Fijis Across America 2010

The integrity of the upright will guide them. 

Proverbs 11:3 

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/eminence-/956126480591238308

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Today I awoke once again off the ground to the early morning coolness. It hurt somewhat to sleep on a creek bed consisting of various sedimentary rocks, but I managed.  The added stomach ache, probably originating from many accumulated things such as eating two full Taco Bell quesadillas and about a liter of root beer the night before, did not make anything feel better. Dang, today is going to be a long day. Not only do I have stomach issues, but I am dehydrated as well. Stupid, stupid, stupid.  Oh well nothing I can do now, just got to push through it and hope for the best. The first 15 miles east out of Eminence through the Ozark National Riverways Park were practically some of the toughest ascents I believe I  have experienced thus far. Up and down, short and steep with mixed 8 to 10% grades. I saw 2 true self supported cyclists with at least 70ish pounds on their bike as I slowly cranked out one of the hills, and said to Chaz beside me, “Those guys are BEASTS”. It blows my mind how some of those cyclists make it up some of these monsters, guess that just makes me even  more pansy. Lol 

Well, after completing the hardest ascents we sailed down into the town of Ellington, and connected up with state highway 21. Route 21 has been dreaded by many cyclist for some time ever since a man was killed a year ago by a semi carrying a double stack of hickory logs. The restraints on the logs actually broke loose and smashed the man as he was slowly ascending one of the first hills on the route. The biker had no reaction to protect himself and investigators when discovering the body could not even identify the man.  Sending shivers down my spine, me and Chaz carefully traveled 21 and paid close attention to staying on our side of the road as closely as possible. Eventually, we arrived 12 miles later in Centerville for SAG #3 and took about a 20 minute break. I had the opportunity to talk to some locals in a nearby diner and to converse with a lady who was selling some of her possessions around the Centerville Square, yard sale style. It was an interesting conversation and lasted only a brief time as I had other places to see. Soon enough I passed a Johnson Shut-In State Park with many areas designated for picnicking then traveled eastward for lunch at a Elephant Rocks State Park. The rocks were big granite obtrusions resembling that of elephants. At this time, I was feeling quite ill and dehydration started to really take its control. I ingested some lunch then hit the road for the final 20 miles into Farmington.

Al’s place, a TransAm Biker Inn proved to be a perfect cycling paradise with all the amenities we needed—-showers, numerous bunk beds with sheets on the beds, kitchen, 2 showers, and even a washer and dryer.  The place was decked out with cycling posters and framed jerseys which added even more likeness to the whole apartment. My, my the rest day tomorrow is going to be luxurious once again. It’s unfortunate for me however, because I’m currently ill with a strong stomach pain. If only I was 100%. Supper was top of the line at a nearby Colton’s Steakhouse, where I ordered a platter of fried catfish and a Caesar salad. Hopefully my sickness will heal by tomorrow.