Another week another state. Shortly after leaving Pittsburg it was a into Missouri. The rollers really pick up now and it will be like this for the rest of Missouri, or as I get closer to the Mississippi River. So far it is not too scenic but there are trees that sometimes shade the road.
The humidity is so much more noticeable. Once my clothing is wet from perspiration it stays wet for the rest of the day. More flat straight lines for a route and more rollers. The rollers are getting more frequent and steeper, with some short climbs over 7.5% grade slope. It is usually up 200 feet down 175 feet, up 100 feet down 150 feet etc. It is the Ovarks.
Today was a stop at Cookey’s restaurant in Golden City, MO. I had heard of this place before. I normally don’t eat a lunch when riding but drink a lot of liquid throughout the day, but this place is special. It is the pie. Everyone goes to Cookey’s for the pie and it is worth it.
After refueling at Cookey’s it was onward and upward and downward. When I approached Everton I noticed that my bike computer had exactly the same number of feet in elevation gain as in descent. That is some coincidence after 63 miles. The only establishment in Everton was a bar, called the Shaved Beaver. Inside the bar, the bartender made sure I had as much ice water as I wanted and stood nearby and filled my glass whenever I put it down. After getting my fill of water it was back onboard to Ash City.
I am spending the night in the community center which is next to the public pool. The pool was great and a nice way to end another hot one.
Today’s stats: total mileage 71.57 miles; average speed 13.7 mph; max speed 35.5 mph; total elevation gain 1991 feet; total descent 1995 feet.