Monday, June 30, 2014
Why Not!
Monday, June 30, 2014:
The last day of the month of June. June having in it the first day of summer, the start of the hot season. June is also one of the four months with only 30 days. Not a particularly good month for anything particular, certainly not for going after big monthly bicycle mileage .... it's a day short. If I was going to do that, I'd certainly have picked one of the 31 day months. I finished up my ride yesterday .... the day before the last day of the month with 772 miles total for the month. The only reason for that many was the 365 miles I had put on while doing the Prairie Spirit Trail and the Katy Trail this month. 772 miles, and the next to the last day of the month of June ..... most people would have looked at that and been more than satisfied. For me ..... it's not any record, I've had two months with over 1000 miles since I've been keeping track with a bike log, and a couple more with 900, so nothing special really, not even for a 30 day month. So really, I should have been pretty happy with this accomplishment, after all, how many people actually ride a bike 772 miles in any month .... really? Plus, the weather forecast was for a windy day today, and very muggy, not exactly the kind of weather I like to ride in. For once, the weather forecaster got it right. Winds right up there at 16-18mph and gusty at 6am this morning, from the south, and hydrating would be no problem ....... you would inhale a 20 ounce bottle of water an hour just with the air you breathed. So, at 6am, I walked outside, and felt the wind pushing me, looked up and saw the stiff old oak trees bend over at the top, and said that this, this day would be a great day to do some indoor bike maintenance. The cat tried to follow me out to the shop, and got blown sideways under my pickup, finally gave up and headed back for the safeness and serenity of the garage. I puttered around, and cleaned a chain, swapped out the stock saddle on my gravel bike for a Fizik Rondine that I had, and I remembered was a pretty good saddle. I had the Rondine on my touring bike for a while. After 365 miles in a week on the stock Cannondale Quick saddle left me thinking I needed something a bit different to try. Why buy something new if you have something here to try. So, I switched it out and I'll give that one a try one of these days.
772 miles ...... WHY is this working on me so much. It's a good number....... NO it's not! It's too short! It's only 28 miles short of being 800. Why is 800 a great number ...... I don't know ..... maybe because it's not 772, a number too short by 28. Alright, wind or no wind ...... I'm riding! Go in the house, change my clothes, grab a full 25 ounce water bottle, and head out the door and down to the shop. Hmmmmmm .... the wind seems even stronger now, no, it's just my imagination, really, back to the house, look at the wind gauge on the computer, yep ..... 18-20mph now, it IS a little stronger. Okay, I'll settle for 772 ...... back to the house, pour another cup of coffee ........ Like HELL am I gonna settle for 772, a number too short by 28. Stomp back out to the shop, grab my helmet, stick the water bottle on the bike, and left .... left .......as in leaning over to the left trying to stay upright. I'm going to do this, I AM!!! Turned north and headed for the main road. WHOA!!! hardly pedaling and I'm cruising along at 16, this isn't so bad. Hey, dummy ...... you are sooner or later going to have to go the other way, you know? So, finally, out on the road, and now I'm not turning back. Got out, finished a 32 mile ride, drenched in sweat from head to toe, running down through my eyes and burning as it did, cycling kit that I could wring the water out. 32 hilly miles, angry at myself for all the procrastination, meant that I pushed myself harder than normal, but I finished that 32 mile ride, and did it with a 15.4 average speed. 804 miles for the month, was not a new record for me, but it was the highest mileage month this year, and while 15.4mph average isn't a new record either, I thought it pretty good for a blustery day. In the end, I felt good, drenched in sweat, water bottle empty, muscles sore all over, hot, achy, and brimming with accomplishment. Hmmmmm ......804 miles .....is this going to work on me ...... HELL NO!!!! I'm satisfied!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Katy Trail 2014, Day 6
Friday;
Sedalia to Clinton, 39 miles;
Another short day, and our last on the trail. Many have the return bus trip to Columbia and St Charles to make, and a shorter trail day makes it possible. More headwinds today ...... would there be any doubt? Relatively flat day today with just a couple of long up and down gentle grades, BUT ........ we did reach the highest point on the trail at an oxygen depriving 955 feet above sea level. Gasping for breath, I managed to pedal right on by the sign this year without having to stop .... the next 30 miles is all downhill ..... just kidding ..... no it's not, plus we got a headwind.
A few pretty wildflowers along the way to brighten my morning.
Rob came up and took the lead from me for a while and relieved some of the pressure of having to fight the wind the rest of the way to Clinton. Before you knew it, here we are at the Clinton Trailhead.
Before long, Kelley and Jim showed up, and here is the four of us, Conquerors of the Trail! For Kelley and Rob and I, the end of our second trip, once each direction, for Jim, he can no longer say that he's always wanted to do this ..... because he did! Having ridden this trail in both directions, I can honestly say, that the west to east direction is a bit easier, not because it's downhill, but because of the constant headwind on the east to west. But, you just gotta do it both ways and find out for yourself.
Here's the four Bikesateers, after conquering the Katy, and in the toughest direction .... finished! At the Clinton Trailhead, at last.
The end of the trail is always so bittersweet to me, it means I accomplished what I had set out to do, but after all the trials and tribulations, all the fun and enjoyment and food and drink and laughs and all that we shared together, it means saying goodbye to our friends and heading our separate ways to our homes once again. I'm going to miss all of you! I probably won't miss the bug bites, rashes, and sunburned nose too much, but, hey, it's all part of the deal.
They served us lunch today, and I gathered up my bags, carried them one more time and put them in my car, got a shower, said all my goodbyes, and left for the six hour trip home. About an hour out of Clinton, my phone rang .... startled me, I picked it up and answered ...... it was the tour director asking me if I had made it off the trail okay today. In all the excitement of finishing and all the goodbyes, and thinking about the fact the ride is finished, and leaving for home .... I had forgotten to check in at the information booth. If he could have seen me over the phone, he'd have seen my blush. So they called to make sure I was alright. See, these people even watch over you even after the ride. What a great bunch of people to ride with. This was another absolutely great ride on the Katy Trail, it's just no wonder it is The premier trail to ride in the country, it's definitely a gotta-do. Once again, I'll state here, that you can do it yourself, but why would you want to when you can be pampered and taken care of all the way across, AND, make wonderful friends as a bonus, for just about the same amount of money and time involved. Me, I'll do it with the State Parks any ol' time! Plus, you get all this neat schwag ....
And so ends another ride on the Katy..... Loved the ride, the people, and the fun and good times. Do it!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Katy Trail 2014, Day Five
Thursday;
Boonville to Sedalia,
After our dinner in downtown Boonville, we decided to walk back to the campground. It seemed a good excuse to find an ice cream shop. The one we wanted was, of course, closed, but we did find a Dairy Queen which was open. I also found this cool art-deco bicycle.
When we arrived back at camp, we found that the town of Boonville provided us with entertainment in the form of a baseball game!
The next morning, we were up and at 'em early, ate pancakes and sausage, and fresh fruit with the Pancake Man. Then hit the trail. A rather uneventful morning so far except for the everyday headwind. Headed for Pilot Grove we noticed a large group of bicyclists gathered around a bike with apparent tire problems. There was quite a few riders there, so I felt they didn't need us. Later, at the Pilot Grove rest stop, Kathy told me that the tire, or wheel problems were not fixable there, so the Park Ranger showed up, gave his bike to the lady with the problem and let her ride to the next stop, while he pushed her bike and called for our roving bike shop to meet them for a fix. How about that for taking care of riders, and dedication to duty. The Rangers were always with us, riding the trails, and watching over us all night long keeping us and our camp as well as our gear safe. What a great privilege to ride this route with such a great bunch of people in charge.
I met this Ranger coming at me across the bridge.
Pilot Grove rest stop and trailhead.
The country changes on this section of the trail as we move away from the river. The trail is actually quite hilly all the way now to Clinton, with long gentle up and downgrades. The countryside is also more farming country with corn and wheat and hay fields.
At the top of one of the long upgrades we usually had a cut through the limestone to mark it. Then we could boogie for the next few miles.
I noticed this little footpath leading up and away from the trail, so I got off the bike to see where it went.
And where it went was here ....... a unique little Eco-structure all it's own, looking like it would be more in place in the mountains than here in Missouri. People tell me that there are some words spelled out up here with rocks that can be seen after hiking up to the top of yonder limestone cliffs, but I never found out. They also said you can see the words from space ...... I never found that out either. I did, however find a very pretty area and didn't regret the hike at all.
I also found this pretty yucca in full bloom just to add to my good fortune.
Back on the trail, I was fortunate enough to capture a rider going by the only surviving signal light on the entire trail.
The top of another upgrade
Just before we got to Clifton City, there was an Amish family selling home-made cookies and lemonade alongside the trail. They wouldn't let me take their pictures, but they would let me buy their cookies, and they were very good. Downtown Clifton City could use a bit of renovation.
The old buildings and overgrown ditches did allow for some unique photos though.
And the top of yet another hill ......
Hilltops alternating with farmland, alternating with tree canopy.
A short but hilly and windy 37 mile day brought us to Sedalia and their wonderfully restored depot, bike shop, food vendors, and museum. A good place to kill an hour or so before heading for the park. It was still early, a bit before noon.
More Ranger presence walking through the camp checking on everyone. There is always a Ranger with this ride from the beginning to the end 24 hours a day. When you ride with the State Park Trail Ride, they think of everything, and take care of you like one big happy family. In fact by this time, all of us were thinking we were like one big happy family.
There is a live steamer and track around the park, and they brought it out for a ride around the park. Does this engineer look like he's having fun, or what?
We had lots of time to kill before dinner, which would be served "in house" tonight. I had plenty of time to ride downtown for a Guinness on tap, and ride back for a circuitous route through town to admire the many pretty old houses and fine downtown architecture. I covered a few miles, and thoroughly enjoyed a couple hour ride.
Dinner tonight was excellent! Bar-b-que brisket, roast turkey, baked potato, fruit, and a wonderful dessert. We shouldn't need to find ice cream tonight. After dinner, we had our riders meeting which ended with our group photo just before sundown.
As I said before, we were by now, one big happy family. This is Kathy and Becky, two of my friends from last year's ride, and even better friends after this ride. Such nice gals, both of them.
It wasn't long after this that darkness descended on us, and I turned in to prepare for our last day on the trail. Tomorrow will be another short 39 mile day.
Katy Trail 2014 Day Four
Wednesday;
Another 50 miles day today, from Jefferson City to Boonville. Saw a few things along the trail I hadn't seen the last time through. One, at least, by accident. Up at 5am and packed up, took our gear to the trucks and rode a few miles to breakfast. We were hungry when we got there. The pancake man was there with french toast, sausage, and fresh cut fruit ..... yum! The local TV station was also taking video of us coming down the new bridge ramp, and at breakfast, and of course, the Pancake Man put on a bit of a show for them. He is such a showman, with a personality that won't stop.
I think it's impossible to go across the Jefferson City Bridge without stopping for a picture of the Capitol, especially in the early morning light.
Breakfast with the Pancake Man!
Restricted Parking ....... that means no cars, bikes only, right? Works for me!
Kelley and Rob leaving out ahead of me in the morning light with looonngg shadows.
Another early morning shot of a pretty farm right along the trail, and freshly mowed hay.
I know everyone has heard of the Cadillac Ranch, this must be the "Boat-au-Lac" ranch.
"For sale, in quaint Missouri town. Small town charm, quality built solid brick home with fireplace and front porch. One owner with many unique features including a comfy front porch chaise. Beautiful shade trees in back, and overlooking the Katy Trail with instant access, reduced price on this unique home if you buy today"
Last time around I looked for the "Old Burr Oak", a tree that is estimated to be around 375 years old, and thanks to good directions from Kathy, this time I found it. It's about a quarter mile off the trail, and even from a distance it's impressive. If you compare the trunk to my bike, you can see that it's probably close to 12 feet in diameter. Still very healthy looking, it was already an old tree when Lewis and Clark came by. Quite an amazing sight.
I didn't want it to fall over while I was there, so I thought I'd hold it up for a bit.
This area is noted for towering limestone cliffs on one side of the trail, and trees and the river on the other side. A very pretty area to ride through. The scenery changes constantly as you ride the trail, from one end to the other, so it's very hard to get bored.
A little break waiting for the others to catch up. A pretty little bench overlooking the river, time for a little rest and ....
A little snack! Grabbed an extra bag of freshly made granola from the last rest stop, it was delicious, so I ate it all!
Before long we were in Rocheport, and this is the Main street. As you can see, the flag is standing out to the east from the pole. A reminder that we have had headwinds every single solitary day this week. All the bikes you see are at the Rocheport General Store, a good place to eat and drink along the trail. We decided to push on to Boonville, however and eat lunch there as it was only 10:30am here.
Rocheport of course is famous for having the only tunnel on the Katy Trail, and here is yours truly exiting the tunnel. Picture courtesy of Kelley.
New Franklin, Missouri, is known as the Mother of the Santa Fe Trail. The monument here depicts early pioneers along the trail. This must be new as it is right on the trail and I never saw it before. Some beautiful art work etched on polished granite. I only wish my camera would have picked it up better.
I've known there was a campground in Franklin called the Katy Roundhouse, but always thought they were just using the name.
But then ..... I found this ...... an original engine turntable, not in the best of shape anymore, but still holding together well enough to tell what it was. I didn't find any actual roundhouse to go with the turntable, but it had to be right here with it. This, I never knew was here either. See what you find when you venture off the trail even just a little ways?
We rode the short distance from Franklin to Boonville and into town across the dedicated protected bike lane on the bridge over the river. At the bottom, we stopped at the restaurant where we were planning on eating only to find a "closed" sign. I swear, this luck is going to follow us everywhere. fortunately, Boonville has several restaurants, and just up the street was a nice little place where I had a salad from a very fresh, nicely stocked salad bar. Something cold just hit the spot. We then headed to the park and set up camp for another night. I think I must have set up a bit too close to the woods as I ended up with some very itchy insect bites to go along with my red ankle rash. Oh well, tent camping isn't for the timid.
Dinner here was another $10 Boonville Bucks check, and a bus trip into town. We did find a restaurant that had good food and was a bit trendy and atmospheric, and the food was good, although I think when it said "special menu and pricing for Katy Trail riders", what that really meant was that they doubled their normal prices just for us. The ten dollar check helped though, and the food and drink was good. A quiet night and a good nights sleep, and I never knew about the new bites until after we got going in the morning. Ah me, burned nose, rashy ankles, itchy bites...... it's all part of the experience.
Katy Trail 2014 Day Three
Tuesday;
Hermann to Jefferson City;
Another day begins at 5am as we awaken and break down our camp, pack everything back up (why do my duffels get smaller but heavier every day?) and carry them over to the waiting luggage truck.
Our luggage loaders and drivers are hard at it at 5am every morning.
What a great breakfast buffet.
The next treat that even some many timers didn't know about was that the Hermann fire department had this wonderful fire museum, which was open for our viewing pleasure.
All this equipment came from the Hermann department from the mid 1800's to today. What a wonderful display, and a great way to start the day. Soon, however, it was back outside, find where we left our bikes and head up the hill and back to the bridge across the river.
The very nice dedicated bikeway keeping us safe as we cross the river. The State of Missouri has spent a lot of money and effort in developing safe and easy access to towns along the river. Hermann is a couple miles off the trail via public highway, and we had a nice wide bike lane and this isolated bike corridor to and from the Katy Trail. Great job, Missouri Parks Department!
The Missouri in the morning.
Okay, so it isn't all quite completed yet. We had to hike-a-bike down from the highway to the trail down a freshly mowed pathway. It wasn't long nor difficult.
And then, it was up the trail for 50 miles to Jefferson City, our next overnight stop.
When we arrived at Jefferson City, we had the pleasure of riding up the new bike access ramp and across the dedicated bike corridor into the capitol city itself.
We had decided to eat at Angelina's restaurant and it sounded like a place that might serve Mexican food, which would have been okay with me. Plus, it was just a half mile from the park. It turned out to be a rather hilly ride, a bit longer than I expected, but sure enough, we found Angelina's only to ride up to the front door and be greeted by a big sign that said "Closed Tuesdays" ...... Ah me, our luck. There was a convenience store conveniently across the street that was open on Tuesdays, so we went and grabbed a bite to eat there before riding on and setting up our camp site for the night.
My bike is beginning to look more and more like a touring bike with all the laundry hanging off it. When I shower, I do my laundry as well. Then hang it to dry, which didn't take too long. A wonderful invention, the portable shower truck. It works great, we get hot showers every night, sinks for shaving and other personal needs, and it travels right along with us. Just another example of the State of Missouri having done this long enough to know how to do it right.
Electronics charging station, it's a maze, but it works.
And last today, but certainly not least, a photo of some of our tired staff. This was taken late in the day, when they were about ready to call it a day, but when I asked for a photo, they all got together for me. This ride just could not happen if not for the tireless efforts of the State Parks staff. These wonderful hard working people loaded and unloaded luggage every day, emptied trash containers, saw to our every need, helped out serving meals, set up and packed away the information and concession booths every day, and worked their fannies off for about 15 hours a day. And I haven't even mentioned, making everything go like clockwork. I can't praise nor thank our wonderful staff enough. The staff and the Park Rangers accompanied us every day, seeing to our needs and keeping us safe. They take all the worries away and let us concentrate on riding our bikes and having a great time. This is what makes this ride so special, these very special people. Thank all of you so very much!
And with the credits done, it's getting to be time to turn in and get a good night's sleep. Another 50 mile day awaits us tomorrow.
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