TenLinks Bike Across America
Daily Log

Day 18 - Missouri Speed Bumps

Just to make sure cyclist didn't speed across the middle of the country, Missouri has installed thousands of speed bumps. They come in the form of rolling hills, none of them particularly large but the sum total of hundreds of ascents can turn quadriceps to jelly. Perhaps, by themselves, the hills would not be so bad but for two other factors: this was the biggest mileage day (153 miles) and it rained for almost all of it.

There seems to be no end to the rolling hills in Missouri.

The morning was the kind of morning that makes you want to go back to bed. The roads were wet, the sky was thick with clouds and it was raining lightly. The forecast said scattered thunderstorms all day.

In less than half an hour, my feet were soaked from road spray. My full finger, rain gloves proved insufficient and were soaked a hour later. It wasn't too cold though, so the water in my shoes and gloves actually warmed up like a wet suit would. My head and body were well protected and stayed fairly dry. I had to keep moving at a brisk pace, though, so my circulation and exertion would keep me warm.

Although I availed myself of a hearty buffet breakfast, it only kept me going for a couple of hours. I estimate I was using 500-600 calories an hour. I don't think I replenished enough with snacks and lunch. By about 3 hours into the ride, I was flagging. I noticed my heart rate dropping and I wasn't able to keep my usual pace up the hills. By afternoon, I was really tired and each mile seemed to take longer and longer. With only 5 miles to go, I had to stop and get some junk food just to get some quick sugar in my system.

There was very little in the way of sights and the rain made it very difficult to take pictures.

For more information, please contact:

Roopinder Tara, CEO/President, TenLinks, Inc., Novato, CA 94947, USA

(415) 897-8800 x 221

rtara@tenlinks.com

www.tenlinks.com/bikeacrossamerica