Sullivan to Potosi - Still all in Missouri

The forecast for today was for rain, starting early but light and continuing all day, getting harder after early afternoon. With that in mind, I tossed and turned all night - as if I could do anything about the weather, got up and out early, hoping to beat the heaviest part of the rain.

The route was more of the same, but added to that was the rain, a constant part of the mix, which thankfully was pretty light until I was about 15 miles from Potosi. The rain, if not falling really hard, is not much of a problem. I have pretty intense front and rear lights so am easily seen.

The biggest problem today is that the entire 35 miles from Sullivan to Potosi was on State Highway 185, a pretty heavily traveled road until well out of town. Even with my rear view mirror on my helmet, knowing those cars and trucks are passing within a foot or two of me makes for an intense ride. Having said that, it is my experience so far that all these drivers out here in the heartland are really, really courteous and careful. They do, when they can, give me lots of room as they move out of their lane to pass me. So thank you Missouri drivers.

Just a couple of pictures today because I continue to find that pictures cannot do justice to the elements I face on a daily basis.



Those of you who have reading this blog know I rescued a turtle from a road several days ago. Well, again today, another turtle crossing a busier road. He does not mind the rain, but would have minded being run over by a truck! Rest easy. Tonight he's home with Ms turtle and all the little turtles.




This quarter-mile long uphill bridge covers this stream.



I wish the congressman for this district represented us in Barrington. We'd have a mile long bridge over the E J & R tracks. Problem solved!

What do you notice about the flag today?



That's right. Besides being very wet, it is not blowing in the wind. Thank God for small favors.



I promise not to do this again, but I thought you ought to see what I face all along the route the past 3 days.



That downhill always leads to this...



That is an uphill. It is a mutha. It is just one of many like it, along with a whole lot of lesser muthas, it makes up my day. Just a couple more days in these Ozarks, and I'm on Mississippi flatlands, for at least a while.

Today was the day to get all the bugs out. In the rain, all those hills, a chain that caught as I shifted gears and a loose bolt on the fender. Instant by the roadside bicycle repair. Once the panic subsides, I find that I really do know how to fix these things.

Can you stand all the excitement? In, out of the rain, showered off and safe for the rest of the day. What will tomorrow bring?

One last thing. I am announcing a contest. The winner - one entry per person through Sunday midnight, gets their choice of either a Heath Bar, a Baby Ruth or an Almond Joy.

Here's the question. What color is the most favorite for owners for pick up trucks in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri? Not SUV's or crossovers. Just pickups. Prize will be awarded when I get back to town. In case of a tie, the decision will be at the sole discretion of the judge.

Finally, thanks to all who have called or emailed along the way to inquire about my safety, my sanity and my current state of being. Roger, Diane, Jack, Megan, Matt, Steve, Dave, Denise, Steve, Ray and Kerry and every morning and evening, Carla.

Special thanks to Renee, always upbeat and always forwarding me some of the greatest jokes I've ever heard/read. Keeps me laughing all the way.