USA Coast to Coast update: Tuesday
The temperature was really hot and humid in addition to the rolling roads, combined with 2 punctures in the first 8 miles meant that the going was slow for the AM session. It would have been a lovely ride on a normal day and an interesting change from the normal straight roads. We followed the 140 alongside the Mississippi crossing over it a few times.
The ground is very green and fertile which is a welcome change from the various shades of brown. We crossed St Louis over the river again and encountered rush hour traffic with no soft shoulder. It was terrifying to ride through the traffic and after a couple of close shaves we decided to jump on the rv for a few miles. The RAAM riders have escorts on interstates and through cities, we just rely on nous and London riding experience…..
As we get east the mood is gently changing to less tolerant and more aggressive. We still get a few nice waves and smiles but people seem to be in more of a rush around these parts. Its a bit like the difference between the west country and the south east in the uk.. Maybe I’m being a bit unfair, watch this space!! We eventually finished 150 miles further east from where we started in Illinois. Did I tell you that our Doc De was born in Illinois and lived there until she was 3 returning to the UK during the 2nd WW on a troop ship convoy!
The rv park was in a lovely place, quite remote and managed by an elderly lady from Leeds who emigrated when she was a baby. Pip thought she still had a bit of an north east twang in her voice. The bikes are holding up really well but I am fearful of murphy’s law so am not going to mention too much about them yet, Ill leave that for the end. Thankfully Matt seems to be getting better and probably back to 75% of his former self. The forecast is for rain and storms tomorrow… Remember Dolly??….
She’s back.. Night to you all…
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