Polo, IL to Streator, IL 88 miles.

Hi Temp on my bike Thermometer: 105. 90 by 9 AM and 100 by 11.

The plains are so much easier than the rolling hills I've been dealing with the last 3 days. I started off at 6 this morning and it was still under 80. The bike path turned out to be just dirt so I used US 52 which on Sunday morning was empty, and compared to the bike path and the county roads, a dream, as I was able to find services almost every 5-10 miles. And in this heat, I had to get ice and water at every stop. I faired well, though, keeping hydrated, sunscreened and moving — stopping only served to intensify the heat. As long as I was moving, I actually stayed pretty cool. The wind was more cooperative today, too, as was the terrain and I finished up by 3:30. This will be the first time since leaving the Hanlons that I've gotten more than 11 hours of rest after the riding day.

Streator, like many of the towns here, doesn't really have a claim to fame. A nice old downtown which I saw on the wsy out. I did stay in a hotel, though. The thought of camping out in 90+ weather with no "official" campground with shower facilities anywhere nearby helped with that decision. I got some epsom salts and soaked my knee and rear and that felt good and got a long, cool summer's nap.