In Memory of Warmer Summers

Farmington, MO to Centerville, MO

Rude horn honks: 1

Miles: 46

Total so far: 1,703

Trees down from the storm in front of the old jail, but we prepare to leave

The violent storms are behind us for now, but the unsettled weather is still here. We take off in the drizzle of the day. Riding isn’t bad. It’s a little cool, so the knee warmers are back on. The high today is supposed to only reach the low 60’s and one look at the sky tells me there is a lot of work to be done in if the sun is going to burn through the gray soup above. No predicted thunderstorms though, no tornado sirens for today, so we are off.My glasses fog and blur with the droplets that won’t leave, but it’s good to get back on the bike. We are working our way into the Ozark Mountains and the mixed growth and variety of hardwoods is dramatic.

We stop for the day in Centerville, where Julie’s equipment will be shipped, but we learn it will not come in until tomorrow.

This is a small town of less than 200 residents, and we swing into the small building housing the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office to find that we are permitted to camp in a little square on the grounds of the County Building. There isn’t any fanfare about our arrival, as this is apparently a common occurrence for the town, however they ask we not set up our tents until after 4:30. I can’t say I blame them. A bathroom is provided at the Sheriff’s office for our use through the night. I don’t really fit in the sink for a shower, but I make do.

Shirley - the owner of the 21 Diner

We set up shop at the “21 Diner”, a small eating establishment – the only one in town. They have lettuce and milk there too if needed, as there isn’t a grocery. Again, there isn’t any fanfare about our arrival. The folks there know the habits of cyclists and they know we’ll spend the rest of the day there. They offer us playing cards to pass the time, but the bonus of the day was the dill pickle milk shake they make. We cannot resist, so we order one after assurances from the proprietor that it’s not a joke, that people really do consume the things. It’s not exactly something that will start a craze in the country, but it is quite, well, not bad. Somehow the sweet plays against the dill and makes it work.

It’s a little bit like cycling in the rain. It works better than one might think, so you just have to push off and go.

Tomorrow’s ride is dedicated to Rudy LeTourneau

Rudy LeTourneau

My Dad was riding a bicycle when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Such a loss of wisdom, advice, and unconditional love now that he’s gone. My heart aches most for the grandchildren who will never know him. We work very hard to keep his memory as vivid as possible for them, but what I wouldn’t give to have him back here making memories of his own. We miss you Dad!