Day 40: a dog's life

After biking through Kansas and now most of Missouri, it is time for a break. And where better to take one than somewhere with family? So today I took a cue from Buddy (pictured bellow) and just lounged around for most of the day with the Tagliaferres. I spent the day with my Aunt Val, Uncle Lou, and cousins Paige and Taylor. They all live here in St. Louis. As part of our lounging we watched the Olympics, played video games like Just Dance 3, ate ice cream from The Malt Shop, drank slushies, watched The Blindside, and laughed at their dog Buddy. While we loafed around like champs, Gladiator was in the bike shop getting cleaned up and tuned up. We both should be ready to ride tomorrow, but it will be hard to leave after having had such a wonderful visit!




How can you say goodbye to those eyes?

Day 39: the chain tool

Today was all about getting to Ozora. That is the town where I met the MO Tagliaferres. They took me back to their place here in St Louis where I will spend tonight and tomorrow.

The first part of the day was great. I woke up early and enjoyed the cool weather. I stopped at a grocery store for lunch and helped a guy who got locked out of his car.

The real drama happened during the final 20 mile stretch. I found myself pedaling just ahead of a storm. Eventually the thunder and lightening caught up to me and I ducked into shelter:

A few years ago I let a bike shop guy talk me into buying a chain tool. Since then, I have debated bringing it on my trip and whether or not I should send it home. Well, 2 miles after the storm passed I busted my chain. I was he-man charging up a hill and I guess my massive quads were too much for the chain. Good thing I had my chain tool! I fixed it right up and pedaled the rest of the way to Ozora with no problems.

Now I am lounging with the family watching the Olympics.



- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 38: stats and highlights

Houston MO to Ellington MO
Miles: 70ish
Weather: partly cloudy, cool breeze, hot, humid

Highlights:

Breakfast with Fred.





The Ozarks. They are full of steep climbs, but beautiful scenery. It is nice to see forests and mountains and streams and rivers again.


This is the Current River





Finding a fire tower to climb up and look around at the forest.






Staying with Herman in Ellington. We talked about lots of stuff from his childhood in Germany during the war, to how we store food onboard the boats I work for. Awesome visit!


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.