Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Day 42 - Monday 13th June 2011

Columbia to Portland     78 miles     DFP 2709

Up early as I wanted to be in Columbia before the shops opened.  I was in the dry but going by the lightning, thunder and clouds, Columbia was being dumped on.  Cycled the MKT link trail the Columbia and found Walt's Bicycle shop (http://www.waltsbikeshop.com/).  Comprehensive stock and very professional staff who proveded a first rate service.   Decided to take no chances and bought another new tyre.  A Schwalbe Marathon Plus.  It was 54 dollars but I considered that worth it, being one of the best tyres money can buy.  Mark Bendal (manager) kindly fitted the new tyre and gave the bike a quick check over, at no extra cost.  Fantastic service.  Luckly, I was in the shop when another thunderstorm dumped another load of rain but the sun was out before I left.  Also fitted in a quick library visit and lunch before heading back along the link trail to KATY. 

Met a couple (lady's mum from Glasgow, if I remember correctly) who have just set out from St Louis to follow the Lewis and Clark, Corp of Discovery Trail.  A close on 5000 mile bike/car/walking journey which they're splitting into two parts.  That's a fair trip but will be very interesting from many aspects, including historical, geographical and environmental.

Called in at a little pub/diner in Mokane for dinner before camping at Portland by the Missouri River.

Now that the tyre issue is resolved, I'm now really beginning to appreciate just how wonderful an asset the KATY trail is for wildlife and people. Being a Missouri State Park also adds status.

Only added 55 miles to the DFP due to de-tour to Columbia.

Updated: Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

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