other institutions are prominent as well. The main shopping mall, South Park is 5m from town. A name easy to remember but a place not visited.
Spending an hour in a health food come organic produce chatting with the staff filled in some time and avoided the heat.
Finding a plastic drink bottle of 1 litre capacity that contained no BPA’s was purchased to replace the PET bot I have had for a month. This and a delectable smoothey was purchased from from the store.
With time at my disposal, stopping to talk to people about all manner of topics has become such a pleasure. Revealing things about our respective lifestyles and things that impact on them enriches all involved.
Spotting a black squirell in their carpark, calling one of the girls she explained they had black versions here, further adding, they are more aggressive than than their fairer kin.
Recieving an email from from Martha from Marthas Hilltop at Miles, she was happy to see I had survived the heat and that the guys who I joined were enjoying reading these chroniclres. Thanks Martha, your hospitality,surprise location and food were so welcome. I really enjoyed the company of the breakfast crew.
In the interest of self preservation and relaxation, I have booked lodging at Rock Island tomorrow night, it is one quarter of the quad cities. An active arts and entertainment scene exists within the city. At $35/night, this is the cheapest so far , it has been recommended in my guide book, as early stated, shelter from the weather, a bed, shower and AC are all I want.
Prior to nesting, I enjoyed a swim in the motel pool, the water was warm, but of a lower temperature than that of the outside air, some relief was obtained.
