Days 17, 18, etc.

Today was the 18th (including rest days) of our trip, and we are now in Summersville, MO, about a third of the way through the Ozark Mountains. Let me do a brief run-up to today. I haven’t updated in a week-ish…sorry. Last we spoke we were headed into Farmington from somewhere I can’t recall. I’m beginning to feel sympathy for those unfortunate touring musicians who forget what town they’re in.

Well, before we got there, on what I should mention was the loveliest night of the trip in terms of riding conditions, we ran into a Londoner named James, the first rider we’d seen so far, who apparently is well on his way to setting the record for the fastest cycle around the world, by a comfortable margin. My own investigation indicates he’s trying to raise a bunch of money for Parkinson’s research. He was super-cool, check his site whereintheworldisjames.com for more info and live GPS tracking.

So after a fairly scary night-ride into Farmington, we took several days off, couchsurfing with our new friends Kelsey and Sara. We arrived with a delicious vegan meal prepared for us, and were immediately given wonderful accommodations. We felt right at home and spent the weekend relaxing, playing music, enjoying good conversation, exploring the town and a little wilderness, and doing a little drinking with some great Missouri-folk. Much-needed rest and reparation for my knee (which I’m now wearing a brace on) as well as everything else, was had.

Leaving was difficult, but we were off with some awesome vegan brownies in our tummies on Monday morning which made things easier. We relaxed on our first day back on the road, also our first day in the Ozarks, and stayed in front of the city hall in hospitable Centerville last night, an easy 50 miles and change, after bumping into another world-cyclist, the aforementioned Steve. Lovely day, and night, but a frigid fucking morning.

Today was tough. The road to Eminence was fucking brutally hilly. Super-steep ones, almost…mountainous. After a difficult 65 miles, which included Karl’s first Surly flat, our 1000-mile mark, and me almost barfing from food poisoning/sun overexposure/etc., we find ourselves here in Summersville, and I’m busy updating when I’m already missing out on my share of the sleep. More updates soon, as long as I’ve reception.

Night,

T.