Rain Delay

Today would best be defined by the constant struggle against nature. It was a race against time and a game of anticipation. The ever present clouds warned of impending doom, but seemed alas to be just warning. I was able to do 70 miles between 7:30 and noon in spite of some technical delays. I had to change one tube, then realized soon after that the new one was slowly leaking as well. This could only mean one thing- something horrible is stuck in my tire.

Having not the patience to remain stranded on the side of the freeway, I decided to just keep pumping the wheel up until I reached Springfield. I knew there would be a bike shop there, and even though I had to stop at least six times to refill my tube, it was better than trying to change the tire and another tube with the bike laying on the ground and trucks whizzing by. I made it to Springfield, found an awesome bike shop, got some new tubes, kept my spare tire and bought a new tire from them. The new tire is insane. I think it should last the rest of the trip. Now I just need to keep an eye on the front one. Luckily, I still have my spare folding tire in case of emergency.

So, other than the tube and tire episode, the morning went pretty smoothly and I sailed through some decent miles. Naturally, as I was stopped at the bike shop it began to rain. Taking notice and assuming my reluctance to attack the rest of the day in the midst if heavy rain, one of the shop guys pointed to some chairs at the other end of the shop and suggested I relax for a bit. I grabbed a granola bar and sat for a while in hopes that the rain would at least lighten.

At around 1:30, the rain stopped and I decided that I could easily do another 50 miles before quitting time. I looked at the map and it appeared that Golden City would be a good target. I set out and fully intended on reaching Golden City.

I made it about 20 miles before the rain kicked in again. It wasn't too heavy so I just kept moving. The rain came and went at pretty regular intervals and was never too much to handle, so I made it another 15.

Upon my arrival in Pennsboro, the clouds simply unleashed the rain and I quickly found myself caught in a serious downpour. Fortunately, just ahead I could see a church with a porch and awning. I steered directly for it and sought some much needed shelter under the little roof. I ended up sitting there for about a half and hour as the rain ebbed and flowed in it's intensity. I began to think that I might be stuck right there under that little canopy for the night. I was still 18 miles short of my goal, but my biggest problem was that I would be camping on the front steps of a church without permission.

I ventured over to a neighbors house to seek advice or direction as to a better or at least more appropriate location to set up camp. Deep down, I was hoping that they would just open their house to me and offer me the spare room like all those stories I've heard, but I could never come right out and ask for that. Instead, the woman I met directed me to a town called Lockwood where there is a B&B. It was another 11 miles, but there was a lull in the rain so I decided to go for it. I knew I'd get wet, but if there was assurance of a dry place at the end, it was worth it.

I know these are too long, but if you made it this far, hang in there a little bit more. The best is yet to come.

Yes. I made it to Lockwood. I found the place I was seeking and met the woman who runs the B&B. She suggested that I head over to a place called "Downtown Jimmy's" for the best eating in town. She called them up to make sure they were still open and they said that they would wait up especially for me. I dropped off all of my gear and headed straight over.

The restaurant is in a converted bowling alley. As I approached the building, the sign became just visible through the haze and twilight. Standing outside were the two employees awaiting my arrival. One woman and one man. As I pulled up, they both smiled and said, "you must be our biker!"

I exclaimed that I had just ridden 116 miles to eat here and I heard it was great. They didn't deny that, and the woman asked if she could add that to her quote board.

As I entered the restaurant I realized that they really had waited just for me. They place was basically closed up for the night and half of the lights were off. It was warm, dry and comfortable, so I was happy enough. When they offered me some food, I gladly accepted whatever they recommended. I was just happy to make it there through the rain.

Every place in the world claims to be the best at what it does, and often comes considerably short of expectations. Downtown Jimmy's is not such a place. This little joint in the converted bowling alley in Lockwood, Missouri had the best food I have eaten in a long time. Everything was amazing. I ordered a bowl of spinach and they threw in their house vinaigrette. Awesome. I asked for a bowl of chicken noodle soup, and it turned out to be the best soup I have ever eaten by miles. Then the main course, lemon chicken over linguine. Perfect. The chicken was juicy and full of flavor, the pasta was just right and swimming in a delicious sauce, and there were some pieces of bread to dip in the excess. It really was a five star meal.

Just when I thought the night couldn't get any better, she hands me the check. Cinched inside the little black folio was a note: "we are blessing you with this meal. It is complimentary."

Because the food and the conversation were so fantastic, I left $25 in the book and thanked them profusely for hosting my private dining experience. What a perfect ending to an imperfect day.



As a side note, there is something quite eerie about passing a field of cattle and seeing them all simultaneously drop what they are doing and look directly at me. It's the silence and the uniformity of their collective gaze that makes for a very uncomfortable experience. Dozens of beasts spread over five acres all pick their heads up and fixate their sights upon me in total syncronicity. At least they don't attack like the dogs...

Alright. This is long enough. 116 miles for the day, lots of rain, crazy cows, awesome food, warm bed for the night.

KANSAS TOMORROW!!! It's already pretty flat, but still. Time for the plains. So long, Mountains!

One final note- dare I say and risk uttering the famous last words, the dog attacks are over. It's been a couple days since a credible attempt has been made to eat my legs, and it looks like there will be no more!




I even got dessert!

Location:Lockwood, Mo