Independence Day in the Hills Day 32

We're in Kirksville, Missouri, on July 4th, 2007. Almost all the riders wore either AbB jerseys, or other Jerseys that reflected our flag and/or red, white or blue. We were asked to do so by the AbB staff, and except for a few "hold outs", most agreed it was a great idea.

We even had a bicycle decorating contest--the decorations had to be worn on the bike ride, at least until the first SAG stop at mile 31. Many riders decorated their bikes. Certainly my wife would have as well.......

We cycled very rural and hilly roads today, but were blessed with a tail wind--our first true tail wind in weeks! So I didn't find the ride difficult. One of the advantages of my large size is that I can carry alot of speed down one of these "rollers", and keep that momentum well into the following climb. However, some of the climbs were very steep, so the lower gears got their fair share of usage.

We had a light rain for about 30 minutes, but otherwise it was fairly warm. I rode much of the day with Pete (from New Jersey) in the middle photo, and David (from Atlanta, Ga.), who gets my vote for the bike decorating contest. He rode this get-up all day. In the picture above, he is storming up a steep (trust me) hill. He was huffing and puffing (and coming on fast!) until he saw the camera--then the biggest smile appeared! Way to go, David.

Notice the "rollers" behind David, and even more so on the first picture. If you "double click" on it, you can see the road ahead in the distance. There were many "ups and downs and ups" before we reached the far hills in the distance, including a "wall" after we crossed a creek (obscured by the trees).

On arriving to the hotel, many of us briefly showered, then enjoyed the hot tub and pool. You could literally "roll" over the wall from the hot tub to the pool when you were hot, then back into the hot tub when you felt cool. I had about 10 "rolls"!

Tomorrow will be our last day in Missouri, as we will ride a ferry across the Mississippi River when we reach it. But the AbB staff promises more fun hills on the way to the Mighty Mississip.