Sunday 6-27-10
Made it to Pierre. 61 ml with a head wind that got worse is the day wore on. This was pretty much without services the whole way. About ml 11 at Stephan there was a c-store and house, closed on Sundays. Luckily at ml 35 there was an old building with cars out front, looked closed. They were open and I was able to get a drink and snack and refill my bottles. It took about 5 1/2 hours to get the remaining 26 miles. Ran into a storm that had been blown out of town as I got close to Pierre. Had 30 to 40 mph winds and drizzle for about 5 minutes as the front passed by. Had no wind for the last 3 miles into town. Moteled (Capitol Inn, $44, just down from the capitol) it again since I would be needing one for Monday night and Saturday night when I get back from Cincinnati.
Monday 6-28-10
Rest day in Pierre. Took the bike to the bike shop (Bike & Paddle, 605-224-8955), he is going to hold the bike until Saturday and fix the 2 broken spokes in the back wheel. I can keep my packs at the hotel.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
6-26-10
Thursday 6-24-10, rode from Avon to Pickstown with head winds most of the way, 34 ml. It was slow going. Had to stop here as not much between Pickstown and Burke. Finally caught up with my adventure cycling section 2 map I had left at Aimee’s. Many thanks to Mary the postmaster in Pickstown and Jefferson IA. I also meet up with the Murr family (Stewart, Kate, daughter Jane 5 yrs old, and son Bradly, 3 yr old) from the KATY trail (they are traveling from St. Augustine FL to Oregon on the L & C trail. They are staying an extra day in Pickstown for a pow wow going on at the casino. I learned that going SD 50 was the way to go as the route was torn up and had several miles of gravel. I stayed at the campground by the dam and where the old Ft Randle was. I toured the grounds of the old fort. It was built around 1850’s and abandoned in 1892.
Friday I rode from Pickstown to Burke, then Gregory 53 ml. The weather forecast was for mild winds with gusts to 26 ml per hour. There was a lot of gusting going on. It was a long ways between places. Made it to Fairfax early on, and stopped in at Lousie’s Cafe and cooled off, refilled on water and splurged on a 2 egg omelet for $2.85. When I finally got to Burke I stopped in at the Pump n Stuff C store to cool down and get a snack. There were three guys there, much like Casey’s in Varna but with tables. Got to talking with Slim (in his 70’s probably) runs the projector at the Drive in theater in Gregory. He suggested to save miles go up to Gregory on 18 then go north on sd 47 to Ft Thompson. The shoulders up to Burke were nice and wide, from Burke to Gregory not so much. I camped in the city park in Gregory. They had a community pool where I was able to take a shower and cool off. The park is a favorite for teens after dark I learned.
Saturday 6-26-10
Left Gregory after a not such a restful sleep. It is 46 ml to the interstate, I 90 and another 16 to Ft. Thompson (this way vs the official rt saves about 30 ml). The 1st ten miles went very well with no wind or a slight tail wind. Then the wind changed and it was a strong head wind. About mile 19, pushing the bike up a hill a wonderful rancher George K. stopped and offered a ride. I refused once but not the second time he offered. We stopped by his folks house for a cup of coffee and refill on the water. He also took me to see the peak where L & C first climbed and saw the herds of buffalo. He then took me about 23 ml up the road, past 2 large hills. George, I should have gotten your cell number. After being dropped off, about 2 ml down the road came across a herd of cattle in the road. Would have been good to give you a call so you could have let someone know. Fortunately a couple of cars came by and nudged them back to the opposite side of the road I was riding on. They just stared at me as I road by. Got to Reliance and rested a bit. When I came out the wind had died down a lot which helped the trip to Ft. Thompson. Saw a lot of different birds riding by some wet lands on the way to Ft. T.. Not much in Ft T., weather looks bad so am staying in the motel. Tomorrow on to the out skirts of Pierre. This will give me Monday to find a place to store the bike while in Cincy for Mom’s services.
Thursday 6-24-10, rode from Avon to Pickstown with head winds most of the way, 34 ml. It was slow going. Had to stop here as not much between Pickstown and Burke. Finally caught up with my adventure cycling section 2 map I had left at Aimee’s. Many thanks to Mary the postmaster in Pickstown and Jefferson IA. I also meet up with the Murr family (Stewart, Kate, daughter Jane 5 yrs old, and son Bradly, 3 yr old) from the KATY trail (they are traveling from St. Augustine FL to Oregon on the L & C trail. They are staying an extra day in Pickstown for a pow wow going on at the casino. I learned that going SD 50 was the way to go as the route was torn up and had several miles of gravel. I stayed at the campground by the dam and where the old Ft Randle was. I toured the grounds of the old fort. It was built around 1850’s and abandoned in 1892.
Friday I rode from Pickstown to Burke, then Gregory 53 ml. The weather forecast was for mild winds with gusts to 26 ml per hour. There was a lot of gusting going on. It was a long ways between places. Made it to Fairfax early on, and stopped in at Lousie’s Cafe and cooled off, refilled on water and splurged on a 2 egg omelet for $2.85. When I finally got to Burke I stopped in at the Pump n Stuff C store to cool down and get a snack. There were three guys there, much like Casey’s in Varna but with tables. Got to talking with Slim (in his 70’s probably) runs the projector at the Drive in theater in Gregory. He suggested to save miles go up to Gregory on 18 then go north on sd 47 to Ft Thompson. The shoulders up to Burke were nice and wide, from Burke to Gregory not so much. I camped in the city park in Gregory. They had a community pool where I was able to take a shower and cool off. The park is a favorite for teens after dark I learned.
Saturday 6-26-10
Left Gregory after a not such a restful sleep. It is 46 ml to the interstate, I 90 and another 16 to Ft. Thompson (this way vs the official rt saves about 30 ml). The 1st ten miles went very well with no wind or a slight tail wind. Then the wind changed and it was a strong head wind. About mile 19, pushing the bike up a hill a wonderful rancher George K. stopped and offered a ride. I refused once but not the second time he offered. We stopped by his folks house for a cup of coffee and refill on the water. He also took me to see the peak where L & C first climbed and saw the herds of buffalo. He then took me about 23 ml up the road, past 2 large hills. George, I should have gotten your cell number. After being dropped off, about 2 ml down the road came across a herd of cattle in the road. Would have been good to give you a call so you could have let someone know. Fortunately a couple of cars came by and nudged them back to the opposite side of the road I was riding on. They just stared at me as I road by. Got to Reliance and rested a bit. When I came out the wind had died down a lot which helped the trip to Ft. Thompson. Saw a lot of different birds riding by some wet lands on the way to Ft. T.. Not much in Ft T., weather looks bad so am staying in the motel. Tomorrow on to the out skirts of Pierre. This will give me Monday to find a place to store the bike while in Cincy for Mom’s services.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
6-22-10 Tuesday
Sister Mary and husband Bob gave me a ride back to Sioux City Monday, on their way to West Yellowstone for a trip that has been planned for some time. Mom is hanging on back in It is just me for now. They dropped me off at Stone State Park, just north of Sioux City. I camped using the 1 person tent. It is very cozy. If you are claustrophobic it is not for you. It did keep out the mosquitos which were thick. I got in 65 miles in today, hot and humid, sweating away those pounds, getting all the way to Yankton, home of a large clinic and Mount Marty College, a catholic school of some sort.. I am spending the night at a small hotel, the Star Lite ($46) as they are predicting heavy rains and thunderstorms, which I hear in the background. On the trip today rested for awhile in Gayville at the very friendly ag services business. Visited the post office and had a nice conversation with the post master. He had a 70 year old guy come through earlier this year that ended up giving up and getting a ride home due to the strong head winds. Thus far I have lucked out with very little wind either way.
6-23-10 Wednesday
Well luck ran out. had a good head wind all day. Got about 5 to 6 ml per hour on average with rest stops. Got about 43 miles -to Avon SD. Nice town with a great pool with a shower and a nice city park to camp in. Weather is supposed to be good tonight
and less wind tomorrow. Went through a town, called Tyndall and had lunch. They had branches down all over from last nights storm. I was told they had winds clocked at as high as 90 mph. Looked like it judging by the branches and missing roofs on a few of the out buildings. Tomorrow I make it to Pickstown (26 ml) where I’ll get to pick up the map I left last week at Aimee’s. This will make getting to Pierre a lot easier than using just the book.
Sister Mary and husband Bob gave me a ride back to Sioux City Monday, on their way to West Yellowstone for a trip that has been planned for some time. Mom is hanging on back in It is just me for now. They dropped me off at Stone State Park, just north of Sioux City. I camped using the 1 person tent. It is very cozy. If you are claustrophobic it is not for you. It did keep out the mosquitos which were thick. I got in 65 miles in today, hot and humid, sweating away those pounds, getting all the way to Yankton, home of a large clinic and Mount Marty College, a catholic school of some sort.. I am spending the night at a small hotel, the Star Lite ($46) as they are predicting heavy rains and thunderstorms, which I hear in the background. On the trip today rested for awhile in Gayville at the very friendly ag services business. Visited the post office and had a nice conversation with the post master. He had a 70 year old guy come through earlier this year that ended up giving up and getting a ride home due to the strong head winds. Thus far I have lucked out with very little wind either way.
6-23-10 Wednesday
Well luck ran out. had a good head wind all day. Got about 5 to 6 ml per hour on average with rest stops. Got about 43 miles -to Avon SD. Nice town with a great pool with a shower and a nice city park to camp in. Weather is supposed to be good tonight
and less wind tomorrow. Went through a town, called Tyndall and had lunch. They had branches down all over from last nights storm. I was told they had winds clocked at as high as 90 mph. Looked like it judging by the branches and missing roofs on a few of the out buildings. Tomorrow I make it to Pickstown (26 ml) where I’ll get to pick up the map I left last week at Aimee’s. This will make getting to Pierre a lot easier than using just the book.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
6-17-10
The Cannondale dealer couldn’t figure out the shifting thing. So we are stuck with the middle chain ring to 9th gear and a clicking sound. No upper ring, won’t shift up into it. Made for more spinning which is good for the knees, and plenty of exercise for the legs.
We ended up getting dropped off at the camp site in Missouri Valley IA. at the fairgrounds and community pool. There were some hard top campers there and a tent already. About an hour after Tim dropped us off about 12 semi and dump trucks pulled in and parked. The trailers and tent belonged to the drivers. They were hauling material for work on the freeway. They start around 6:00 AM in the morning when they start their engines to warm up. They leave about 6:15.
Tuesday we did about 45 miles to Onawa - Lewis & Clark Camp ground. It helps when it is flat, which it is. We had a bit of a head wind also which slowed us some. The Lewis and Clack campground was okay but not for $16.00. It had a replica of the keel boat L & C had. They are building a nice visitor center, due to open next year which will focus on the boats L&C used and those of the times I guess. Met some nice people camping in hard campers. Ernie (lady, just retired aquatics director) is sending me a couple of recipes for a creme rhubarb pie, what sounds like a killer brownie. Looking forward to them. Kids just hung out out swung on some swings near by.
Got word from Susan that Mom was not doing well, so making plans to head back to Dayton.
Wednesday we got up and left around 8:15, hoping for signage to a shortcut out of the park and up the road but didn’t happen. Ended up having to pedal the way back into town, about 4.5 ml to the route. We got headed to what we hoped would be Sioux City. With a nice tail wind we made to the south edge of Sioux City - Sergent Bluff by 12:15, and that was with a couple 1/2 hour stops. Great pedaling day.
Unfortunately it went down hill from there. Going by an Iowa biking map Mike J. the farmer / biker we meet Tuesday. The map showed a trail going from near Sergent Bluff all the way into town. It wasn’t marked and the road was getting busier and busier. Stopped at a truck stop near where the trail should have been. spoke to a few guys there. One said, just go down the road next to the truck stop here and it is at the end of it, But it doesn’t go through, stops at a stream. To catch it agin you have get back on the busy road and ride down 5 or so miles. So thats what we did. a rough shoulder for some of the time, no shoulder for the more exciting (busier parts). Ended up somewhere downtown trying to figure out which way the river was. This is when a nice lady, Diane stopped to help with directions and advise. We were thinking of trying to get to Stone Park the only camp ground shown, about 4 miles outside of town. Finally got a plan together started to go and we have another flat on the bike. Diane had told us where the bike shop was in town so we started walking to it. Low and behold she calls and says I got maps and where are you? Told her we were walking the bikes to the shop. Well she came and got Andrew and gave him a rid e to the shop to get more tubes. Emma and I showed up shortly there after. By the time we got the flat fixed it was 5:00. decided given the heat, late hour and Marta coming to pick us we would stay in town, so we did. Got another 45 miles in for the day
Thursday, Marta has picked us up this AM. Did have a chance to walk down to the river. low and behold across the river next to a beautiful YMCA is a nice campground. Darn.
We are headed back to IL now and then on to Ohio. It is up in the air when I will get back on the trail.
The Cannondale dealer couldn’t figure out the shifting thing. So we are stuck with the middle chain ring to 9th gear and a clicking sound. No upper ring, won’t shift up into it. Made for more spinning which is good for the knees, and plenty of exercise for the legs.
We ended up getting dropped off at the camp site in Missouri Valley IA. at the fairgrounds and community pool. There were some hard top campers there and a tent already. About an hour after Tim dropped us off about 12 semi and dump trucks pulled in and parked. The trailers and tent belonged to the drivers. They were hauling material for work on the freeway. They start around 6:00 AM in the morning when they start their engines to warm up. They leave about 6:15.
Tuesday we did about 45 miles to Onawa - Lewis & Clark Camp ground. It helps when it is flat, which it is. We had a bit of a head wind also which slowed us some. The Lewis and Clack campground was okay but not for $16.00. It had a replica of the keel boat L & C had. They are building a nice visitor center, due to open next year which will focus on the boats L&C used and those of the times I guess. Met some nice people camping in hard campers. Ernie (lady, just retired aquatics director) is sending me a couple of recipes for a creme rhubarb pie, what sounds like a killer brownie. Looking forward to them. Kids just hung out out swung on some swings near by.
Got word from Susan that Mom was not doing well, so making plans to head back to Dayton.
Wednesday we got up and left around 8:15, hoping for signage to a shortcut out of the park and up the road but didn’t happen. Ended up having to pedal the way back into town, about 4.5 ml to the route. We got headed to what we hoped would be Sioux City. With a nice tail wind we made to the south edge of Sioux City - Sergent Bluff by 12:15, and that was with a couple 1/2 hour stops. Great pedaling day.
Unfortunately it went down hill from there. Going by an Iowa biking map Mike J. the farmer / biker we meet Tuesday. The map showed a trail going from near Sergent Bluff all the way into town. It wasn’t marked and the road was getting busier and busier. Stopped at a truck stop near where the trail should have been. spoke to a few guys there. One said, just go down the road next to the truck stop here and it is at the end of it, But it doesn’t go through, stops at a stream. To catch it agin you have get back on the busy road and ride down 5 or so miles. So thats what we did. a rough shoulder for some of the time, no shoulder for the more exciting (busier parts). Ended up somewhere downtown trying to figure out which way the river was. This is when a nice lady, Diane stopped to help with directions and advise. We were thinking of trying to get to Stone Park the only camp ground shown, about 4 miles outside of town. Finally got a plan together started to go and we have another flat on the bike. Diane had told us where the bike shop was in town so we started walking to it. Low and behold she calls and says I got maps and where are you? Told her we were walking the bikes to the shop. Well she came and got Andrew and gave him a rid e to the shop to get more tubes. Emma and I showed up shortly there after. By the time we got the flat fixed it was 5:00. decided given the heat, late hour and Marta coming to pick us we would stay in town, so we did. Got another 45 miles in for the day
Thursday, Marta has picked us up this AM. Did have a chance to walk down to the river. low and behold across the river next to a beautiful YMCA is a nice campground. Darn.
We are headed back to IL now and then on to Ohio. It is up in the air when I will get back on the trail.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Monday 6-7-10
Friday the 4th we rode from New Franklin back towards Jefferson City. We made about 30 of the 43 miles on the KATY trail. Had dinner at a very quaint port of call on the river called Cooper’s Landing. Had a nice conversation with the cook, Dale a retired firer fighter / roofer from Indianapolis. We had some excellent grilled corn on the cob and BBQ chicken. Coopers came recommended by a guy we meet on the trail, actually from Kankakee. Also got to see a family of black snakes that lived in a tree by the trail head going in and out of old knots in the tree. It was entertaining for Marta and I while we waited for the kids to find the trail head we were at (McBaine).
We took Saturday off to work on packing the bikes. went to Columbia to do some shopping and saw a movie - Robinhood, pretty good.
Yesterday the 6th was our first day on our own without Marta and the van and pop up. We finally got going around 11:30 after finishing packing the bikes and the trailer. It was a late start and pretty warm and hilly. We made it 24 miles to the lovely little town of Arrow Rock. We stayed at the State Park just outside town. Nice Showers. The town of Arrow Rock was pretty much closed up by the time we got there. It is pretty much a restored town going back to when it was first settled in the mid 1800’s. Reminded me of Colonial Williamsburg, but on a smaller scale and with out the period dressing people. Very lovely town. Would like to have spent sometime when it was open.
Today the 7th we headed out around 8:15. It was mostly overcast with a high in the mid 80’s, though now at this writing, 7:00 PM there is a nice breeze and the sun is out and probably in the mid 70’s. We made it to Blackburn MO., a Varna, where we live, size town without the Casey’s unfortunately. It was a hilly ride, Started the day with Emma
and I on the Tandem pulling the cart and finished with Andrew and I on the tandem pulling the cart. We made about 35 miles. We meet some kind of police officer at a McDonalds, while getting some ice cream, hoping charge cell phones and log on, we talked about what was between Marshal and Higginsville and he made a quick call to the mayor of Blackburn the only town of any size between Marshall and Higginsville, to let her know the city park would have visitors for the evening. Later I believe a county deputy, Deputy Coleman, was stopped checking to make Sure Emma was okay, while she was sitting on the side of the rode waiting for Andrew and I to catch up with the Tandem when we did catch up. He is from Blackburn also, so we were well covered for our stop.
In Marshal we stopped by the park for Jim the Wonder Dog, not only could he hold point on pheasant, but also follow commands in several different languages and pick the Kentucky Derby winner, 7 years in a row among other many incredible things. He was indeed a wonder. He lived from 1925 to 1937. No place to post this today but will hopefully tomorrow.
6-11-10
On 6-8-10 we rode from Blackburn to Lexington, about 32 miles. It rained lightly to Higginsville, then was warm and humid. From Higginsville to Lexington. In the middle of no where outside Mayveiw, MO., on the route we meet a very sweet little old lady Ruth Daehler, going to be 91 years old July 12th. She has lived there since 1948 with her husband who passed away about 14 years ago. She is thinking about moving to a retirement home sometime here but seems to be doing well as she is. She is famous in the area for her homemade flavored mints, about 6 different flavors. She offered us a plate but we couldn’t take them with us so we each ate 4 or 5 of the different flavors. We got into Lexington, pulled into the Sonics for a well earned shake (on sale 2 for 1). called around to try and find someplace to camp. no luck. So we decided to head down a block to a hotel we saw coming in. On our way the sky’s let loose. We were glad to be in a hotel and not a tent.
Wednesday was to be a rest day. We got up later than usual and did laundry next to one of the older Maid Rite restaurants in the franchise, had a great burger, then headed down the road about 12 miles to Henrietta, Varna size town, which listed as having camping. It did have an RV parking lot type place with no facilities. On our way we stopped at the Casey’s to cool down and have a drink, struck up a conversation with the manager, Birgitt. Lucky for us she offer us her backyard and bathroom if we weren’t happy with the RV park. We took her up on it. Andrew & Emma got to spend time with their daughters Jessica (16) and Rebecca (12). Jim, Birgitt’s husband, took me for a drive along the route and showed us what we had to ride the next day. He figured out a way to go that cut off about 10 to 15 miles and put us much closer to the park we would be camping at. This was a huge deal. We wouldn’t have made it otherwise as you will read.
On Thursday we got up and were ready to go by 7:15. We were at the Casey’s ready to go. And Jim and family were there to head to a an appointment in Kansas City, when Jim mentions, hey you have flat, sure enough the front tire of my bike was flat. Got that fixed and rode out of Casey’s and went 50 feet and the back tire went flat. This is the same tire that went flat on the first day. Ended up replacing the tire, inside of the tire was coming apart, and tube. About 8 miles later the front tire went flat again in the middle of know where but close to some shade. Tires held up rest of the day until we almost rolled into the camp ground, front tire went flat again. It was about a 32 mile day with some tough hills. We stayed at Watkin Mills State Park. It is the site of a woolen mill started in the 1850’s.
Today Friday, 6-11-10, started out over cast threatening rain then turned sunny and hot (low 90‘s), and humid. We visited the museum for the woolen mill and the family that had it and several other businesses based on water power, then steam power. We then headed for Smithville. Along the way, in Holt stopping by a store to cool off, we ran into Randy A. from the Kansas city area. A biker in a lot better shape than we are. He helped with ideas on a problem with the rear chain on the tandem binding up and jumping that started just before we got to Holt. We need to look at some different things to fix. It may be a problem with the front chain wheels. We made it almost to Smithville when Marta’s brother Tim rescued us from the heat. We are spending the night in a Hilton ($40 on Priceline) He is going to drop us in Fall City where we will pick up a package of supplies at the post office on Monday.
Friday the 4th we rode from New Franklin back towards Jefferson City. We made about 30 of the 43 miles on the KATY trail. Had dinner at a very quaint port of call on the river called Cooper’s Landing. Had a nice conversation with the cook, Dale a retired firer fighter / roofer from Indianapolis. We had some excellent grilled corn on the cob and BBQ chicken. Coopers came recommended by a guy we meet on the trail, actually from Kankakee. Also got to see a family of black snakes that lived in a tree by the trail head going in and out of old knots in the tree. It was entertaining for Marta and I while we waited for the kids to find the trail head we were at (McBaine).
We took Saturday off to work on packing the bikes. went to Columbia to do some shopping and saw a movie - Robinhood, pretty good.
Yesterday the 6th was our first day on our own without Marta and the van and pop up. We finally got going around 11:30 after finishing packing the bikes and the trailer. It was a late start and pretty warm and hilly. We made it 24 miles to the lovely little town of Arrow Rock. We stayed at the State Park just outside town. Nice Showers. The town of Arrow Rock was pretty much closed up by the time we got there. It is pretty much a restored town going back to when it was first settled in the mid 1800’s. Reminded me of Colonial Williamsburg, but on a smaller scale and with out the period dressing people. Very lovely town. Would like to have spent sometime when it was open.
Today the 7th we headed out around 8:15. It was mostly overcast with a high in the mid 80’s, though now at this writing, 7:00 PM there is a nice breeze and the sun is out and probably in the mid 70’s. We made it to Blackburn MO., a Varna, where we live, size town without the Casey’s unfortunately. It was a hilly ride, Started the day with Emma
and I on the Tandem pulling the cart and finished with Andrew and I on the tandem pulling the cart. We made about 35 miles. We meet some kind of police officer at a McDonalds, while getting some ice cream, hoping charge cell phones and log on, we talked about what was between Marshal and Higginsville and he made a quick call to the mayor of Blackburn the only town of any size between Marshall and Higginsville, to let her know the city park would have visitors for the evening. Later I believe a county deputy, Deputy Coleman, was stopped checking to make Sure Emma was okay, while she was sitting on the side of the rode waiting for Andrew and I to catch up with the Tandem when we did catch up. He is from Blackburn also, so we were well covered for our stop.
In Marshal we stopped by the park for Jim the Wonder Dog, not only could he hold point on pheasant, but also follow commands in several different languages and pick the Kentucky Derby winner, 7 years in a row among other many incredible things. He was indeed a wonder. He lived from 1925 to 1937. No place to post this today but will hopefully tomorrow.
6-11-10
On 6-8-10 we rode from Blackburn to Lexington, about 32 miles. It rained lightly to Higginsville, then was warm and humid. From Higginsville to Lexington. In the middle of no where outside Mayveiw, MO., on the route we meet a very sweet little old lady Ruth Daehler, going to be 91 years old July 12th. She has lived there since 1948 with her husband who passed away about 14 years ago. She is thinking about moving to a retirement home sometime here but seems to be doing well as she is. She is famous in the area for her homemade flavored mints, about 6 different flavors. She offered us a plate but we couldn’t take them with us so we each ate 4 or 5 of the different flavors. We got into Lexington, pulled into the Sonics for a well earned shake (on sale 2 for 1). called around to try and find someplace to camp. no luck. So we decided to head down a block to a hotel we saw coming in. On our way the sky’s let loose. We were glad to be in a hotel and not a tent.
Wednesday was to be a rest day. We got up later than usual and did laundry next to one of the older Maid Rite restaurants in the franchise, had a great burger, then headed down the road about 12 miles to Henrietta, Varna size town, which listed as having camping. It did have an RV parking lot type place with no facilities. On our way we stopped at the Casey’s to cool down and have a drink, struck up a conversation with the manager, Birgitt. Lucky for us she offer us her backyard and bathroom if we weren’t happy with the RV park. We took her up on it. Andrew & Emma got to spend time with their daughters Jessica (16) and Rebecca (12). Jim, Birgitt’s husband, took me for a drive along the route and showed us what we had to ride the next day. He figured out a way to go that cut off about 10 to 15 miles and put us much closer to the park we would be camping at. This was a huge deal. We wouldn’t have made it otherwise as you will read.
On Thursday we got up and were ready to go by 7:15. We were at the Casey’s ready to go. And Jim and family were there to head to a an appointment in Kansas City, when Jim mentions, hey you have flat, sure enough the front tire of my bike was flat. Got that fixed and rode out of Casey’s and went 50 feet and the back tire went flat. This is the same tire that went flat on the first day. Ended up replacing the tire, inside of the tire was coming apart, and tube. About 8 miles later the front tire went flat again in the middle of know where but close to some shade. Tires held up rest of the day until we almost rolled into the camp ground, front tire went flat again. It was about a 32 mile day with some tough hills. We stayed at Watkin Mills State Park. It is the site of a woolen mill started in the 1850’s.
Today Friday, 6-11-10, started out over cast threatening rain then turned sunny and hot (low 90‘s), and humid. We visited the museum for the woolen mill and the family that had it and several other businesses based on water power, then steam power. We then headed for Smithville. Along the way, in Holt stopping by a store to cool off, we ran into Randy A. from the Kansas city area. A biker in a lot better shape than we are. He helped with ideas on a problem with the rear chain on the tandem binding up and jumping that started just before we got to Holt. We need to look at some different things to fix. It may be a problem with the front chain wheels. We made it almost to Smithville when Marta’s brother Tim rescued us from the heat. We are spending the night in a Hilton ($40 on Priceline) He is going to drop us in Fall City where we will pick up a package of supplies at the post office on Monday.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
6-3-10 Day 4
Tuesday We drove down to Hartford to visit the L&C Museum and get a couple new tires. We rode from ferry to ferry across the spit of land that is between the Ill. River and the Mississippi River. It was 11 miles but 10 were flat or uphill and the last mile was all down hill to the ferry. We then drove thru St. Charles and decided we could do without the dealing with riding through a big city. So we followed MO 94 which is a very windy road (good for driving little sports car Diana) to Marthaville which is one of the stops on the route, but doesn’t have much in the way of camping for pop ups. Talking with a fireman at the firehouse close to the trail, he suggested Herman MO. We used this as a base for a couple of days. The first night was a little harrowing with strong winds for a couple hours then heavy rain, which is fine, except for the sign on the bath house stating the creek we were set up to is prone to flash flooding. Didn’t sleep to well that night. It didn’t flood.
Wednesday we rode from Herman back toward St Charles on the KATY trail (old rail bed). For those I spoke with about the trip and winds, well the wind does blow east west, just to bad we were riding west to to east that day. We got in about 36 miles which left us just a little short of where the KATY hits St Charles. Emma and i had a nice lunch in a place which reminded me of Park Place in Wenoa. Food tastes pretty good after biking 24 miles
Today 6-3-10 we rode from Herman to Jefferson City, 42 miles 24 on regular bikes and then 6 miles with Marta on the tandem and 12 miles with Emma on the back of the tandem. We went pretty fast. We then moved up to New Franklin. to camp.
Seat is good legs feel like we rode 42 miles.
Tuesday We drove down to Hartford to visit the L&C Museum and get a couple new tires. We rode from ferry to ferry across the spit of land that is between the Ill. River and the Mississippi River. It was 11 miles but 10 were flat or uphill and the last mile was all down hill to the ferry. We then drove thru St. Charles and decided we could do without the dealing with riding through a big city. So we followed MO 94 which is a very windy road (good for driving little sports car Diana) to Marthaville which is one of the stops on the route, but doesn’t have much in the way of camping for pop ups. Talking with a fireman at the firehouse close to the trail, he suggested Herman MO. We used this as a base for a couple of days. The first night was a little harrowing with strong winds for a couple hours then heavy rain, which is fine, except for the sign on the bath house stating the creek we were set up to is prone to flash flooding. Didn’t sleep to well that night. It didn’t flood.
Wednesday we rode from Herman back toward St Charles on the KATY trail (old rail bed). For those I spoke with about the trip and winds, well the wind does blow east west, just to bad we were riding west to to east that day. We got in about 36 miles which left us just a little short of where the KATY hits St Charles. Emma and i had a nice lunch in a place which reminded me of Park Place in Wenoa. Food tastes pretty good after biking 24 miles
Today 6-3-10 we rode from Herman to Jefferson City, 42 miles 24 on regular bikes and then 6 miles with Marta on the tandem and 12 miles with Emma on the back of the tandem. We went pretty fast. We then moved up to New Franklin. to camp.
Seat is good legs feel like we rode 42 miles.
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