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.
Rich, I really enjoy your blog and your pics are fantastic. I'm glad you share your riding experiences with us. I visited the museum in Hermann when my wife & I rode the Katy Trail.
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