Rail, MO to Walnut Grove, MO – 78mi, 10.9mph, +5075 elevation gain

Phew. Today was a big one. Just when I thought I would stop we got to a road closed sign ahead. Soooo not wanting to tackle this on my Nero ( near zero) day I decided to figure it out today. We rerouted Jocelynn amd she made it to the next Intersection before me. 78.3 miles later we are staying in Springfield for 2 nights in a hotel. Yippee!! Sooo. I tried teaching swim lessons again this morning but my students wouldn’t even blow bubbles. They are much too heavy to help them float on their backs too (I think they call this cow tipping) Jennifer Ahous, Any suggestions. Hot 97 degree finish. Saw 2 East bounders but on massive hills so we didn’t stop. Crazy insane climbing. Strava pooped out when we rerouted because we stopped too long, I would guess. Nice locals gave great advice. It’s still REALLY hilly. Over 5,000 in elevation again. Tonight or tomorrow be ready for another “from my saddle” report. click “Read More” to see some photos