Miles: 91 Climb: 4,530
Total Miles: 2,400
The schedule called for a departure at 6:30 to accommodate for a long day with many hills, and to beat the heat. At 6:15 a Missouri storm blew through, causing us to delay our start until 8:15. Everyone was quite grumpy from getting up at 5:00 to eat and load, and then sitting for two hours in the hotel lobby waiting for the storm to pass.
The ride today was a roller coaster of hills for 84 miles on quiet country roads. For my friends at PowerCycle, I'd say we rode 84 miles of Bean Blossom today. Some hills were steep enough that going down we got enough momentum to help us up the next hills, but others seemed to rise up from the the flat, just to challenge us. The hills rolled on like waves for our entire route.
I really enjoyed riding the rural, country roads. There was very little traffic, the road surface was great, and the scenery was beautiful. We rode through beautiful Missouri countryside, with soybean fields that shimmered in the sun. The corn was bowed over from the strong winds that came through with the early morning storm and tree limbs were strewn on the road.
At mile 84 we came down a hill, made a left turn, and suddenly we were on on a busy highway. In seven fast miles we were crossing a bridge over the Mississippi River. The bridge was under construction and eastbound traffic was down to one lane. We rode on a very narrow shoulder that was covered in road debris with semi trucks inches away from our left side. It was exhilarating and terrifying. And now, we are in Illinois!
Tomorrow we ride 107 miles to Springfield. The weather forecast is looking good, and we will have an early start because of the distance. Drew and Jackie are coming to Springfield to take me to dinner. That will be great incentive to keep a good pace. I'm so looking forward to seeing them.
You just keep rollin'. I know you are already in after today's ride but I wanted share my awareness of you as portrayed in your blog. The other day I offered the image of Meryl Streep as a representation of you, as you face the multitude of challenges encountered in riding a bike cross county. However, as I read your blog you mentioned growing up on a farm and your connection to your dad, who was a farmer. Farmers need tremendous internal resources and incredible resilience. I think you embody those traits. You have a quiet determination and considerable strength. It's a pleasure getting know you better.
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