marseilles motorcycle 2

South of the small downtown of Marseilles, main street goes over the Illinois River (the bridge on the right) just west of the Marseilles Lock and Dam (on the left.) The Illinois Waterway connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico via the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. This is one of a series of 8 locks, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, that control water flow from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River system.

marseilles motorcycle

The first of a series of photographs take on a recent motorcycle trip to Marseilles, IL. I love the small towns along the Illinois River, and, this is one of my favorite. Pictured here is my uber-fun to ride Indian Scout Sixty. More to come…

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sunset-river

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flowing

bridge-over-smooth-water

Taken along the banks of the Illinois River after a bike ride.

you bring me life

you give me life

you bring me life

new ride

scout sixty

The Indian Scout Sixty is an absolute blast to ride….uhh….thought you might want to know that. Cheers!

river moments

river moments 5aThe first of a few images from my meanderings around Illinois River. This is the bridge that crosses the river in Marseilles, IL.

locks at marseilles il

marseilles il

Taken back in June of last year when we were having record rains. These locks are located at Marseilles, IL. A series of 8 locks enable shipping between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River.

In other news, decided to change up the theme of the blog. Would appreciate any feedback, or, if you have any WordPress themes you would like to recommend…

Also, in case you might be wondering, ‘rutakintome’ is pronounced “are you takin’ to me.” What can I say? I am a New Yorker and Robert DeNiro fan.

Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial

middle east conflicts war memorial

I have posted many images from this location in Marseilles, IL: this is the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial. On a recent bicycle ride here I took more time at the memorial. I took many pictures and when I came home I noticed that I took a picture of one of the granite walls without realizing that my last name was on the wall: “Garcia.” I don’t know this brave hero, or the other fallen heroes etched on these silent, black stones, but I am so grateful for their bravery, service, valor and sacrifice.

garcia

river sunset 2

river sunset 2

A second shot taken in the same location as the previous post. I just love sunsets 🙂