Tuesday, 9-28-10

And I thought it could not get better. Rode 40.5 miles bringing the total to 590.25. Ended in Huntsdale, MO at Katy's Little House. More awesome people. After a half hour in the hot tub, I almost passed out. The owners brought me a beer then left and told me if I wanted to go with them to the river front and watch the sunset they would be back at 6:15 for me. I did that and it was glorious. They also took me to see one of the largest, if not the largest Burr Oak trees in the country, 30 foot cir. estimated to be 360 years old, has stood up under many floods and the other things nature has thrown at it. Legend has it that it was used as a hanging tree in years gone by. And so it goes from middle Missouri. Tomorrow is another day, can't wait to see what interesting things that will bring. Pictures will be posted along with more narration after I get home. There is 90 miles left on the Katy Trail.

Monday, 9-27-10

50 miles today, felt like 150. Leg muscles really aching. I try not to listen to them. Total mileage on this ride: 549.75. Stayed in a bunk house, with 38 bunks for travelers on the Katy Trail. I was the only one there. Cost 5 bucks to stay there. Had a bicycle repair room with tools. The key to the place was on a telephone pole by the road. There was a sign on the door as to the location of the keys. No place open to get food in the town, Tebbetts, MO. There was a bar next door, which was closed. I looked in and then left to go back to the Shelter, and a guy appeared at the front door and said he saw me wandering around and wanted to know if I wanted some thing to eat. I did. He told me to come in the bar and then made the biggest ham and cheese sandwich I have ever seen. Jim the owner was quite a guy.

Saturday, 9-26-10

Rode 42.75 miles today. Total to date: 499.75. Lodged above an old General Store, still operating since 1893. Awesome place, had the run of the store at night and was told to help myself to anything on the shelves, in coolers, etc, just write down what I take and settle up in the AM. Barb (the owner) demonstrated how to cook a pizza if I wanted one. There were about 4 house in the town. This was in Peers, MO. along the Katy Trail. This building has been flooded out many times, the last was in 1993 when the water was at the top of the entry doors.

Saturday 9/25 45 miles total 457

Friday, September 24th

Thursday, September 23rd not the 24th[

Thursday is the 23rd not the 24th

Thursday, September 24th

Only was able to complete 20 miles today bringing the total to 361. The wind was terrible, steady at around 25 with gusts up to 35. I could only average 5.6 mph with maximum effort. I felt like I was being pushed back to where I began. I gave up as it was too exhausting. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. I am counting on it. I need to get on the Katy Trail soon or I will be out of time and money. Money first. Extra nights of lodging adds up. In Hannibal MO at the present, will head back accross into IL tomorrow and continue down river (It is flater in IL). I had to cross the Interstate 72 bridge to get here. I think I held my breath for the 2 miles I was on I 72. Only bridge in town.

Tuesday, Septmber 21st

The worst day of my life. Rode 33 miles in 90 degree heat, up and down hills, with a constant wind of 15 mph and gusts of around 25mph right in my face. Made it to Quincy, IL. How I made it I do not know. I guess the angels my wife sends ahead of me pulled me down the road. Total miles to date: 341. Taking tomorrow off to rest and regroup. Also going to the bike shop to buy some cushioned pants. You can guess why. I have once again met some amazing people and I will tell their stories and share pictures later.

Monday, September 20th

Rode 37 Miles in hot weather and through some hills to Warsaw. Il.

Sunday, September 19th

Rode 47 miles. Keithsburg, Il to Pontoosuc, Il Stayed in B & B. 1850's Home.

Saturday, September 18

Waiting out the rain in Keithsburg, IL. As of Friday the 17th I have ridden a total of 224 miles.

Friday, September 17

38 1/2 miles to Keithsburg, where I am currently waiting out the rain. Tomorrow, weather permitting I will end in Dallas City, IL, south of Burlington, IA.

Thursday, September 16

24 miles to Edington, IL, will be heading south down river now.

Wednesday, September 15

On to Moline, 15 1/2 miles.

Tuesday, September 14th

I rode 35 miles to Colona, IL, which is the end of the towpath, at least for me!

Monday, September 13

I rode 45 miles on the Hennepin Canal towpath to lock 19, bridge 22.

Sunday, September 12

I rode 26 miles from Marseilles to Peru.

Saturday, September 11

I rode 40 miles on the I&M Canal towpath, from Joliet to Marseilles.

Friday, September 10th

Today I head to Illinois to begin my ride across part of America. My back and shoulders are in no condition to carry a backpack, so I will continue my journey on a bicycle. Next year I may be able to walk again. I will be working on that over the winter months. I will post as I can.

Tuesday, September 7th

Ran the 5K Blueberry Stomp. Respectable time. Was not sure I would be able to run the whole thing, but with the crowd encouragement how could you not finish. Even with a painful foot and hip? Looking forward to the 11th when I will be out on the trail again. I am seriously considering riding my bike on this leg as my shoulders do not seem to want to support a heavy backpack. Try to forgive me if I do. It will still not be effortless.