Even though it was 80 degrees and sunny it was a comfortable day to ride. This was my first bike tour through Missouri. I found the people welcoming and since the Adventure Cycling Association produced a tour route map set of the Mother Road, more cyclists are going through these towns. The ACA also runs organized tours of Route 66. https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/interactive-network-map/ During the trip I have witnessed many abandoned buildings. Over the years the path of Route 66 has changed. When this happens it is very difficult for businesses to survive. Interstate 44 takes all the traffic but the locals and nostalgia seekers.
It is sad to see the building like this because at one time they were the pride and joy of someone's life. What pride it is to have the family name on a building.
0 Comments
It is best to start early in the day. I will set my alarm for 5:15 a.m. I can get my gear packed and be loaded on the bike while it is still dark and use my strong light for seeing the road. At night I will soak steel cut oatmeal and raisins to be ready for breakfast. I need something fast to give me some energy to start the day. I will look for a good local spot for breakfast. The number of cars outside is a good indication of a good meal. You must take precautions with the COVID-19 virus still going strong. and flaring up in the state. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and wear gloves. My Buff neck gaiter is used for my mask. I had a wonderful ride through the park fire trail with the fat bike. The birds were chirping. The inside was just rotting away. I don't want to be around when it goes completely down. I wonder if it fell over in yesterday's wind. Don't think that there was snow today. 85 degrees. Flat here.
A little warmer today getting into the low 80s. Today I experienced the strongest wind so far. A tailwind can speed you up, but today I had a head wind up to 20 mph. Oh, does that beat you down, but luckily it was not the whole day. Fighting the wind sure takes your energy. As I stopped under these tall trees I could hear them creak and crack due to the strong winds; I felt that I should move on. There is one of these near my home at Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall. I was glad that stores were opened recently during the pandemic. The capacity of customers allowed to come in is half of what is normally allowed. When carrying all your gear means that you travel as light as you can. I picked up some freeze dried suppers. These are always good to keep because you cannot always get to a place to buy food. You need fuel for your tank. Museums are still closed due to the pandemic. Red's Giant Hamburgers is credited with being the first restaurant with a drive through window. Red Chaney came to town after World War Two and bought a service station. In 1947 he opened the cafe. This was a popular stop for many decades. It closed in 1984 and recently reopened. A good smooth trail was enjoyed today,
Cloudy and 74 degrees. Another pleasant day to be on the road. I am looking to see other tour cyclists going either direction. I look forward to hearing about what they suggest about a place to see or stay. I have also received route adjustments that are current. I always travel with a paper map and cue sheet. Solely relying on the electronic version can fail and you need a back up. Conway's Welcome Center I like a smooth road. I could use a little bigger shoulder, but the drivers give you plenty of space when they pass you.
Today it was only 72 degrees. The humidity could be lower. The rain never appeared. The traffic was light. One thing I fear besides many large trucks and trailers on the road is being chased by dogs. I carry this with dog repellent with me. I have never had to use it, so I hope that it works when I need it. Through the day I will take plenty of breaks to recharge and see interesting spots. Do you think that I had enough energy to finish my ride today? I love Redmon Candy Factory. What a great find. This motel was built in 1946 and it is still going strong. Below is a restored cabin from Camp Joy in Lebanon. This travel camp started in the late 1920s before the route was first designated. This was a place to set your tent for $1 and then these cabins were built. Bonnie and Clyde stayed in for a couple of days, but left just before anyone suspected their identity. This cabin in the photo has been donated to the city as a remembrance
Weather is key to my day. What will the condition be? I check it out frequently. I do not want to be caught in rough weather. Looking ahead a couple of days it will be clear. The humidity was high at 79% and that made it a little hard to breathe. The phone is a great way to keep up on the forecast. Looking for photo worthy scenes helps to keep me observant. In Waynesville is the Old Stagecoach Stop. It was originally build in the mid 1800s. During the Civil War the Union forces commandeered it for a hospital. After the war it returned to being a hotel. The interior is decorated with period furnishings. Very nice. Bear Creek Conservation Area. Many nice trails to explore. The tent is ready to give me a good night's rest.
|
AuthorI love my riding days and look to find interesting and informative items to share. Archives
October 2023
Categories
All
Pacific Coast Highway
MUP |