Actually stayed in Illinois - not too bad

Well, surprisingly, with a full day of great weather to go riding, decided to stay around home, mostly flat, straight roads.  First got back into riding 5 or 6 years ago, enjoyed finding little quirky places in rural IL before discovering the great roads just a little further away for some fast, sporty, twisties riding.

Today, just a smooth day cruising.  Stumbling on roads leading me to places I haven't been to in years.  Honestly, except for making a few passes at Starved Rock, no traffic, scraping pegs once or twice - except for that - all the other miles were slow and smooth and no WOT.  Honestly, could have done it on a harley with no fear of needing to use the front brake and lay 'er down..

The Indian Creek Massacre monuments that I wrote about several years ago, now have been joined by a third.  A great rural park and a rather cool story.  Wikipedia Story about the Indian Creek Massacre

The creek that was dammed by settlers - causing problems for the Potowatami further downstream.

 

And, several hours later, going in a general "my house is north and east of here" direction, came across the Cherry, IL.  Miles away, the mountain of a slag pile rises above the absolutely flat landscape.  Their story of disaster in 1909, costing the lives of 259 men and boys can also be found on Wikipedia.  Wikipedia Cherry Mine Disaster.