Day 27-Middle America at its Best

St. Joseph to Chillicothe, Mo.

Miles: 85.8

Time: 5.21

Average: 16.0 mph

Max: 33.0 mph

Total Ascent: 5,842ft

Est Calories: 4,648

After some 30 miles of wind assisted hills, we came into Maysville, Mo. And, as has been the case for the last 10 years that CrossRoads tour has come through this town, the whole town seemed to show up to greet us. For those that were not personally involved, they would shout out to us from their cars, trucks, or tractors. The local Pre-K and Kindergarteners were taken out of class to greet us, and then walked up a few blocks to town to sit across the street and watch us bikers swarm over the food put out for us. The one picture above is me giving "low-fives" to the five year olds.

There was fresh cinnamon buns with cherry sauce and cherries on top, and plenty of PBNJ's to go around. It was difficult to stop the feeding frenzy to get back on the road. The "spread" was put out in front of the Historical Society, and people were there to see that we got as much as we wanted, and poured ice water and lemonade. One lady just recently retired from the bank over on the corner: she was 94 years old. It was pure Americana hospitality, and cordial conversation. We got to wander around the Historical Society's building while we ate, as well. Even though we had an 85 mile day to cover, there was no rush to press on. One guy kept asking everyone where they were from, and asking us to come back. Isn't that the best complement from someone you just met?

Once we did our "thanks, and farewell's" we continued our ups and downs, into the hotel. I guess I wish I had taken a few pictures of the hills, but I guess I was just busy riding them. They were higher and longer than I have done in past rides.

Dinner at the hotel was actually a BBQ wheeled in from an outside service, and was quite good. I often wonder if all this food is really this good, or are we in such a need that most anything tastes good. It may be a bit of both, but I'd like to think that good is good no matter what the rationalization. Tomorrow is more of the same in terms of Ups and Downs, but 10 miles shorter. Here's hoping the weather continues to be in our favor, winds and all. See ya.............