August 12, 2024 – Wabash Trace Nature Trail

    I rode from Maryville through more rural farmland and wind farms. Giant wind turbines grace the tops of the Missouri hills. There are hundreds of them spread out over hundreds of miles. The route is still up and down, up and down, up and down, hill after hill after hill. I've thought several times to myself, “Why am I doing this? And “I should just quit.” And “this is retarded.” Etc. But I keep going, and I'm not going to succumb to my negative thoughts. I must keep going and finish the journey at hand. I made it into a dilapidated town called Elmo. I set up camp at a decrepit playground with an old swing set and picnic table, off Main Street, in the middle of town. All of the businesses are in disrepair and they are closed down. Elmo has seen better days. I was able to work on The Acts musical while I was in Elmo. I ate a light dinner, set up my tent, and I walked to an old drink machine that appeared to be working. Unfortunately, it was busted like everything else in Elmo.

    After walking around a few buildings looking for an outside receptacle to no avail, I retired for the night in my newly purchased tent. I slept very well, and I didn't wake up damp with the morning dew.

    I left Elmo in the morning after looking for a spigot around some of the buildings; once again to no avail. I rode from Elmo to Blanchard, where I entered into the state of Iowa. In Blanchard, I was greeted by a bike trail! I didn't even know about it, until I happened to cross over it in town. It is known as the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. The trail runs from Blanchard, IA all the way to Council Bluffs, IA. I went through several small towns along the trail including Coin, Shenandoah, Imogene, Malvern, Silver City, and finally Council Bluffs. 

    This trail has been a Godsend! Finally, no more undulating, never ending hills day after day. There is elevation gain on the trail, but it is at a very mellow grade as in comparison to the Northeast Missouri territory. The towns were splendid with plenty of services and conveniences. There has been hostels or shelters in most every town along the trail. I slept outside the Malvern Bicycle hostel last night. I would have stayed in the hostel, but you have to reserve it two days in advance. It rained all night last night starting around midnight and ending around 7:00am. No worries; I was completely dry in my tent. After the rain stopped, I packed up my tent and belongings and rode 24 miles on the Wabash Trace Trail to Council Bluffs this morning.

    I wanted a day break from the road, so I reserved a room at the Western Inn for two nights. I will do laundry, bicycle maintenance, finish the Acts Musical, and potentially start on the Parables Musical. I will be writing and resting on my off day. God bless you all, and let's keep pedaling onward!