The hardest miles today were the first few, with a steep climb before we were awake and warmed up.
The hills grew shorter as the day progressed. We found a fire tower to climb up to compensate for the easier riding, though.
From the top, even the big hills we crossed from the east looked flat!
Big Piney River allowed us the opportunity to soak our feet and rest in the shade for a bit during the afternoon heat.
In Hartville we stumbled upon a festival in the city park, put on by the local church. We were overjoyed to find free food (including ice cream!) and drinks.
Unfortunately, the fireworks were cancelled due to an approaching storm, but we felt like we got our money’s worth regardless. We helped clean up and then stayed in the park to spend the night. There were no bathrooms or showers, but at least we had a nice view across the river from under our pavilion.
In lieu of fireworks, we watched a show of spectacular lightening before the heavy wind and rain arrived. Since the tent can’t be staked down to the concrete slab, it almost took flight with one strong wind gust before we were ready to get in. Once we did get in, the blowing rain was getting into the tent, despite being placed almost 20′ from the nearest edge of the roof. We were forced to put the rain fly on the tent to try to keep more water from getting in, but the rain fly can’t be installed properly without stakes either. Needless to say, it was a soggy night in the tent, but, as always it could have been worse.
Trip stats, to date (Day 43)
- Eminence, MO to Hartville, MO
- Daily mileage: 80.9mi; Trip total to date: 2,581.9mi
- Daily riding time: 7hr 14min; Trip total time: 227hr 55min
- Daily ascent: 4,666ft; Trip total ascent: 139,971ft
- Flat tires: Rachel – 1; Chris – 0