Riding into and out of Hannibal Missouri while riding the Mississippi

[marni]

I am in Keokuk, IA after ridden in in the van. The ride into Hannibal yesterday was pretty horrid, terrible roads with no shoulders and no where to hide from big trucks and farm equipment, most of whom were forced to grumble themselves up a hill behind the bikers and then reacted by cutting over to the right as soon and as hard as they could in front of us as we rode down the hills. There were several falls and several close fals. I caught a lip and took a tumble while we were panitn=ing our way up a mile long 11
5 grade, It's hard to ride in a granny gear, gasping for breath and till ride in a straight line so as a truck cut in I flinched and basically tipped over. Not going fasgt, nothing hurt but some pretty serious road rash on one knee and palm and some interesting bruises on my legs and thighs from the bike frame, The rollers were relentless . with grades from 6-18% I bailed at 69 miles but 6 of the ladies did the full 113 miles.


The second half was worse than the first viz a viz roadc conditions and hills, and the worst part was that the route took the riders into the busy center of Hannibal and then back out of town to the south west side over several more hills to the hotel. Had I been riding at that point I would have definitely dissolved in a puddle of tears and frustration and called for a taxi .


The ladies who road the whole distance are true heroes, each and every one.The last two riders, the Australian lady and a lady from Vermont rolled in at 7:00 pm.


Today promised to be an easier day since the tail winds were coming from the south at 20-45 mph but then when we got to the ferry, we discovered it had not passed its coast guard inspection and was closed. Much gnashing of teeth and frantic consultation between i phones, garmins,the two guides and the locals ata the ferry. Finally one of the ferry guys said that they were almost done fixing the lights to coast guard compliance and since everyone including the sag and van and trailer were there he would do a one time run just to get us across. Crisis averted thanks to the kindness of strangers. The alternative would have been a 30 mile detour south into the headwinds to the next ferry aqnd then another 630 miles back to geet back on route adding 60 miles to a 60 mile day which would have been almost impossible after yesterday's "little adventure,"


I did not sleep well last night, I was alternately night sweating, shiuvering from cold and cramping and charlie horsing so I was already feeling a bit doubtful about the prospect of riding, in spite of the tail wind, and when it looked like the ferry was closed, I took it as a sign and loaded my bike onto the van and climbed inside while waiting for bikers to show up at the ferry.


It looked like it would have been a wild ride. The terrain was much flatter but the winds were pretty horrific, and by the time we got into Keokkuk, the visibility was being impeded by the blowing dirt and debris. Riders coming in said the ride was a bit chancy because the wind kept suddenly gusting in from the sides and blowing them all over the road, then they had a long final stretch heading south west into the quartering headwind to do the last 5 miles into town.

I am at the point where the mind and body are being forced to relize that riding 50-75 miles every other day alternating with heavy cardio, weights and resistance is not at all equivalent from riding 60-90 miles a day for five or six days in a row with one recovery day in between.

I am also being forced to recognize the toll that the last year- mastectomy, chemo therapy, death of resideent father in law for whom I was primary care giver 24/7 and the ongoing tamoxifen therapy have taken on me. There is no point in complaining as it is what it is, but I still find it hard to acceptthis perceived weakness both mentally and physically.

Tmorrow is a shorter distance into Burlington IA and then a rest day for everyone to physically and mentally regroup. We are on the down hill slope distance and time wise having done almost 1200 of the 1900 miles and more than half the days of the ride. As we ride out of Burlngton on Monday, the time will suddenly speed up and the end will come much too soon.

Photos will come I promise.

[Blueberry]

((((Marni)))) Hope things look better for you soon! You've definitely had some "stuff" to deal with over the last few years. Hang in there! You're still doing more than what 99.9% of people ever fathom - there's no shame in that!!

[Crankin]

You've done more than most people will do in their entire lives. I wouldn't feel badly. On the other hand, it's hard to accept that sometimes things take their toll on us and we have to pull back a bit.

[goldfinch]

I am feeling emotional today and your post almost made me cry.

I just left after spending a month and a half in the Burlington/keokuk area. Wish I was there to ride with you folks when you are in the Burlington area. It is a nice area to ride and should be better than it was down in Missouri.

[Atlas]

You've done an awesome job! I'm excited for you to ride in Iowa as Eastern Iowa (NE especially) is simply gorgeous. It gets really windy this time of year so I'll be wishing you tailwinds.

[indysteel]

(((marni))) I'm really choked up reading this. You are so strong and brave, marni. Please don't let some difficult days on your bike discourage you or make you feel weak. Look at what you've accomplished already on this ride and, more importantly, in your recovery. It's inspiring. You just need a bit of rest and a good night's sleep. Keep pedaling and smiling.

[shootingstar]

Rest when you can, during the ride and hope you fuel well. Am so glad that there are other cyclists there to support each other. It's very helpful under some difficult traffic and weather conditions.

How many more days for you marni on this touring ride? I can't imagine given major surgery, and other stuff your body had to withstand prior to this ride, even though you've trained for the ride.

Hope you post some pics!

[Melalvai]

Wow. I'd say you're a hero right up there with the other ladies who did ride the day you didn't. Our bodies can only do so much, and each body comes with its own challenges and limitations. Respect that and be proud of all you've done.

Missouri roads, with the drivers, winds, and hills, can be very discouraging. Some drivers are kind, if you ever need to stop on a rural road people are wonderfully generous, but when we're all forced onto the same road because it has the only bridge for miles or whatever reason, it gets pretty difficult.

[Catrin]

Marni, hang in there and keep going forward, you are one strong woman! Your post also brought tears to my eyes. You have done so much, and the body does have it's limits but you've done so much to keep moving forward in the face of so much this past year or so. You are certainly one of my heros and I am one of many in your cheering section!