Chat Gravel is Tough

It's cooler than asphalt but the chat gravel on the Katy Trail takes more effort per pedal stoke. The parts that are shaded ready a tired rider for the sunny stretches of the path. The area we were in didn't run along the river too much but when it did I imagine the Amazon must be similar :-). The turtles, and there were many, didn't seem to mind our presence. Mary claims she saw a squirrel the size of a large cat and she also spotted a fox. We enjoyed the sights but some people kept complaining about the heat and the heat and the heat. We were joined by my younger sister who may be (is) really out of shape and she was the youngest of a somewhat aged group. Altogether an enjoyable two days of riding in the Missouri country side.

Ready to Ride, Again



Some Are Slow




A Sale on Gatorade




A Brief Respite



Our Sunday Ride, McKittrick to Portland and Back (Only 30 easy miles)




Katy Trail and Missouri River Backwater Residents



It's Over!



Bringing Up the Rear

Conquering the Katy Trail

Fifty miles on a chat gravel path through the Missouri countryside is definitely a challenging effort when you are old and frail. However, Mary, Gerry, Kloud and I took it on in good fashion. From the Weldon Springs trail head to Hermann Missouri was our goal and we performed in good fashion. We are all sore and exhausted. Thank goodness for ibuprofen.

Preparation for the journey.






Hard at work



The peloton rolls on






Lunch in Marthasville






The feed zone after 40 miles



The mighty Missouri



We reach our destination but Mary flats on the bridge three blocks from the hotel.



Hermann sits on the south side of the river about two miles from the trail.



We found our hotel in Hermann, the venerable Vinchester Inn which is only one block away from the bike shop. For less than $7 we had a new tube and inflated tire ready for the next day's journey. I highly recommend the Hermann Ride, Rest & Go Bicycle Shop.

After a casual dinner at Simons on the Waterfront we head down the street for soft serve at the Downtown Deli. Ted Drewes it ain't but we make do.

Tomorrow holds more suffering for these cyclists but we will undoubtedly rise to the challenge.

We're spending the Memorial Day weekend in St. Louis Missouri and environs. Plans are for a two day ride on the Katy Trail. We will also watch the Cardnals vanquish the Reds although lately they ain't doing much vanquishing.

Any trip to St. Louis must include a visit to the Hill for some form of Italian food and Adrianas certainly fits the requirement. They serve a delicious sausage sandwich. Another must visit is Ted Drewes a well know local landmark. I will be there soon.

The Hill, home of Yogi Berra and Joe Garigola is a unique little working class area of St. Louis with small but neat frame homes with immaculate yards and, um, distinctive decorations.

In the Beginning

Although participating in the internet for over a decade (mid-nineties on an old dial up ISP, nashville.com) I have never “blogged”. I understand that it is not a requirement for partcipation in the vast reaches of the internet but I have been assured that I must blog to exist as a full fledged participant of the interweb. I have also joined Facebook, I Twitter (but seldom tweet) and therefore I must blog.

The unfortunate truth is that I have little to blog about because I live (or exist) a very boring and unexciting life. This places me with the great mass of humanity who are not movie stars, sports personalities or politicians. I do have much to say about various events in our current society whether cogent or not and whether or not anyone wants to read my profound statements.

Nevertheless I will begin this journey dear reader, if there are any, and I apologize for my less than scintillating meanderings and my bureaucratic prose (I am one so it's understandable).

PS The title of the blog refers to my occasional efforts on a bicycle. I find being outdoors on a two wheeler more enjoyable than most other alternative activities these days. I ride one of these.

PSS I also have to learn how to spell. I've already edited this thing three times.