Day 27 (5/20/22): No Way I’m Doing that Again…I Hope

Start:                  Eminence, MO

End:                    Farmington, MO

Mileage:             99 miles

Elevation:           7,033 feet

I knew today was going to be hard, but I did not expect to go so long and the put in so much elevation gain.  The 3 mileage/elevation guides I’m using are fine for mileage, but they are near garbage for elevation gain.  As an example, my “best” source said today would be 5,800 feet—that’s tough, but 7,000 is a top 5 day for me all time and something I’ve never done as part of a very near century.  Regarding the century, you might ask why I just didn’t go another mile into tomorrow’s route and claim another one.  Well…after 10.5 hours in the saddle and that type of elevation gain, I wasn’t going an inch longer than I had to. 

I feel good though.  As usual, the balls of my feet and my toes were a little sore when I stopped, but the soreness has now turned to a little numbness that will last into the evening.  I remain amazed nothing else really bothers me.  Had the strength and motivation to go out to dinner (good BBQ in MO) and custard afterwards.  Regarding custard, I’d never had it until 2 days ago in Houston at a place called Andy’s.  Today’s was from a place called Lick’s.  Both were super delicious.  And you know what?  Both were well-earned.

It was a really interesting ride with some good and some bad parts.  The hills on the first 10 miles were punitive.  I believe I climbed nearly 2,500 feet in the first 10 miles.  Things evened out after that until the very end.  When I thought I was home free, I hit another 800 feet of climbing in the last 7-8 miles—completely demoralizing, but I had to tough my way through it.  The scenery was again lovely and similar to the past few days.  The weather was delightful and the wind generally at my back.  Had it not been for all of the miles and elevation gain…

There were some things I didn’t like today, however.  As we got further from the heart of the Ozarks, there was more of a negative vibe in places.  Specifically, in one town I was “greeted” by a number of houses and buildings proudly displaying the Confederate flag.  I stopped in the town square to take a break and found the people cold and somewhat suspicious.  I had several folks, including a sheriff or two, walk right by me and simply look away.  It’s the first instance where I/we didn’t experience a warm and very pleasant welcome.  I also found the drivers less tolerant.  Lots of horns from cars and trucks for no reason and a few really unsafe moves which I won’t detail. 

We wound up in Farmington, and the folks seem much nicer and the town much more vibrant.  (Plus, they’ve got great frozen custard.)

Tomorrow’s an off day so no post.  The last 7 days were the biggest in terms of mileage for the trip, so I’m looking forward to the rest.  We’re headed to St. Louis.  We’ll take in the Arch and see what other kind of trouble we can get into.  Sunday was supposed to be an off day as well, but given the weather forecast, it looks like decent riding in the afternoon, and given the potential for rain all day Tuesday and Wednesday, one or both of those days may substitute as that bonus rest day.

New Feature:  What’s your favorite…?

I’ll try it once and see how many people respond.  If we get a good enough showing, I’ll compile the results and report in one of the next few blogs.  Todayw…What’s your favorite rock album.  Has to be one, but do also list your 3 runners up.  Here are mine:

Winner:  Bruce Springsteen Born to Run

Runners Up:  Pink Floyd Animals, Billy Joel Songs in the Attic, and Paul McCartney and Wings Band on the Run

What I’m Grateful for Today

Some people have described what I’m doing as inspirational or amazing.  Others have said they’re living vicariously through my posts.  I’m really humbled by this.  I truly didn’t expect that.  But it goes both ways.

Today’s ride was hard.  No getting around it.  Perhaps it was coincidental, but over the past few days, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of inspirational and encouraging messages you’ve sent my way.  These really did help today when I was gutting out those hills.  I thought about all of them when things got tough, and I really appreciate the kind words.  Please keep them coming.  Now that I finally figured out how to respond to messages on the blog, it won’t be a one-way communication moving forward.

Everyone have a great weekend.