Council Bluffs, IA to Lexington, MO
Four States - Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri
Note: This is to show the cities. It is a road map, not a cycling map.
Day 52: Council Bluffs, IA to Nebraska City, NE - Aug 2nd
It felt as though there was never going to be an end to the heatwave. There was not much I could do about the weather, but I could control how long I was out there pedaling. So I shortened my planned rides on those scorching days.
I don't think I have mentioned before that much of this journey is on trails and gravel roads. The trails are well maintained with lots of shade and rest areas. The gravel roads have different registered names/route numbers, but are known collectively as the Louis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Day 52: Photos
Beautiful flowers protected from the scorching sun by the shade of the trees
It was hot..
Day 53: Nebraska City, NE to Falls City, NE - Aug 3rd
I saw fox, rabbit and wild turkey, which was great. Had a small hiccup at one point when there was a tree that had come down across the trail and I couldn't move it. So I had to push the bike through the ditch and around the base of the tree where it had broken off. This took quite some time and effort.
Further along the same trail, I saw a calf ahead of me. The calf was wandering in my direction, but when it saw me, decided to turn around and make a run for it. As it started going in the opposite direction, the farm dog appeared in front of him which made it do a u-turn. It stood there for a bit looking at me and the dog, not sure what to do, but having to make a decision. As the dog and I closed in, the calf made a dash for the fence and went back into the farmyard the way it had come. I then got to meet the farmer and we had a good chat. During our conversation I told him about my adventure with the tree. To my surprise, he apologized saying that as the trail runs through his farm, he takes care of that section, and would go and cut it up later that afternoon.
The trail goes past Peru, which is at the top of a hill, and leads to the next town called Brownsville. About a mile after passing the turnoff to Peru, I found that the trail was closed to Brownsville. It would have been helpful if there had been a sign at the turnoff to Peru. I wasn't happy, and had no option but to turn around and wind my way up and through Peru. At the end of town I stopped at a Casey Truck Stop to get something to eat and drink. While I was having my lunch, a lady came up to me and asked the normal "where did you come from, where are you going" questions. During the conversation I mentioned I had been using the trail, but was turned back at the closing point, and am miffed that there was no warning sign. She apologized on behalf of the town for the inconvenience, and indicated that she would bring it up at their next council meeting, and request a sign be put up at the trail/road crossing.
Wow, such friendly and accommodating folk in Nebraska!
Day 5: Photos
Tree fallen over the trail
Going into the ditch around the back of the stump
Other side where I had to get the bike up. Note that I was too lazy to unpack the bike.
Made it
Not happy about this. They could have given a warning at the beginning this section, one mile before the gate
The hill I had to climb because of the trail closure
Imagine going to school here and having to get up that hill every day
The Underground Railroad
Day 54: Falls City, NE to Atchison, KS - Aug 4th
During the course of the morning, I went through a Native American reservation of the Iowa Tribe (also known as the Ioway) of Kansas and Nebraska.
I stopped on a bridge to take pictures, when I noticed a bird sitting next to me on the wall and watching me. I was surprised to see that it had no intention of leaving such a lovely sunny spot just because I had appeared. When I left, it was still sitting there watching me.
Later in the day, while on my third slushy at yet another truck stop, I met a young lady called Angel. She has been on the road for ~5 months, and intends to cycle through every state in the US. She started in Maine in the North East, and is now following the Cycling Association’s Northern Tier Route to Washington State. She hopes to complete this journey by the end of winter/early spring.
Day 54: Photos
The River
Little bird next to me while I take photos. Did not fly away, was still sitting there when I left.
The Great Nemaha
White Cloud, Kansas - population 115
The river
The Marina
The Town
Day 55: Rest Day in Atchison, KS - Aug 5th
Rest Day = Laundry Day. While waiting for the load of laundry to finish the cycle, I used the time to stroll around town and take a few pictures. It is an interesting town that had its origins centered around the hay day of the railroads. There is a huge distillery called MGP where they produce Bourbon, Gin and Whiskey, amongst other things.
I received an advisory that following floods in Kentucky cyclists should not go through Kentucky and parts of the Appalachians as it is too dangerous. This meant that I needed to change my route. After much consideration I selected the TransAm Express route to DC. I figured I could decide on the end point of my ride later, as there are several routes to the coast from DC. Stay tuned to my blog for updates.
Day 55: Photos
Atchison
Their claim to fame - Railroad Hub
The cleanest and neatest self service laundry I have seen so far on this trip
I like this - when there is wind, the top three arms rotate
Day 56: Atchison, KS to Lawson, MO - Aug 6th
I am now on the TransAm Express route heading for the East Coast via DC. I came across a distillery in a beautiful setting. They are using old vats for marketing displays, and to block old entrance ways.
The scenery is beautiful, but it is still very hot. When will this heatwave end? Today the temperature reached 102F on the road. I am betting the truck stops are making good money on ice, ice cream and cold drinks. It is wonderful to see how people can still maintain a good sense of humor in the heat. It helps me to get a smile back on my face.
When I got to Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson, MO, the park ranger told me that there were no single sites available. He must have seen the expression on my face, and said that if I am interested, there is a family site available at double the cost of a single site. I agreed, as I just did not have enough energy left to ride around looking for alternate accommodation. During the check-in process, he asked for my ID which he looked at, and then told me because I am an old like him, I can have the family site at the price of the single site. My lucky day!
He came around as I was busy setting up camp, to check whether everything was OK and whether I needed any extra water etc.
Thank you park rangers!!!!
Day 56: Photos
Repurposing old vats to block an unused entrance and advertise the distillery
The old Chevy got an honorable retirement - still front and foremost.
Somebody with a sense of humor...
Mmmmm… So good in this heat
Watkins Mill State Park
All sorted for the night - tent ready, getting dinner organized, and charging electronics.
Day 57: Lawson, MO to Lexington, MO - Aug 7th
A short ride on another scorching day. I focused on riding and getting to my destination, while trying to ignore the heat. I only took one photo - I couldn't resist.
Anyone missing a door?
Great stories. I'm enjoying your adventure