June 23 Crossing America

Farmington, MO – Eminence, MO.  Distance 88 miles, I rode 62 miles.
Total distance traveled through today 1,510 miles, miles ridden by bike 1,320.

Al's Place Bicyclist HostelFarminton, MO

Before getting to today’s ride, I’d like to back up and share with you the wonderful
facility the community of Farmington has established for the touring bicyclists
traveling through their community.  They have converted a 135 year old jail into a safe haven for cyclists called “Al’s Place, a bicyclist hostel”   The jail is a two story rock structure, the lower level has a locked bicycle storage area to keep bikes safe at night.  The second floor has 3 bedrooms which have 7 bunk beds which will accommodate 14 persons.  Each bed had a mattress, pillow, clean linens for them, blanket and bath towel.  The bathroom is divided into two shower areas with toilet in each, a common double sink and counter between the tw o showers, a kitchen with refrigerator (stocked with some goodies and soda pop available on an honor system), microwave and hot plated, kitchen table to seat 4 and a nice lounge area with two very comfortable sofas.   The entire place was extremely clean and orderly.  I highly recommend any cyclist passing through Farmington to make this a “MUST STAY” stop over.  Thank you to the entire community of Farmington for taking care of us poor and weary touring bicyclist, OUTSTANDING!

Knowing this is going to be one of the hardest ride days yet, I was up and on the road by
6:15.  To my delight and surprise, the first 30 or so miles were relatively flat and made very good time.  Then the true hills of the Ozarks reared their ugly head and laid waste to my body and mind.  About 45 miles out, my knees said enough you old fool.  Thus I  dismounted and stuck my thumb out as the next pick-up came by and to my surprise the guy pulled over and asked if I needed a ride.  Yea, I sure did.  He even picked up my bike and set it in his truck for me.  He was going to Ellington about 10 miles down the road fine with me.  He had warned me the toughest hills were yet to come which would be just before Owl’s Bend to Eminence actually through Alley Springs, but that section will be on tomorrow’s route.

About 5 miles out of Ellington while crawling up yet another steep hill, Pepper came along
with the Support van.  I didn’t try to hale him down as thought it would be useless.
However he surprised me as he pulled over, got out of the van and asked if I was OK.  To which I replied, “No, I’m whipped both physically and mentally”.  Pepper then said get in, I’ll give you a ride besides I want to talk to you about your blogging.  OK, I said and we were on our way.

Pepper immediately told me he had been reading my blogs and was especially upset and
took it personal at my remarks of yesterday when I stated, “This group of crew leaders has no clue” and my comment about him not being able to come up with an adventure to relate to the reporter.  OK, I was critical with my comments and need to clarify for you the reader of my journal.

First regards to “This group of Leaders has not a clue” was not meant to be a personal attack bu rather my honest opinion of the situation.  The Bike the US for MS group is in it’s infancy and this is only the third year they have had the Trans Am ride open to
anyone who raises the required $3,785.00 in donations so they have a lot to learn logistically for varied needs and ability of riders.  According to Pepper this is the first year
they have had anyone over 40 years old on the ride and they have 6 of us.  There is a substantial difference between the ability and recovery of a twenty some year old compared to the over 50 year olds, except for maybe the extremely fit older athlete.  Our bodies for instance need more rest in order to recover.  Pepper and the rest of the crew leaders if you watch closely at us over 50 in the mornings we hobble around camp until our joints loosen up.   Another big difference older folks generally get up earlier.  Why?
Because our aches and pains drive us out of our tent.  Another reason we know there is a hard day ahead and we want to get at it while our energy level is high.  You can also throw in the wind is usually less earlier in the day and we want to take advantage of that all we can.

Two major points of distinction with the Bike the US for MS group; First the goal is to raise as much money as possible to fight Multiple Sclerosis with the least amount of expenses.  Thus the accommodations for our Trans Am crossing are Spartan, which is very much an understatement.  I can accept this idea but likewise, I definitely believe this fact needs to be incorporated into the promotion of the ride to avoid conflicts once folks are on the ride.  The cause is worthy and I believe folks will still sign up for the ride but they also would be better prepared mentally for the arduous task ahead.  Second objective is complete the Trans Am crossing in 60 days to accommodate those of college age who will be needing to prepare for the Fall term.   I definitely feel the goal as this ride is done, a person can have braggingi rights that he/she rode their bicycle across America one summer.  To that end the daily pace and distance are cast in stone with no flexibility.   Ultimately the blame for failing to realize this is with me as I saw the agenda in
advance.  That said, in my defense I thought the organizers must know what is reasonably doable, which they are but again for a twenty something not a 50+ age group. My opinion for a reasonable solution, if someone can’t physically or mentally be able to complete a full
day of riding he/she should be welcome to ride in the van.  Most of us want to be able to say we rode across America and will give it our best shot so I don’t think you would see
any of us abusing the option of being able to take a break from the saddle?

The above was discussed with Pepper and I find him to be reasonable and of good
judgment. He busts his chops to address the needs of all of us the best he can.  I worry he will burn himself out trying to do it all.  Pepper take good notes of what works, doesn’t work and incorporate them into future Trans Am Crossings or whatever tours you become involved.  You’re intelligent and sure to be a success at the logistical needs of a varied group of riders.  I’d hire you if I were a tour operator.

Pepper pulled the van over for the last water break before Eminence about 14 miles out.  We shook hands and I once again mounted my bike for the final push knowing full well from the guy who gave me a ride earlier it would have some of the day’s most difficult hills to climb.  I made it and still alive to write about it.

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