Friday, August 15, 2008

August 15, 2008, Finish Plus One Week

The ride is done but the garage is not cleaned up yet. That's my next project! Following posts are additional images from most recently finishing in Yorktown, back to final days in Missouri. Also, here are a few factoids from the trip. I may add a few more as I think of them or calculate them. I pedalled for 395 hours during 72 days of actual biking, for 4,452 miles. (Remember, I had three days off the bike.) That comes to 1.896 million pedal strokes and an average speed of 11.27 MPH. I need to count up number of pancakes eaten and report on a later post. I thouroughly enjoyed the ride, the wonderful and memorable experiences, and especially the many people I met along the way. I am very appreciative of the love, support, and prayers of family members, (especially my wife, Kathy), friends, and St. John Neumann Church "family." I am amazed at the amount of interest the trip generated. I wish the best to fellow cyclists I met and urge on those still working their way across the country, especially you, Lucas! You can do it!

That's it!

Tom

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Celebratory Seafood Dinner with Kathy after the Finish - 4,452 Miles!!

Dipping the Front Wheel on the East Coast

Tom Did It!!

Done at Yorktown Victory Monument - John, Mark, Blair, Asta, and Tom

The Bridges at Williamsburg - Almost Done!

The View from Blue Ridge Parkway after Conquering Vesuvius

Vesuvius - Base of the Big Climb

Sunrise Near Buchanan, Virginia

Son Michael Surprised Me in Wytheville, VA

"76" Sign from Original Bike Centenial Route of 1976 - Damascus, VA

Hostel "The Place" in Damascus, Virginia

David Smith at Historical Society Bed & Breakfast


Thanks for the great meals and the challenging hill

Kenny at Berea Days Inn Was a Great Host and Help

Kathy Visited in Kentucky for Day & a Half

Visiting Lincoln's Birthplace

The Round, Stone Silo House

"Non-Denominational" Gas & General Store

Gary Hinklin Coming Into Town - Kentucky

He Ain't from Texas - Big Horn Cow - Illinois

Popeye at Chester Crossing

108 F on Bike Computer in Missouri. Saw Up to 111 Degrees.

Miller Time

Entering Perry County, MO . . . . and Hills

Missouri Flowers Were Abundant & Beautiful

Cobles Corner

Friday, August 8, 2008

Day 75 - 70 Miles to Yorktown - DONE!!!

Friday, 8/08/08 - 70 miles to Yorktown, 4,452 total miles. Rode in to town at 2:15 with 4 cycling friends and a tailwind. Kathy, Kathy Filopowicz, her daughter Sheila and friend Scott were at the Yorktown Victory Monument to greet us and cheer us in. A crowd gathered, took pictures, offered congratulations, and the local trolley rang its bell and yelled out, "welcome to Yorktown." We went to the Yorktown pub for a late lunch and celebration. It was a perfect day and way to finish. Thanks to my wife Kathy for her love and support that made the trip possible. It was a wonderful and magnificent trip full of people, places, and events and memories to last a lifetime. Thanks to all for prayers and support. More thoughts about the trip and pictures to follow.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Day 74 - 35 Miles to Sandston, VA

Thursday, Aug. 7 - 35 miles to Sandston (near the Richmond Airport), 4,382 total miles. Left Asland at 9:30. Stopped at Atlee Library for 30 minutes, then ate a deli lunch (ham & cheese sandwich w/lettuce and tomato). Went 29 miles on Trans-America route and then about 6 miles more to the Holiday Inn Express. No wildlife. Showered, took a short nap, loafed, and read a book waiting for my honey. Ate a shrimp salad for dinner and apple crisp ala mode. I'm ready to wrap this ride up tomorrow.

One more day til Yorktown!!!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Day 73 - 98 Miles to Ashland - A Gentler Near Century

Wednesday, Aug. 6 - 98 miles to Ashland, 4,347 total miles. Breakfast was 2/3's box of fiber and dried fruit cereal (not an individual serving box but a regular size box), 2 blueberry muffins, a danish, orange juice, and coffee. Loafed this morning and left leisurely at 8:00. I left Charlottesville in heavy traffic, it was tiring and stressful on the narrow winding roads. Went past Jefferson's Monticello home and James Monroe's home. Lunch was eaten at the side of the road - peanut butter on a bagel, fig newtons, chocolates, and an apple. I arrived in Mineral at 2:00 craving ice cream and what do I see but an ice cream shop right there. Had a chocolate milkshake. I felt good. While chatting with the clerk about my heading on to Ashland, she said, "I don't like to drive that far," as I'm getting ready to bike there. My snacks today included 3 apples, 2 bananas, a peach, and lemonade. Not much wildlife, just ground hogs and humming birds flying in front of me. The afternoon's ride was "gently" rolling hills and light traffic. About 2 miles from Ashland, there was one climb where I had to stand up on the pedals. One contrast to note, while the West has no shade and low humidity, the East has shade and humidity. I checked into a Days Inn and ate a salmon and shrimp dinner with rice and broccoli at Ruby Tuesday's.

2 more days til Yorktown! Tuesday and today's near century mileage mean I'll finish on Friday! And Kathy arrives tomorrow night!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Day 72 - 98 Miles to Charlottesville, VA - Vesuvius "Conquered" in a Tough Near Century

Tuesday, Aug. 5 - 98 miles to Charlottesville (pop. 40,437), 4,250 total miles. I had no options for breakfast so ended up eating 3 pieces of junk food. After my unhealthy breakfast, I stopped in an organic food store in Lexington (Virginia), bought cantaloupe which I immediately ate and stocked up on fruit, cereal, soy milk, energy bars, and energy drinks. My plan was to cycle 44 miles to Vesuvius, rest up my legs and hit it when I was fresh tomorrow morning. Not to be confused with Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano in Italy, Vesuvius is located at the base of South Mountain along one of the main access points to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I reached Vesuvius at 11:35 with the temp in the mid 70s. Had a comfortable ride over there and said to myself, "I think I can take this baby right now." You know the saying, "strike while the iron's hot," well, this time, "strike while the iron's cool." It was a steep 4 miles, maybe a 10-15% grade. Lunch was very healthy - peanut butter on a bagel, 2 bananas, 3 apples, 2 plums, and soy milk. I saw a couple of deer, squirrels, groundhogs, and rabbits. Even though I was off the Blue Ridge Parkway, I wasn't done with the hills as it was more up and down the rest of the way to Charlottesville. My motel is near the University of Virginia campus; Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's mountain top home is also located in this city. Dinner tonight was Italian cannoli stuffed with pork and beef and smothered in cheese, salad, and bread.

4 more days til Yorktown!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Day 71 - 65 Miles to Buchanan, VA

Monday, Aug. 4 - 65 miles to Buchanan, 4,156 total miles. Breakfast was oatmeal, cold cereal, juice, a jelly roll, and coffee. There was all that hype about today being the hottest day when it actually was my coldest morning since leaving the Rockies. I put on my fleece top for 2 hours as it was in the 50s. Today was gentle, rolling hills, very pleasant riding. It was beautiful. Saw a dozen wild turkeys, heard both a buck snorting and another deer crashing thru the woods. Lunched on a tuna salad sandwich, cookies, and pepsi. My afternoon snack was at a country store where I ate a fresh bowl of banana pudding, a banana, and chocolate milk. Got a room at the inn tonite and plan on eating at the restaurant down the hill.

5 more days on the road to Yorktown!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Day 70 - 56 Miles to Christiansburg, VA

Sunday, Aug. 3 - 56 miles to Christiansburg (pop. 17,853), 4,088 total miles. I had a really good time with Michael, enjoyed it immensely, and the visit sure picked up my morale as I began my last week on the trail. Breakfast was at Bob Evans where I was treated (thank you, Michael!) to oatmeal, fresh fruit (delicious), orange juice, and good, strong coffee. We cycled 10 miles together and took pictures before Michael turned back towards his car and I continued on my journey. It was an A+ riding day as the temperature was in the 80s and low humidity. (Tomorrow, I've been told, is supposed to be the hottest day of the year.) Had one climb that wasn't too long. Not seeing much wildlife these days, just some groundhogs. I saw 2 more Westbounders but no cyclists going East. Lunch was eaten near the New River in Radford. Had peanut butter on a cinnamon bagel, fig newtons, dark chocolate, and an apple. Checked into a room at the Econo Lodge and dined at Ruby Tuesday - New Orleans tilapia with shrimp, broccoli, and rice.

A bit of trivia to ponder. I estimated my time biking thru today at 356 hours and about 80 strokes per minute which equals 1,708,800 pedal strokes!

Just 6 more days til I reach Yorktown!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Day 69 - 57 Miles to Wytheville, VA

Saturday, Aug. 2 - 57 miles to Wytheville (pop. 7,804), 4,032 total miles. Left the hostel early stopping at Cowboys at the gas station to eat. A man sat down at my table, turned out he was the owner. Had my standard fare - 3 blueberry pancakes, a bunch of bacon, and coffee. Encountered one mountain out of Damascus, some long grades and minor passes, none of which were particularly bad. It was tranquil, beautiful, and no traffic. Saw one deer. Snacked on a peanut butter bagel and pepsi. My route took me thru Troutdale, Sugar Grove (which has a store), and Rural Retreat before reaching my destination, Wytheville (pronounced WITH-vill). Had a tailwind the last 10 miles. Wytheville is located at the junction of I.77 and I. 81 and is known as the crossroads of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A severe storm began just as I checked into the Travel Lite Motel.

After showering, I received a call from my son, Michael, who moved back to Knoxville several weeks after I began my bike trip. Surprise! He was in Wytheville trying to find me. Another surprise, Michael brought me a nice cold beer that was recommended to him by a friend called Pale Ale, brewed by Boulevard Brewing Co, Kansas City. How did he know that it's been 2 weeks since I had a beer? We went to Mass at St. Mary's where, as visitors, we had to stand up and introduce ourselves afterwards. Then, ate dinner at the Log House 1776 Restaurant - chicken marenga (chicken, mushrooms, mushrooms, and chunks of tomatoes and known as Thomas Jefferson's favorite dish), a huge Greek salad, and broccoli. No dessert. Michael plans on biking part of the trail with me tomorrow before heading back to K-town.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Day 68 - 75 Miles to Damascus, VA

Friday, August 1 - 75 miles to Damascus, 3,975 total miles. Began my day with 3 pancakes and coffee for breakfast. Did 4 climbs, several annoying PUDs (pointless ups & downs). The toughest climb was Big A Mountain - it lived up to its name - with traffic, direct sunlight, and it was hot. Contrast it with Clinch Mountain, a comparable climb, with no traffic, good road, in shade, and peaceful. A subway, coke, and cookies was lunch. A little bit of wildlife today, a rabbit, couple of groundhogs, and I heard but didn't see a deer running through the woods.

I took the road to Damascus (pop. 900) although I considered skipping it. Thought of St. Paul on his journeys and it's the Year of St. Paul. Also thought of my backpacking buddies and all the memories of the AT (App Trail) coming in to Damascus. I'm staying at The Place, a hostel run by the Methodist church for AT hikers. Ate dinner at Sicily's Italian Restaurant. Ate a Sicilian pizza (chicken, green pepper, and onion) that was thick and rectangular. So far only one other person is at the hostel and he's sleeping.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Day 67 - 68 Miles to Breaks, VA

Thursday, July 31 - 68 miles to Breaks, VA, 3,900 total miles. Virginia, my last state! And only 9 more days til I finish! Ate breakfast at the B&B - cold cereal, orange juice, coffee, banana, and a peach. It was a tough one today. The heavy rain began before my tent was taken down so it is soaking wet - no way am I camping tonite. It rained most of the day and mostly it was pretty refreshing. Had 4 significant climbs but the one on Rte. 611 was horrible and tough as places in the road were washed away. But I made it. Coal trucks went by & I was covered in road grime although at times there was no traffic. Snacked on a bagel, apple, and plum. Stopped at a dairy bar for lunch and the workers were surprised that a customer came in. I asked, "what do you have?" and the reply was "not much." I ate a loaded hamburger (lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, etc.) and a chocolate milkshake. No wildlife today.

I ended up at Breaks Interstate Park, one of only 2 interstate parks in the nation. Breaks is on the border of Virginia and Kentucky, 7 miles east of Elkhorn, KY and 8 miles south of Haysi, VA. Breaks is the Grand Canyon of the South. The lodge is on top of the mountain and I had to run the heat to get warmed up when I arrived. People were wearing sweaters outside. And for the first time in ages, I took a bath. I had to get all the grime off of me! Dinner was at the lodge restaurant which had a nice view looking across the mountain. Ate meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and pecan pie ala mode.

Footnote - Eastern Kentucky didn't live up to the negative hype heard from other cyclists. Drivers were courteous, roads in good shape (lack of guardrails, though), and no dogs chased after me. Trailer homes, however, are placed right at the edge of the road, not the shoulder. Scary.

I kept the heat on last night!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Day 66 - 44 Miles to Hindman

Wednesday, July 30 - 44 miles to Hindman, 3,832 total miles. Breakfast was a special order of pancakes made for me. Normally the cafe heats up pre-made pancakes but I told them about my experience out West with pancakes so they rose to the occasion. Had pancakes, 4 slices of bacon, and coffee. The special pancakes rivaled the western pancakes! No wildlife today. Lunch was a peanut butter and cinnamon raisin bagel and candy. It was hot but not sweaty today. I have had an incredible craving for fresh fruit and gorge every chance. I had four plums in a row! Looks like I wrap up in about ten days. I'm spending tonight camping in Hindman, KY at the Historical Society B&B catering to cyclists. David met me at the top of the hill with a glass of fresh ice tea and an offer for a shower and use of his computer. Dinner was pork chops, cole slaw, green beans, and a banana split. Tomorrow should be my last day in KY. --Tom

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Day 65 - 75 Miles to Buckhorn

Tuesday, July 29 - 75 miles to Buckhorn, 3,784 total miles. Moderately hilly with a couple of significant climbs. No rain today, it's a nice country and nice people. Saw 1 deer. Got off course and took a right instead of a left; climbed 2 miles at a 6% incline. I said to myself, "I don't think this is right." Consulted with a local person for about 10 minutes about the route and decided to continue on and get back on course up ahead rather than backtrack. Had a hamburger for lunch. I set up my tent in the primitive section of the campground. Dinner was salmon cakes, country fried potatoes, pinto beans, cornbread, tomatoes, and a huge side salad. Tonite's a laundry night, too.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Day 64 - 46 Miles to Berea

Monday, July 28 - 46 miles to Berea. Began the day with breakfast at the Huddle House - one waffle, eggs, bacon, and coffee. Took it slow and easy to give my body time to recover (I was worn out from last week's climbs). Saw one westbound cyclist heading to Seattle. No wildlife. Found a decent room at a Day's Inn and there'll be breakfast for me in the morning. I was heading out for lunch after showering but buckets of rain descended upon me so I turned back. Took a nap instead, it felt so good! The rain stopped so I headed out again to Subway for a sandwich, coke, and 3 cookies. I planned on saving 2 cookies for later but couldn't make up my mind and ended up eating all 3 right then.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Day 63 - 45 Miles to Harrodsburg

Sunday, July 27 - 45 miles to Harrodsburg, 3,666 total miles. Had a Belgian waffle, cereal, banana, coffee, and orange juice for breakfast. Today was hot, the hills were rolling and moderate. Kathy found a great place to wait for me midway at Lincoln Homestead State Park. Besides the old buildings and a golf course, the park had flush toilets, a bench under a tree where she was reading when I startled her (she wasn't expecting me to arrive so fast), and no one other than golfers was around. I checked into the Economy Inn where we had a late lunch - a turkey and ham sandwich, potato chips, more fruit, and gatorade. Kathy and I drove around Harrodsburg to scope out dinner possibilities for me but nothing was open other than Wendy's and Huddle House. That's been my experience lately with restaurants closed down for lack of staff or due to the economy. Before leaving for home, Kathy made me a sandwich which I ate for dinner along with potato chips, 3 candy bars, and a moon pie. Not very substantial but the other choices didn't excite me. I miss my honey! I sent a few more things home as I wind down my journey. My tentative schedule for the last 2 weeks is:

Berea, KY - Mon. - 7/28
Buckhorn, KY - Tues. - 7/29
Hindman, KY - Wed. - 7/30
Elkhorn, KY - Thurs. - 7/31
Damascus, VA - Fri. - 8/1
Wytheville, VA - Sat. - 8/2
Christianburg, VA - Sun. - 8/3
Buchanan, VA - Mon. - 8/4
Vesuvius, VA - Tues. - 8/5
Charlottesville, VA- Wed. -8/6
Mineral, VA - Thurs. -8/7
Mechanicsville, VA - Fri. - 8/8
Yorktown, VA - Sat. - 8/9

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Two Views of Tom Eating A Pluot



What in the world is a pluot? It's a hybrid cross of 3/4's plum and 1/4 apricot. Very juicy and good to eat! Tom ate 4 of them today.

Tom Out of Character at Comfort Inn, Bardstown 7-26 Ahhh!


The "Group" for a Few Days Week of 7-20


Lucy & Arnold - Lucas, KY Storeowners


Thanks for food, camping, and wonderful hospitality!


Gary Hinklin - Warrenton, VA Middle School Teacher


Sisters Blair & Austa - San Francisco to Yorktown


Mark & John (Arizona to Yorktown) with Dog in Utica, KY


Crossing the Ohio River to Kentucky - My Nautical Century


Crossing Mississippi into Illinois


Chris at Eminence, MO Campsite


Chris Perry Surprised Me on the Road in Missouri


Gene Vogel Met Me in Houston for Dinner


Success or Houston - I Chose Houston


Dallas Sullens in His General Store at Fairview, MO


Sea of Lavender Flowers - Chicory?


Ashgrove City Park Campsite


Mayor Brenda of Ashgrove, MO Welcomed Jim & Me


Tom Riding and Enjoying the Day


Jim Craven in Front of Cooky's Cafe - Best Pies


Snapping Turtle & Bike in Eastern Kansas


Day 62 - 74 Miles to Bardstown

Saturday, July 26 - 74 miles to Bardstown (pop. 10,374), 3,611 total miles. And a happy reunion with Kathy! Traveled again with the group of 5 others (sisters Blair & Austa, one from Portland, OR, and one from New York; Mark & John from Arizona, and Gary, a Virginia middle school teacher.) My diet was more fruit (melon, apple, bananas, and pluots), salad and fish today. A pluot is a cross hybrid consisting of 3/4's plum and 1/4 apricot. I ate 4 pluots today and they are juicy and delicious. The temperature was in the 90s and the humidity high and hot, humid summer days are returning. Moderately hilly today, not bad, but it's expected to change as I move into the Appalachians. The highlight of my day was pulling into the Comfort Inn and seeing Kathy. Air conditioning is wonderful and so nice. We went to Mass at a beautiful church, Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral. Then, we dined at The Old Talbott Tavern which sure beats ramen noodles. We both had salmon, salad, wild rice, biscuits, and vegetables.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Day 61 - 70.6 miles near Leitchfield

Friday, July 25 - 70.6 miles near Leitchfield, actually 12 miles away (Rte. 84 & 920). My friend Larry Long who grew up here knows my location. Breakfast wasn't very healthy, biscuits and breakfast pork chops. It was overcast and cooler than usual. Relaxing. Rode with a group of 8 bikers today. Nice! Had a huge lunch - roast beef smothered in gravy, mashed potatoes, and blackberry cobbler. I'm camping behind a Mom & Pop store. The owners greeted our group with flavored icicles. Then, Arnold and Lucy Lucas (the owners) provided dinner - hamburgers, corn on the cob, and cucumber salad. It was on the house! It was really appreciated and good, too. I get another visitor tomorrow, my wife! Kathy joins me Saturday afternoon in Bardstown (tomorrow's destination) for an overnight visit.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Day 60 - 70 Miles to Utica, KY

Thursday, July 24 - 70 miles to Utica, 3,478 total miles. Moderately hilly. Stopped at an old fashioned drug store which didn't have food but I asked and they allowed me to eat my peanut butter and bagel sandwich. What the drug store did have was a fountain. I drank a large coke, a chocolate milkshake, and as I wasn't satisfied, topped it off with a chocolate malt shake. I promise my doctor to be better and get back on my healthy eating habits. Camped behind the firehouse.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Day 59 - My First Nautical Century to Marion, KY

Wednesday, July 23 - 103.6 miles cyling and 1 mile on the ferry across the Ohio River to Marion (pop. 3,200), Kentucky. My first nautical century and another new state! The hills were hilly and tough. Saw 3 does and 3 fawns. Had fruit, yogurt, and pastry for breakfast, a quart of gatorade and peanut butter on a bagel for lunch, and 3 bananas, 2 plums, and cherries during the ride. Saw several other cyclists during the day and more at the campsite, including Gary who I've cycled with before on this trip. My campsite is at the fairgrounds and near a ballpark. Gary and I had dinner together at the cafe and ate roast beef, beans, corn, mashed potatoes, salad, and chocolate pie. Time for bed as I'm tired.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Day 58 - 48 Miles to Carbondale, IL

Tuesday, July 22 - 48 miles between storms from Chester, IL to Carbondale (pop. 20,681). Total miles so far are 3,305. Awakened to thunder and heavy rain/wind. Got up and had breakfast - 3 bowls of raisin bran & shredded wheat, French toast, 2 glasses of orange juice, coffee, and a pastry. Then went back to bed w/o any guilt! Got up again an hour later when the rain stopped and hit the road at 8:45 with overcast sky and cooler temperature. First 8 miles were a continuation of residual challenging hills. The Missouri Ozarks had some of the toughest climbs yet. It was like someone had been ordered to make roads straight - regardless of terrain. I used my lowest gear (granny gear) and had to stand on most of my climbs to make headway. I simply couldn't muscle my way up otherwise. Normally I sit through virtually all my climbs, until recent days with the straight, steep, unrelenting up and down, in-your-face climbs that are now behind me. Enough about that. After the first 8 miles, Illinois has delivered gently rolling hills that only require pleasant sit-down climbs. No wildlife today. Lunch was peanut butter on a bagel, pepsi, and a snickers. Dinner was at Denny's, a shrimp skewer, fruit drink, and a chocolate milkshake.

Thanks again to Chris for your visit. For those following the blog, Chris offered (and I accepted) to swap bikes for parts of the two days we traveled together. I felt that Chris needed the experience, and the triathlon power training for his September IronMan race in Wisconsin. Also, with the swap, our combined average speed increased allowing Chris to get back home sooner on Sunday. It also reduced the MO misery index. The weather is expected to improve tomorrow, and I hope to make greater distance. --Tom

Monday, July 21, 2008

Day 57 - 58 Miles to Chester, Illinois

Monday, July 21, 58 miles to Chester, Illinois; 3,256 total miles to date. Yes, a new state! Began the day with breakfast - 2 scrambled eggs, bacon, Belgian waffles, coffee, and orange juice. Saw a picturesque scene, a deer in a nice quiet stream drinking. Lunch was a Subway turkey sandwich and 20-ounce bottles of green ice tea and power ade, which I drank both at lunch, went down real smooth. The hills in middle Missouri were tougher than any I saw in all the Rockies, very steep and tiring in the hot and humid conditions. The hills today were not as bad as the previous few days, but there were some surprises. It was hot, humid, hotter than yesterday. Saw one cyclist going West and a few others going East. After 2 hot nights camping, I checked into a Best Western in Chester (pop. 13,924), the home town of Popeye the Sailor Man. Walking to dinner, I passed the Spinach Can Collectible antique store. Dinner tonite is at the Ol' Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Day 56 - 93 Miles near Farmington

Sunday, July 20 - 93 miles near Farmington. The day started out with my 2nd flat tire since the journey began. Chris had driven ahead to park his car so he could bike towards me to join me for another day of cyling with his dad. The hills were the steepest ever since I began my trip. There were no switchbacks and the climb was straight up! It's hard to believe the these hills in Missouri would be more challenging than the climbs out West but they were. And no, I did not have to get off my bike and walk it up. Chris met 4 cyclists as he was heading towards me and the group, including one (Gary) who I met a few days ago, agreed that today's hills were the worst that they've experienced. I pulled into a state park for the night (hopefully things will quiet down after the locals leave) and after setting up my tent, will eat my favorite dinner, ramen noodles and packaged salmon. All in all, it was a pleasant weekend beginning with dinner with Gene on Friday nite and Chris's visit yesterday and today.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Day 55 - 43 Miles to Eminence

Saturday, July 19 - 43 miles to Eminence. About 12 miles into my day, I was cruising along when I saw an oncoming cyclist with no saddlebags or panniers, a day rider, I thought. He said something like "misery loves company" and he looked familiar. Turned out that my older son, Chris, decided to surprise me this weekend. He asked Kathy (his mom, my wife) to see if I would know where my Saturday destination would be. Usually I have an idea where I'll be riding to the next day but sometimes conditions I encounter during the day alter my decision. Because Eminence had an evening Mass at 7:30, that town would be Saturday's destination. Chris was in cahoots with Kathy so she relayed him this bit of information. He left Nashville after work on Friday and drove to Eminence where he slept in his vehicle. Today, Chris started cycling towards me when he surprised me. A very special day! After reaching Eminence, we ate dinner at a steak buffet - had rib eye, pork chops, baked potato, salad, and 3 desserts (2 chocolate pies and a blackberry cobbler). To top it off, Chris picked up the check before I knew it was on the table. We went to Mass at St. Sylvester's to finish the evening. Tomorrow we'll bike together some more with Chris driving his car up the road and parking it somewhere, then biking with me before returning to retrieve his car and heading back to Nashville.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Day 54 - 64 Miles to Houston

Friday, July 18 - 64 miles to Houston, 3,062 total miles. Had a great breakfast - eggs, yogurt, sweet rolls, raisin bran, coffee, orange juice, and apple juice. The Missouri misery index is a function of temperature, humidity, length of hills, steepness of hills, and number of hills. Today was actually an easier day although there were more miles and hotter temperature. The dips are deep, it looks like some oncoming cars get swallowed up by the road. Saw geese today, that's it. Took pictures of beautiful roadside flowers - black eyed susans, chickory. Checked in at the Horsecreek Inn which is real bike friendly. Met Gene Vogel, a longtime friend, for dinner - Sam Adams beer, lasagna, salad, nachos, and chocolate cake. I didn't tell him where I would be and when I walked into my room, he walked in right behind me. So I was kind of surprised. On to Eminence on Saturday.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Day 53 - 46 miles to Marshfield, MO

July 17, Thursday - After breaking camp and then pancakes and oatmeal early this morning, Jim Craven and I hit the road for Marshfield, MO, where Jim met his wife, Ruthie - today is her birthday. The rollers were plentiful and steeper today. I had to stand on the pedals in my granny gear to climb some of them. It was hot today and the humidity is climbing as we head east. Sweat is rolling off more now in contrast to western Kansas and points west. Jim will be off tomorrow, while I'll be heading to Houston, MO, to meet Gene Vogel for dinner.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Day 52 - 69 Miles to Ash Grove, Missouri

Wednesday, July 16 - 69 miles to Ash Grove, Missouri leaving Kansas behind this morning after 24 minutes on my bike. Began the day with Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes where they were celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. I got confused thinking it was a holy day or my son's birthday, both of which are one month from now. Breakfast was cold cereal, bagel, coffee, and orange juice. Saw a buffalo (domestic one) today and also yesterday. Getting back into the hills, short but steep rollers. Ate a hamburger and pepsi at Cooky's Cafe (known for its pies) in Golden City and topped off the meal with dutch apple pie ala mode, the best pie ever, I've never had a better pie! I checked in with the Ash Grove police (again, I'm not in trouble) for camping in the park and had my picture taken with the mayor in front of the city hall. I bought containers of blueberries and strawberries, strawberries and pineapple, mixed nuts, a banana, and a bagel and ate it all for dinner.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Day 51 - 59 Miles to Pittsburg

Day 51 - 59 miles to Pittsburg (pop. 19,243), 2,883 total trip miles. Breakfast was a McGriddle, yogurt, coffee, and orange juice at McDonalds where I met a WWII pilot and semi-retired dentist who was interested in seeing my detailed maps. We talked about 10 minutes, then I departed but not before noticing the "good old girls" table where a group of women in their 80's were chatting away. I've seen a lot of "good old boys" in my travels across America at the small-town cafes and gathering spots who meet for breakfast and talk about the news and local gossip. It was hot and humid today (I'm not complaining!) but otherwise uneventful though I had to take some detours. Didn't make it to Missouri but tomorrow I will as it's just a few miles away. Didn't see any cyclists. No wildlife either. Booked a motel room and ate at Chili's - chicken fajitas and a yummy chocolate paradise for dessert.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Day 50 - 63 Miles to Chanute

Monday, July 14 - 63 miles to Chanute (pop. 9,411), 2,824 total miles to date. My day started at the bowling alley grill with the usual pancake breakfast. The cook came out of the kitchen to make sure that I ate all the pancakes! It was a quiet day with some wind picking up during the day, part headwind, and I was assisted - by the wind - about 1/3 of the way. It was relaxed today, not much traffic. Saw a deer. Stopped at a Sonic for a chocolate milkshake, tropical smoothie, and water and when asked if any of the order was "to go"and I replied that I was drinking it all right then. Saw my first cyclist on the road in 2 days, Daniel, who was westward bound. I set up camp in the city park campground adjacent to a ball field. After setting up the tent, I relaxed in the breeze on my thermarest pad. The breeze feels good when I'm not on the bike having it go against me. I went to dinner with 2 other cyclists from the campground and ate Italian - corkscrew pasta, salad, and beer. Tomorrow, I should be through Kansas and heading into Missouri.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Day 49 - 74 Miles to Eureka

Sunday, July 13 - 74 miles to Eureka (pop. 2,914), 2,760 total miles. After breakfast of pancakes, medium orange juice (20 ounces!), 2 bananas, pineapple, yogurt, and coffee, I lingered a bit before leaving Newton. I cleaned and oiled the drive train, adjusted the fittings on my bike, and did other routine maintenance. It was going to be a light day as I planned to go 38 miles. The winds were calm, temperature was moderate (mid 80's-90), traffic was light on the roads, and it was a very relaxing day. It was so nice and pleasant that I decided to continue pedaling. Had a bagel with peanut butter for a snack. I did not see any more grain elevators which were prevalent in the western part of Kansas. My route took me through Cassoday, the world's capital of prairie chicken (grouse).

I was buzzed by a crop duster so I crouched down low and kept on cycling. The plane was pretty close, within 15-20 feet of me. A bit unnerving! A snapping turtle on the road, a bunch of blue herons, egrits, deer, and miniature deer on a farm added to the wildlife seen on the trip. Eureka is my home for the night. Did you know that Eureka got its name when an early pioneer shouted "eureka" after discovering a spring of water, now known as the Fall River? Eateries close down early in the small towns so I picked up a chicken dinner, corn, potato salad, roll, and a cookies & cream mousse dessert at the store.

I talked to my son Chris who finished 25th out of over 1,000 finishers in the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon (1.5K swim, 42K bike, and 10K run) today with a time of 2:14:58. There was a heavy downpour during the bike phase of his race. Great job, Chris!

Sign for Exotic Animal Bed & Breakfast


Camel at Exotic Animal Bed & Breakfast


Simpson U. Riders Helped Me Cheat Wind with Pace Line


Entering Kansas