The state of Missouri really doesn't get the credit it deserves. In our two days (and 146 miles) in the Show Me State, I'm pleasantly suprised by Missouri's east-central landscape. Almost immediately after crossing the Mississippi River (which, in its own right was symbolically and visually awesome) the terrain becomes very hilly, with curving, wild flower bordered roads. Golden wheat fields give way to tree filled ranch properties and vineyards.
The cycling is reminiscent of Pennsylvania's hills, but much, much more visually pleasing. Today's travels, from Ironton, MO to Eminence, however, showed us that the Ozark Mountain Range isn't necessarily ideal for liesurely cycling and photo snapping- in fact, we've faced the toughest climbs and grades of our entire trip in this region. Even at a low 70 miles, today's ride was rough on just about everybody but the beauty of the area more than makes up for the leg pain.
It's been exciting to meet other cycle tourers- today we met 2 solo riders who were both travelling East on the Trans-Am trail. While 2+ months of solo bicycle travel may seem lonely, I was definitely reminded of the freedom, flexibility solo touring affords. However, being a part of such a profound and amazing team has its own benefits, and the chance to grow friendships while enjoying pizza and a beer with teammates after a ride is certainly nice.
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