Green Acres

Tomorrow we leave Missouri, and I haven't even blogged about it yet. I have a lot of excuses for not blogging -- no wireless Internet (on dial-up again tonight), almost constant rain (i.e. no pictures), long riding days (i.e. no time), etc.

But you all deserve better than that. So, even though I have to get up at 4:45 for a 6 am departure, I will try to post a minimally coherent entry with the little time that I have.

A couple of observations about Missouri. First, everything is green. After almost a month in the west, I had begun to forget what greenery looks like. But, as we crossed the border into Missouri, I was instantly reacquainted with green grass and green deciduous trees. I had really missed the greenery.

Secondly, the population is substantially more dense than the states we had previously visited. The rain kept me from taking many pictures, but when I did, it was difficult to find uncluttered landscape. Almost every scene was corrupted by buildings and billboards.

Thirdly, about those billboards... Missouri seems to be obsessed with Jesus. In addition to billboards advertising various religious organizations, there are scores of signs that are simply say 'JESUS' in white letters on a green background. At the same time, however, Missouri also seems to be obsessed with pornography. 'Adult' shops, and billboards advertising them, are almost as common as religious buildings.

Lastly, the drivers are supremely obnoxious. During the approximately 2000 miles of riding that brought us to Missouri, I can recall only one or two unpleasant encounters with motorist. However, within minutes of crossing the Missouri border, the antics started. Honking, handlebar flybys, idiotic screamers, etc. I've lost track, but there have been at least a dozen incidents thus far. I've been pretty good though. I only screamed "fuck you!" once. The rest I let go. We all slip sometimes...

We are only 4 days from Chicago. Well, three and a half. The last day is only about 40 miles, so that doesn't really count. At this point, I could ride that one half drunk and dragging a bowling ball... The weather forecasts suggest that we may see thunderstorms for the duration, but I'll try to get some pictures anyway. Thanks for being patient...

Photos

A few green things
Photo Journal

Ride Summary

Tuesday: 106 Miles from Strafford to Rolla, MO
Wednesday: 111 Miles from Rolla to St. Louis, MO

Miles this year: 4052