Day 1 - July 23, 2013

The trip begins, just before the rain arrived.  This is me, on a clean bike, and all suited up to deal with the imminent rain that was quickly approaching. Within less than 5 miles after leaving the house the rain started, and continued, sometimes quiet heavily, and with strong winds, for the first two hours of riding.  But, thanks to good rain gear, rain suit, gloves; boots, I was able to stay dry. After about two hours of riding I was clear of the rain for the rest of the day.

The first day ended just a little over 500 miles from home, in Richmond, MO. All in all it was an uneventful ride, ridden over relatively familiar roads.  It was a little hot when I got to St. Louis, and remained so for awhile.  Late afternoon the temperatures moderated to the mid 80's, and it was dry.

Tomorrow I have a shorter day, and will end it in Sioux City, Iowa, at a motel in which I stayed two years ago.  The Missouri River was over its banks and there was flooding along much of my route that year.