Day 32: Hermann to Hartsburg

June 12, 2023

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I got out on the trail some time around 8:30 or 9am, not quite early enough for my liking. But at least the weather was mild. I wasn't able to go quite as fast along the trail today, maybe it was rougher or maybe a slight uphill or maybe I just felt sluggish.

Still, the trail conditions were nice and I appreciated the shade. I stopped along the banks of the Missouri for a morning tea and saw what looked like a bald eagle scatter away from the banks. Its peaceful out here. No traffic, just the occasional bikes. There seems to be more the further west I go, people seem to be doing small tours starting on the weekend and running into the early week.

Lots of nice places to rest and eat. So much eating.

I'm going through a lot of water on this trail but there's usually a refill point every hour or two so it's almost impossible to run out. Lots of shade too so I don't need to dump water on myself to cool off.

My bike resting in the shade while I refill my water

I eventually came to Jefferson City, which was a short spur across the river from the trail. I headed into the city and had to climb up a spiralling bike onramp to get onto the bridge. I stopped into a pub and ordered fish and chips and a beer that hit me a little too quickly. The fish and chips were great, we're a long way from the coast but it still reminded me of home.

The spiralling climb up to the bridge. Not too steep to ride up and fun to ride down

Out of Jefferson City it wasn't long before I was on my way to Hartsburg. There were a couple trees down over the trail but other than that it was pretty uneventful. I could have gone a little further but would have had to pay for camping. Free camping is always a bonus. I set up outside the local playground and charged my devices in the Pavilion. There was a birthday party across the road at the bar but that wasn't going to stop me from sleeping. At the trailhead/bathroom I met a couple cyclists pushing through to the next stop, one of them had come from the TransAm but I don't know if we'll cross paths again.

One of two trees down since the weekend storm. Had to lift my bike over one but I could get around this one

Today's ride: 98 km (61 miles)
Total: 1,856 km (1,153 miles)

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