Day 13 – 20 May – Cape Girardeau to St. Genevieve

May 21, 2018 | USA | Mississippi River ride

70 miles ridden – 3100 feet climbed – temperature 27C.

Today we passed the halfway point – 882 miles. We would have celebrated but we were trying to out-run rain clouds which I am pleased to say we did.

The first 40 miles was constant rolling hills but it was a lovely day and we went through some pretty places.

One particularly interesting little town was Pocahontas. Although having a population of only 114 and a Post Office the size of a large bathroom it had a pie shop:

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Sadly, very sadly, it was closed. Terry – if it had been open and sold fridge magnets……

Our SAG stop was in another charming little town called Brazeau.

After about 42 miles of constant climbing we dropped down a steep descent out onto an enormous flood plain. Of course it was great to be on flat, decent roads but surprise, surprise, we had a headwind. The last 10 miles into St. Genevieve had just two steep climbs as we largely followed the railway line into town. As usual, the hotel is out of the centre near to the highways so after lunch I set off and did 7 bonus miles visiting the ferry and historic downtown area.

As I neared the river which was about 2 miles beyond the town I went through the flood gates used to prevent all but the highest floods affecting the town. The crossing to Illinois is not so far here and the ferry made yesterday’s look quite high-tech.

The town itself has some interesting history, is quite pretty and well-kept, with some fine buildings.

And the grand finale was ice cream under a shady tree with three fellow riders who I happened  upon. Left to right – Ernie, Patty, and Paul.

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Tomorrow we have an 85 mile/4800 feet climbing ride into St. Louis and our final rest day. Nice…..

 

 

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