Summer Trip III

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

Check out the population of Preston MO.

     Good morning Missouri! Since Oscar's was such a great spot for dinner, I had to return for breakfast. After breakfast I picked up US 54 out of Jefferson City and rode west, towards the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. This area with access to lots of lakes is a summer playground. A large amount of boats, restaurants, shops, and people. It seemed pretty touristy to me, but I get it. With long hot summers  people need a place to relax and refresh. Its just not the type of place for me.

Oscar's for breakfast. GREAT omelet. 

     I stopped mid morning in the town of Eldon to take a break. I found the city park, which also featured a very active swimming pool. It reminded me of when my daughters were young and I used to take them to the outside pool at the University of Delaware. Many happy hours of swimming, reading, and relaxing while some one else took care of the pool. A nice summer activity.

Town park and pool in Eldon MO.

     My goal today was to ride to El Dorado KS. The trip would take me along US 54 the whole way. One thing that became a large factor was the heat. Temperatures in the upper 90s, and I saw a few thermometers the read 100 during the day. The key is to hydrate, stop often, keep the speed down a little. My bike is water cooled, but I didn't want to take any chances.

Just another hot day in Missouri. 

    Before I left on the trip I changed the oil and filter, checked the air in the tires, and checked the brakes. The tread on the tires was marginal, probably 2,000 miles or so left on them. In the intense heat of Missouri and Kansas they started wearing faster. I called Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza in Colorado Springs CO to see if they had a set of tires in stock. They did not. They referred me to their other shop, Apex Sports, where I spoke to Gary in the parts department. He checked and he did have a set of Dunlop tires that fit my bike. He promised to hold them for me. Unfortunately Apex is closed on Sunday and Monday. He transferred me to service where I spoke to Haden. They opened at 9 AM, and I told him I would be there by 8:30. Early start on Tuesday.