Jeff’s Missouri Bicycle Trip Report - 05/25/09
Day 8 - Afternoon
Beyond Lowry City, it started to rain. Not enough to put on my
rain gear, I thought. Later it was raining a little harder. By then, I was too
wet to bother with the rain gear. This picture was to show how wet things were,
but I think it shows better that I’m not very good at taking in-focus
pictures. 
Here’s what I was heading into – nothing severe. 
And here’s what I’d come through. 
During the day
several cars in the opposite northbound lanes honked “Hi” as they went by. No
honks though from southbound traffic, which I considered a good thing. I saw
a small flag on the side of the road, and decided it would make a nice addition
to my bike, considering it was Memorial Day. 
Here’s better
evidence that it was wet. 
The showers were
off and on, finally ending in the later afternoon. I walked up some of the
hills. At the top of one hill was an intersecting road, where a small pickup
truck with 2 men was stopped. When I got to it, the driver said, “How long
have you been walking that bike?” I told him just up this hill. We talked about
my final destination, and the hills between Bolivar and Springfield - one was
big enough to have a name (that I don’t remember). I told them of my plans to
use the Frisco Highline Trail from Bolivar to Springfield. They thought that was
a good idea. They also offered me a ride to Bolivar, but of course, staying on
(or beside) the bike was the whole point of the trip. Finally, Bolivar was in
sight. 
In Bolivar, while still on Route 13, I passed 3 motels,
all together on a frontage road, and decided the 1st one I could get to would
work. At 5:45 p.m. I arrived at the Super 8. They also let me keep my bike in the
room. There weren’t any nearby places to eat, so I decided to stay in the room,
unpack all the wet items, shower, and eat sardines for supper. 
I really
appreciated the coffee maker in the room (another one of those 1 cup units),
using both the caffeinated and decaffeinated brewing packs. Watched a little TV,
including the end of Sergeant York. Had to turn the room AC on “heat” to
dry out my boots, which made the room a little warm. Subject:
Day 8 - wet!
Date: Monday,
5-25-2009 8:34 p.m. Up at 7 a.m.
8:35 a.m. motel breakfast.
9:38 a.m.
leave.
South on route 13. Wide shoulder except at 3 bridges.
11:50 a.m.
stopped in Lowry City for an orange juice ($1.70).
After that - RAIN!
By
the time I knew I should have rain suit on, it was too late. Rain quit about 6
miles from Bolivar.
5:45 p.m. Super 8 in Bolivar ($58).
Spread out everything
to dry out.
Note for Tahdra: bring a pair of boots also.
Sardines,
crackers, raisins, pop tarts, coffee for supper.
60 miles
6:45
moving
8.7 mph average
Frisco highline trail tomorrow (35+
miles).
Almost there!
Jeff Day 8: 59 miles in 8 hours, 7
minutes = 7.3 mph.
Spent: $1.70 (orange juice) + $58.03 plus $12 tip (motel)
= $71.73.
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