240 Years Cycle to Rankin, IL

That is roughly the combined years of age of the 3 of us who ventured west to Rankin, Illinois.  We had been talking about a longer jaunt than the usual loop around south of town and today was the day. So. Dave. Dwight. and Rich head west.  Two Raleighs and a Novara Rondonee.
My Raleigh and a very decrepit shed just across the alley from Dave's place

Met up with Dwight and here we are descending the slope into one of the outlets of glacial lake Watseka
Under extreme precipitation conditions it still sort of functions to drain water southward

Thats Dave on the left with Dwight in the lead
I'm riding sweep to ensure they don't get lost or left behind  ;)


Way down the road a sprayer refills with pesticide for the soybeans
Dwight either is or is near 90 years old!

East Lynn, IL appears in the distance
The approximate half way point to Rankin

Very old cell phone tower just west of East Lynn
When East Lynn combined with the school system in Hoopeston, we became H-EL
I suggested the cheerleaders be called H-EL's Belles
Didn't go over well

Union Pacific crosses 4200N at an odd configuration
Those who have read Bill's 2011 trip through this area may recall this as he traveled from the opposite direction

Arrival at Rankin, population 600


History

This town was named after W. A. Rankin, a wealthy landowner in the area. In 1872, there was a dispute between him and W. H. Pells (who was on the board of directors of the[3] Lake Erie and Western Railroad) over the location of a railroad station. Ultimately, over the course of several years, Rankin won out over Pellsville, which was located a mile and a half to the west. There were railroad maintenance shops in Rankin until 1932 when they were moved to Frankfort, Indiana, and some of the residents of Rankin followed.

Downtown Rankin


Rest stop at Casey's

Remains of the High School

Typical residential street

Remains of the elementary school
Gravity, a suspicious fire, and more gravity have taken their toll

Wind and gravity working against this old corn crib
Note the white steel anchors and cables securing it from toppling over

Water break 4 miles from home
Note who is in the lead
I'll prolly be churning in my urn at 90

Gentle climb out of the Lake Outlet and we accompany Dwight home and then proceed across town to our homes

A more perfect day for cycling couldn't be asked for
Cool temperatures. mostly sunny, and little wind
We all agreed it was one very very nice ride

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