August 6, 2024 – To Go or not to Go

  I am at a breaking point right now. I am trying to decide whether to continue on with the trip or throw in the towel. I got off the Katy Trail in Boonville, MO. The Adventure Cycling maps have me on state highways with moderate traffic going 60+ miles per hour. To make matters worse, there is no shoulder whatsoever. I actually decided to quit today, but I rerouted with the Google Cycling Maps. Praise God, the cycling GPS took me on some back country roads with little to no traffic. So, I'm going to give the adventure one more shot. I can't just quit so easily. Although, maybe I should. I'm torn. To go or not to go? That is the question. After meeting David and John (both of whom were hit by cars while cycling), it has really put up a wall of doubt in my mind concerning the trip. But with Google Cycling Maps, and these back country rarely traveled roads, I guess I'll give it one more shot. I will make up my mind completely by the time I get to Omaha, Nebraska. If I decide to quit, I can get a rental car there and travel back home to Pensacola. I really don't want to give up on the journey. I've thought about cycling the Lewis and Clark Trail for the last 4-5 years. And here I am, actually doing it. And I've already gone almost halfway across the country. Physically, I know I can complete this mission, but if I feel like I'm in danger on the roads, I will throw in the towel. The next week of travel will determine the outcome of this trip. I'll have a firm decision by the time I reach Omaha.

    I'm staying at a hotel (Super 8 by Wyndham) again tonight. I had to regather my thoughts and prepare for the journey ahead. Here are the towns I will go through to get to Omaha starting with Marshall, MO (where I am currently staying tonight):

Marshall-->Waverly-->Richmond-->King City-->Maryville-->Shenandoah-->Malvern-->Silver City

-->Council Bluffs.

    If I decide to keep going, I will bypass Omaha and go north from Council Bluffs. If I decide to end the trip, I will go to the nearest car rental agency in Omaha in order to procure transportation and get back to Pensacola, FL with my gear. The total distance from Marshall, MO to Council Bluffs, IA is 280 miles. Total elevation gain of 15,600 feet. This isn't going to be easy. In fact, this may be the hardest leg of the trip. Short steep hills make for slow, rigorous transport on the bicycle. Lots of getting off the bicycle and pushing up hills. Also, these back country roads are gravel; very few are paved. This is going to be a challenge, but I know God is with me. 

    I just don't have faith in the people driving. Bad drivers put a lot of fear into a lonesome rider. I will be stopping at fewer towns with services on this route, so I need to be sure to take plenty of fluids (water and Gatorade). I've got enough food to last me for a while. I also have enough water and Gatorade. Perhaps I should buy a gallon of water or at least a two liter bottle of water in addition to my other fluids.

    So, here's to one more shot. I will do my best to complete the Lewis and Clark Bicycle Trail, though I will deviate from the route somewhat. I will still do my best to follow the Missouri River to its spring source, just as Lewis and Clark did some 200 years ago.

    Dear Lord, be with me on this journey. In Jesus' name. Amen.