Experiencing pandemic fatigue? Well, one way a group of 17 cyclists handled this in early October was to cycle along historic Route 66 from Chicago’s Lakefront Bike Path to St. Louis, Missouri. While following Cornell University’s protocol and procedures for group gatherings during Covid, they were able to cycle 400+ miles along this iconic roadway and enjoy what they love doing most – TOURING BY BIKE!

Even with some chilly mornings and strong winds, the group cycled safely together along the ‘Mother Road’. The Illinois segment of Route 66 has many homages to its glory days: Gemini Man in Wilmington, Hot Dog Man in Atlanta, and several restored vintage gas stations. But wait, there’s still more: Abe Lincoln’s homestead and final resting place in Springfield, Mother Jones’ resting place (no, not the magazine!) in Mt. Olive, the Chicago Lakefront Bike Path, and the Chain of Rocks Bridge which spans the Mississippi River.

Once in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, there’s the famous Arch to behold. After the group finished touring the downtown area, they visited Ted Dewes Frozen Custard on Route 66, whose claim to fame is serving free custard to newlyweds on their wedding day. So, of course, the group had to get in on this and had two fun loving cyclists, dressed as a bride and groom, receive free custard! People Cycling has an 8 x 10 photo of the happy couple, whose names shall be withheld to protect the guilty!

Mostly all happy hours and dinners took place out of doors, with the ride leader providing a canopy, tables and chairs. Dinners were mainly takeout, either being picked up or delivered. When it came time to pack up and clean up, there was an abundance of sanitizer and disinfectant used to ensure the group stayed safe and healthy.

The only downside of the tour was witnessing firsthand how the pandemic has hit the hotel/conference industry. Years prior, you’d be sharing hotels with visitors from all over the world who had come for the historic Route 66 experience or to attend a related conference. Now, there are few travelers and no conferences. In an effort to recoup some of this lost revenue, many hotels are renting out rooms as low income housing.

Fortunately, the many upsides of this tour outweigh the downsides with our cyclists being able to spend time touring and exploring, making new friends, planning their next adventure, and just plain having fun while riding their bikes. At the ride’s end, everyone agreed – WE NEED MORE OF THIS!

Here are a few comments from various participants:

• This was my first multiple day ride. The ride was well prepared by the organizers - very professional. The happy hour meetings to discuss the next day's route was informative and fun - plus lots of good eats and drinks! It was great to meet new friends. It is clear this group had its priorities right as we stopped at every donut shop and ice cream shop along the way! I am ready to plan my next ride with People Cycling!
• A highlight of the trip for me was riding along Lakeshore Trail and the preservation area trails from Chicago to Joliet. Who knew how pleasant a trip through the urban area could be? Also, I enjoyed our guest speaker from the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, IL. Great job setting the COVID-safety tone
• GREAT RIDE: WITH A GOOD GROUP OF RIDERS - MANY MILES ON BIKE PATHS. MEALS WERE GOOD – EVEN WITH OUR OWN SETUP. DONUT STOPS WERE GREAT ALTHOUGH ONE WAS A TAD PRICEY! TED DREWES, FAMOUS FOR FROZEN CUSTARD IN ST LOUIS, WAS THE APPROPRIATE WESTERN ENDING STOPPING POINT FOR OUR RIDE.
• While riding my bike on the plains of Illinois I was struck by immense complexity of farm to market operations that I witnessed. Endless train cars of grain carriers, giant multiple granaries, 18 wheeled tanker transport trucks, and giant farm specific vehicles that belonged in a Mad Max or Star Wars movie. The invested time and capital in all this picture helped me understand, in a global sense, just important agriculture and agribusiness are to the essential interests of all Americans
• Once again, I felt like I truly got my money’s worth, as the leaders provide the best experience possible. They point out the sites to see along the way and take great care of everyone’s needs, whether it be a bike repair, well-prepared cue sheets/edits, or the best sweets treats stand along the way. I always felt safe, COVID-protected, and well informed. I really enjoyed riding with old friends again and newbies! Of course, the highlight was the much anticipated wedding (with no vows but some pomp and circumstance). The free ice cream only cost the expense of the tuxedo and bridal attire! But the fun we had and the memories we made were priceless. I look forward to my next tour with People Cycling!
• As an intrepid biker new to week long touring with a club, on this trip I was happy to see a lot of bicycle comradery.
• Our highlights of the trip were the Chicago Lakeshore bike path. We enjoyed seeing the city off in the distance and then riding north and being in the city and then riding north past it. We also enjoyed the evening in Pontiac Illinois, with the photos and talk that the museum curator gave to our group (guest speaker from the Route 66 Historical Society). It was fun riding over the Mississippi River on the Chain of Rocks bridge. And seeing St Louis off in the distance. And we really, REALLY liked Ted Drewe's custard!
• The Crossing Illinois Route 66 ride was a good example of how to safely and effectively conduct a multi-day ride in the new order of things. Leadership established the guidance and means for all riders to move within a bubble. This concept was very manageable, and provides a roadmap for other rides to emulate.

In closing, while we all wait for the day of a vaccine being announced - - in the meantime, using common sense we can have some fun on our bicycles!