122 miles and 7500 feet of climbing. I have concluded that when they named the state of Missouri, they misspelled it. The proper spelling should be M-I-S-E-R-Y. This state is causing me lots of it! When we left this a.m. there was an ironclad forecast for thunderstorms. As we left the motel at 6:45 a.m. it started to rain and in short time it was blowing, thundering and lightening. The ride leader directed us to a gas station where we waited for an hour for the lightening to leave the area. We then continued in the rain. Fortunately we rode out of the storm and by mid morning it quit raining, the sun came out and it got very hot and very humid. The roads were a repeat of yesterday, nothing but up and down, up and down. They were brutal. I got to the motel at 5:30 p.m., after having been on the bike for 9+ hours and averaging 13 mph.. It was another very long day. My body and mind are so “toasted” after these two days that you could slather me in butter, put some jam on me and serve me for breakfast. One thing the “Show Me State” has shown me is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I am here! I might be exhausted and aching all over, but I am here!
Apparently we hit the ½ point (in terms of mileage) some time yesterday. Somehow I missed the exact place. Perhaps I was doing some bonus miles. My odometer shows that I have logged 1990 miles. 18 days down and 15 to go.
Tomorrow we escape MISERY and enter Illinois. We will be taking a ferry across the Mississippi somewhere near Quincy. It is “only” a 94 mile day.
Sorry, no pics today. I was worried about the weather and left my camera in my luggage. Besides, I really do not want to have anything to remind me of Misery.
Glad that you will soon be out of Misery. Jack & I have been in Misery ever since you left. In addition to doing without you for 5 weeks, doing all the cooking and chores is Misery! I too look forward to Mississippi. As soon as he goes to bed I dont miss a sippy of wine or other spirits!!!
ReplyDeleteLeisa
Jay, every endurance event is a physical challenge, which one can hopefully prepare for. However, each also has a point that challenges you mentally, and that is often the hardest part to power through. Sometimes the physical and the mental hit you at the same time. Keep the faith, draw internal inspiration and fortitude from just keeping going and putting one foot in front of the other (so to speak). The ends will justify the means and remember how many people are rooting for you. You know I'm one of them. Way to go Jay!
ReplyDeletehi jay;
ReplyDeletei believe all of michigan is cheering you on through this incredible experience. i have heard from contributers in massachutes and florida and they also say "go jay go" you have kept us informed and we love to catch up with your adventure each and every day. ride proud!!!!
I HATE MISSOURI!
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