Date: August 24, 2005
Route: St. Charles , MO to Festus , MO
Distance: 81miles
Ride Time: 6 hours
Elevation Climbed: 4000’
Weather: 70s high overcast
Log
Now there are only 16 of us continuing down stream. We decided to meet at the arch for a group shot on our way out of town. The problem with this plan was that the arch was at mile 32 … with lots of rush hour traffic and Missouri hills between our motel and downtown St. Louis . I left with Cindy, Daco, and Jim, all strong, city riders. I stuck to them as if my life depended on it --- and, in reality, it probable did! I worked hard keeping with them on the hills and they went at a moderate (for them) pace to not leave me behind.
At mile 23 we entered a bike path which took us all the way to the arch. We stopped for a picture at one of the exuberant murals. Daco decided to make a bee line for the arch and we picked up Jerry along the way. I made sure that Flat Caroline and Flat Jennifer got to sit on my bike seat with mom Cindy close at hand. Daco was waiting triumphantly for us at the top of the staircase leading to the arch. While waiting for everyone to arrive, I showed Susan, one of the staff members, that I had adopted her hanky habit. She uses it to dab her brow in hot or tough conditions, I will use it in surrender for the same.
The next 50 miles were typical Missouri riding: beautiful countryside, little towns, stinker hills. I had Josh, our mechanic, fuss with my brakes which have been embarrassing me with their screeching. He installed new pads and said that they were now safer, though not much quieter. Maybe they’ll settle down with the hard use they’ll get tomorrow on more Missouri hills.
