Chillicothe, Missouri to Kirksville, Missouri 76 miles with 3142 feet of climbing

 

We continued our ride through the lush hills and valleys of Missouri today on our way to Kirksville. 

The first 25 miles were on a highway with a newly paved shoulder and only moderate traffic. After the first SAG at 28 miles, we were back on country roads with what a cyclist would describe as  "nonstop rollers." Hills and valleys that make the road feel like a rollercoaster of ups and downs. You pedal like crazy in your highest gear on the descents in order to get the most momentum you can for the following climb up the hill. Because these roads are not graded like major highways, the steepness on the uphills can get up to 11 and 12 percent. Add that to today's heat, and you could see the toll it took on the riders at the second SAG. Most everyone seemed to be feeling the challenge of the hills and the heat. 

The second SAG, at 53 miles, was at a farmhouse on top of a hill. As far as the eye could see in every direction, there were fields of cows, thick forests of trees, or fields planted with crops. The owners of the farm were not there, but evidently, they agree to let Crossroads use their shaded side yard for a SAG stop. 

As always, at the second SAG stop, my focus was on drinking enough water or Gatorade, nibbling on something sugary, and, most importantly, knowing how many more miles I had until I reached the hotel. Today that number was 24. 

I did remember these roads from my ride four years ago. The first climb of the afternoon looked very familiar to me as it was directly in the sun. I can remember just crawling up it and baking four years ago. A few miles down the road, I saw a small turnout where the SAG vehicle had stopped back in 2019 so we could get our rain gear. That day there was thunder and lightning and some rain. A few more miles down this same up-and-down winding road, I distinctly remember almost losing it on a fast descent on the rain-slick roads. I came very close to crashing that day. These little reminders of how dangerous it can be to ride a bike serve to keep me focused and safe despite the heat and fatigue. 

I wish I could say that the last 24 miles felt as good as the first 52, but that was not the case. My legs were fine, but my stomach was not happy after about 65 miles. Despite all that, I made it to the hotel, checked in, and had a beer which, for some reason, calms my stomach.  Go figure.

Tonight we are eating at a local steak house. 

I believe tomorrow, we cross the Mississippi River and enter Illinois.