Day 41: missing Missouri and crossing the Mississippi

It is not so much the state itself that I miss but the people I left behind. It is always hard the first day out after a good visit, but today feels extra lonely. Luckily, I am combating the post-visit depression with a few big milestones and an awesome place to "camp" for the night.

I crossed over the mighty Mississippi River in the late afternoon. I decided to soak in the last day with the Tagliaferres and didn't get back on the road until four o'clockish. Hanging out with them was the right decision. I did a short day into Chester, IL and am staying in a bunkhouse with a fan and air conditioner. The local chapter of the Eagles maintains it behind their building and it is great. I made a few phone calls, took a shower and am turning in early. Putting in a good day of biking tomorrow will surely raise my spirits.

Chester is the birthplace of Popeye, I made sure to shave in St Louis so I could make a good Popeye face:



Stats and highlights

Ozora MO to Chester IL
Miles: 20
Weather: sunny and moderate temps
Highlights:

Spending time with family

Crossing Mississippi

Chatting with some Chester youth

A nice lady buying me my subway sandwich

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.