Day 5 Hermann to Augusta

Yesterday was a nice, relatively short day that was started after a nice full breakfast at the Captain Wolhit Inn.  We met two nice older couples from Missouri that were riding tandem bikes.  Each year they take time to ride the trail.  We all lobbied for them to take a road trip and experience the Pgh to DC trip.  We got started eariler than previous days and were on the trail by 8:15.  There were lots of farms and small streams and the french influence in the area was even more evident in many of the names of the small stream crossings.  We passed a gentleman early that was walking across the country and another that was walking to San Francisco, both using the Katy to make their miles.  There were alot of box turtles on this ride and one of the walkers we met held the smallest turtle any of us had ever seen.  At some point, a small sharp piece of limestone pierces my tire and punctured my tube.  I carry two spares for each of us so I knew this was only going to be a minor setback.  When putting the first tube on, the tube must have pinched and tore...off it came and the last spare went on fine.  Little bit of stress now knowing that I'll be relying on the patch kit for the last 27 mi into St Charles.  As we continued, the tribs to the Missouri have become deeper and even more silted and sandy.  I missed a pic of a deer on a bluff overlooking the Missouri...he saw me and ran.  Probably thinking "damn papparazzi!"  We stopped off in Marthasville for a quick light lunch and then made the last 10 miles.  The trail was exposed to the sun mostly and it was a hot afternoon finish.  We arrived in Augusta around 2:30 and stopped at Augusta Brewing for a shandy that was just off the trail.  Augusta is situated close to the trail but with a hearty steep grade to get up.  Our b&b host greeted us with cold waters, fresh homemade cookies and bread.  We cleaned up and walked a block to one of the many wineries in Augusta.  Russ arranged to have dinner in and we were all together for out last night, sharing stories of the trip.  Rae said its always a little sad when we wind down our trip and I think that is true of this adventure as well.  We will ride our last 27 miles on the Katy today into St Charles, hopefully avoiding some severe weather north of us.  Its been a great trip. 

A little character building along the Katy

Sharp small stone punctured my rear tire this am. Changed out and the first tube tore so Im out of spares. Grabbing lunch in Marthasville before the last 11 miles into Augusta.

Day 4 video update Jefferson City to Hermann, MO

http://youtu.be/QTkupMH8UBU

Day 4 Jefferson City to Hermann

Lenore at Cliff  Manor B&B provided an excellent start to our morning  with an apple dumpling followed by eggs, sausage and toast.  She is such a nice innkeeper and the b&b was immaculate with everything to soothe sore muscles.  Perfect weather and a tailwind was with us for most of the day and we were between beautiful limestone bluffs, prairie and farms most of the 40+ mile ride today. We stopped off at Riverboat Grill in Portland for lunch.  Its a dive with great trail food and was a good midway point.  Rae & I both had the BLT and stocked up on powerades.  Open trail meant sun and we rode through the hottest part of the day being sure to stay hydrated and took frequent stops whenver we could in the shade.  We passed a few older farms that looked like there junk car crop was just about to be harvested, but the cows didnt  seem to mind.   We also passed Standing Rock which was a very interesting geological feature.  Found some more info on it when we returned to the b&b http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM557C_Mystery_of_Standing_Rock_Steadman_MO  We got off the trail by 230 and had a short ride across the Missouri into the german town of Hermann.  Its a great historic town and we took some cold showers after checking in at The Captain Wohlt Inn.  Its a neat little town with alot of small shoppes and hidden gems, all with german flair.  We stopped at Tin Mill Brewing to sample their 6 drafts all brewed onsite and how about our bar tender was from North Braddock!  Recognized the Pirates cap and on once again Pittsburgh is alot smaller than you think.  Grabbed a bite w/ Russ and most of the crew at the Hermann Wurst Haus. We sampled a few smoked brats and had two great meals.  The b&b has a nice patio and we are all planning to relax and enjoy some down time together tonight.  Rain in the forecast tomorrow and its a short day into Augusta.  Great trip!  

 

Day 3 And then the wind showed up

The Katy Trail B&B was a great stay.  After some coffee and eggs, we were off.  The sky was a bit cloudy and there was a slight breeze around 9. Rae really cranked out the miles and we passed many bluffs the first 15 mi or so as we hugged the Missouri early.  The trail weaved away and we found ourselves among the flood plains and farmland again.  The wind was brutal today with what felt like 40-50 mph gusts.  Where the trees provided some break, the open prairie was merciless.  We felt like we were on a treadmill, pedaling just to make small strides.  We saw three older dogs (one we mistaked for a sick fox that from 100 yds we thought was going to tear our heads off) all were very friendly though.  Today was about 40 miles or so and along the way we saw alot of Lewis & Clark historical markers for campsites and crossings.  I have to admit I wish I would have read up on their journeyalong  these 250 mi or so...no worries, Rae says we can stop & read them all next trip :)  we are all checked in at the Cliff Manor b&b which is really spectacular.  Grabbed an early dinner at Madisons just up the street from the State Capitol dome. Everyone agrees a little rest is needed today so probably an early night.  

Trailside update

http://youtu.be/cdzMlA3edDc

Day 2 Sedalia to Rocheport video update

http://youtu.be/vActO6w7udI