A Warm One 9/24

Up at 6:30am with the hope to be on the trail early.  After a quick breakfast with Frank and Angie, Frank drove us to the Clinton trail head, helped us unload our bikes and complete final staging - then waved us off at 10:15.  It was already hot and muggy, and there was no relief until late in the day, when it clouded up and began to cool down.

The trail surface is in great shape, but it was a rather steady uphill grade from Clinton to Sedalia, where we ended our first day's ride.  By the end of the 40 mile ride, we were very glad to be off the trail and at the Hotel Boswell where we soaked in the air conditioning, and had a great meal at the hotel's Ivory Grille.

Tomorrow's forecast includes the possibilities of showers from 10am to 2pm, with a high of 76 and humidity of 70%.  The one redeeming quality is the forecast for wind at our backs.

Fingers and now toes crossed.
Diane and Rob

Frank ready to deliver us to the Clinton Trailhead (Many thanks Frank and Angie)

Good portions of the trail were thankfully shaded.

But then the snake showed up in the garden and things got very sunny and hot!

We tried to ride these open stretches as quickly as possible we are definitely not as fast in the heat.

Luckily there were towns with services (read air conditioning and cold drinks) about every 10 miles on the Trail.   Diane maintained a smile for most of day, Rob not so much.

Clinton, MO elevation 804ft and Sedalia, MO 909ft.  Somewhere in the middle a hump at 995ft. It was the heat and humidity that made this day difficult (besides being out of shape :( )