Days 25 & 26 (5/18-19) I’m Halfway There!
Start: Springfield, MO
End: Eminence, MO
Mileage: 124 miles
Elevation: 6,119 feet
Hit the halfway mark on Thursday for both miles and days pedaling. On Thursday, I also finished with the Route 66 Trail and moved onto the TransAmerican Trail. I look on the map and marvel.
I didn’t blog Wednesday because I didn’t have my computer with me. I was supposed to be camping on my own while Tish leapfrogged me to Eminence, but the weather forecast indicated I was going to get soaked in the town where I to camp, so I added some of Thursday’s miles to Wednesday given the great weather during the day and pushed on to Houston, MO (in the County of Texas) and stayed in a motel. That let me ride Smoke which made for a much faster ride (no panniers/gear), but no gear means no computer. It wound up not raining during the night, but it did rain for much of the route I would have been on today with the heavier bike, so the plan worked out in the end.
As for the rides through the Ozarks on both days, they were the same…simply sublime. This is an unbelievably beautiful part of the country with a mix of expansive farmland and endless and very green trees and mountains. If you’re ever anywhere close to here, drive, walk, ride, or run State Route 38. The hills aren’t bad and there is no wind to speak of which made for some of the best riding of the trip so far. We’re not done with the Ozarks and that suits me fine.
I’ve spoken of expansive views in many of my entries to this point and how they really have enhanced my trip. Given that’s just about all I’ve gotten the last 2 days, I had lots of time to think of why they have such an impact on me. I really think I crave openness because I spent so much of my time in an office (or library) over the past 40 years. Again, I’m not complaining. I made the choice. But the openness is liberating to me. It gives me peace…and the views aren’t too bad either.
As for the views…Tish and I marvel at how green everything is here (the water bill must be through the roof), realizing that many of our friends on East coast would probably just look at the vistas and think, “meh…more of the same”. I’ve purposely not posted all of the pictures I’ve taken, as I’m sure many of you would question why I think these images are unique or memorable. Then I think back on how my Dad marveled at how wide the streets and freeways are in CA and realize “new” just captures our attention.
Today’s (Thursday) ride was a 41-mile race against the thunderstorms. I had the lead for 35 miles and then got crushed. Actually, I got soaked. I would have kept going, but Tish and I have agreed to no riding in lightening. I pulled off the road and called for a pickup. In case you’re not aware, if your fingers are wet, your iPhone will not recognize your fingerprint or anything else for that matter. I’m not counting the last 6 miles in my total. We’re in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park. The picture of the mill accompanying this post was on the route.
More on the last 2 days:
Saw a bald eagle on Thursday soaring with a bunch of turkey vultures. I wasn’t expecting to see that in the middle of Missouri. Have continued to see massive numbers of armadillo road carnage, but have not seen a live armadillo. Are they all dead?
People in the middle are certainly very nice. I’ve had great conversations with motel managers, supermarket cashiers, people in any line I’ve stood in, and others.
Tish went to Uranus yesterday. Uranus, MO that is. Think South of the Border, but instead of a Latin theme, it’s all about the fudge. Yeah, you know where this is going. Their motto...the best fudge comes from (sorry I’m not going to finish the sentence as there may be children reading). That said, the fudge was very good.
We just came out of the basement in the house we’re staying after they called off the Tornado warning.
What am I Grateful for Today
Hey, there’s another trombonist. Who’s that guy with the red hair?...
My first thought when I first laid eyes on my very, very dear friend Bart at band camp in the summer of 1979. I never had any competition before and wasn’t sure what to think. Never did I think I had just met someone who would become such an important, valued person in my life. Bart and I grew closer as the high school years went on becoming especially tight as seniors. He and I sat next to each other in Mrs. Heyman’s class (see earlier posts). I still have some of the notes he and I passed, which I will share with no one. There are too many good times to list, although when you’re on a bike for 8-10 hours, time flies (very pleasantly I might add) if you start the list when we were 15 and work up to 58.
Many people who know Bart would say he’s so lovable because he’s creative and funny. That’s very true, and to his credit, he’s made a career in the arts because of his unique creativity. What stands out to me even more though is Bart’s caring nature and his advocacy for equal and fair treatment of all. He’s one of the most well-rounded people I know.
And then there’s courage and character…
As you may know, Bart and Leslie (and their daughter Abigail) lost their son David tragically at a very early age. No one should have to go through what they endured. I can’t imagine what they went through and have to imagine this type of loss would destroy many people. This did not happen with this strong family. Quite the opposite. In fact, Bart channeled his grief and talents by publishing a book called Healing Improv: A Journey Through Grief to Laughter and starting a support group that uses improv to address grief for people who have suffered a loss. I strongly recommend the book even if you haven’t suffered loss. It taught me so much about how to communicate with people who were dealing with loss.
I ride with a #18 button on my saddle bag. 18 was David’s number when he played football. If you haven’t learned by now, I also count everything. There is always a countdown going for the mileage remaining on each day’s ride. When I get to 18 miles to go, that’s David’s mile. It’s a time I set aside each day to consciously think about courage and character and, more importantly, my incredibly important friendship with Bart.
P.S. Happy Birthday to Kaayla—Lexie’s sister. Hope you have a great day with Jake and Maddie.