June 24 Crossing America

Eminence, MO – Hartville, MO.  Distance 79 miles, I rode 74.
Total distance traveled 1,589 miles, rode by bike 1,394.

As promised Gene Moll arrived at the campground last night to say he’d be riding with me
today.  Gladys his wife and he are camped in their Dodge Camper at the Alley Spring Campground.  They invited to come back and pick me up in the morning and shuttle me to Alley Spring in order to join them for breakfast.  They didn’t have to twist my arm much to agree to that game plan.   Gene arrived right at 7:00 AM as promised and we drove to Alley
Spring.  Looking at the hills I would have had to climb, made me happy to cut out this 5 mile section.  When we arrived at their campsite Gladys had pancakes, bacon, sausage, orange juice and hot coffee ready for us.  It tasted so gooood!

About the time we finished breakfast we could see the sky clouding over and the rumble of
thunder in the distance.  Don’t think there was much doubt in either of our minds we were going to get wet.  Before we got on the road Gene took me to see Alley Spring and the Red Mill which sits next to it. What an awe inspiring setting, Gene shared with me he had come to the Spring many times to write a Sunday sermon.  I can truly understand why, it was so peaceful and beautiful, this is the America I want to see on my journey.

Yep, you guessed it.  Mother nature opened up the sky and let loose with a thunderous and show of might and rain upon us for the first three hours of riding.  I had forgotten to bring my windbreaker and suffered the consequence of that foolish move.  At one time my left hand was so cold and numb I was unable to shift gears with it.  We kept riding through the thunderstorm in order for me to keep warm and it was a miserable ride.  I felt terrible for Gene to have driven over three hours one way to ride with me through one of the toughest sections of the Ozarks and have to do it in cold rain, too.   Later we were talking and I asked him why he had changed his mind to ride with me today.  We had discussed him
doing so but his schedule was full yet here he was riding with me.  His answer, “I’ve been reading your blogs and you’ve been a little testy, so thought you could use a morale builder”.  Brought tears to my eyes then and now as I write this.  Thank you Gene, it worked and even though the riding was tough this was my BEST day yet.  I wish you and Gladys could join me for the rest of my journey as you would be a great riding companion.  Gladys you would be the greatest SAG person ever.

Gene Moll and I at lunch break

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