What a day.  Met a youngish (40s) guy yesterday who said he was catching a train ahead because he was bored and not really having much fun.  Boy, did I need to hear that.  I’ve ridden across Missouri  twice already and don’t feel the need to do it again.  I had been thinking about jumping ahead to KY but was feeling kinda guilty.  Not anymore.   I made the decision last night to not ride MO and take a train instead.  That was a futile idea.  So I tried the bus.  NOT even an option with a bike.  I was about to give up when Fred mentioned renting a car.  Sure. I can drive.  No biggy.  After at least eight phone calls, I finally found a car rental who would do a one-way rental.  I was getting a little discouraged, and tho’t I was going to have to ride MO anyway.  But I’m all set and should move all the way to Indiana tomorrow.

The best part is I get to see my friend, Deb, for a few days.  The plan is that she will pick me up near Berea, KY, the beginning of the ferocious Appalachian dogs.  Take me to her place, and then I’ll ride from there to go to PA to see another friend. 

I sure hope this all works out as we have planned.

Took Eby to a bike shop today and got a new chain, new front tire, and brakes adjusted.  Also, they cleaned him up from that awful  gravel day.  He looks like new.  And, my new shoes arrived in the mail, so I got cleats put on, and I’m ready to go.  Also, I mailed my tent and cool clothes to my friend in PA and my old shoes home.

Fred is a biker and Kris gardens.  They have eight acres and lots of cool plants.  I’m jealous that they can grow things like the mimosa tree

A very productive day.