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July 13, 2019—St. Louis, Missouri


Before leaving town we photographed several more Popeye figures.  Popeye seems to be Chester’s claim to fame.  The morning temperatures were cool which likely enhanced the honeysuckle fragrance that permeated the air for our first few country miles.  We had great roads with shoulders and light traffic for our ride.  Between Chester and East St. Louis we enjoyed cycling thru farm lands.  The transition between rural cycling and our first view of St. Louis’ tall buildings was surprising.  We were still in the country but looming in front of us was the city.  Tomorrow morning we will load our bikes into a rental van and drive to Pittsburgh where our personal vehicles are waiting (hopefully) for travels to our homes.  It was a great journey and we experienced lots of history including early westward settlements, Lewis and Clark, and Underground Railroad stops. Finally, we experienced the power of high waters on the Mississippi as we traveled to our journey’s end.

Thanks to all who followed our journey and to our families for allowing us the freedom to discover and pedal.

Pictures

Pictures from entering St Louis on 7/14

Maps

Map entire trip.  This map includes the 8.4 miles we need to ride tomorrow to pick up the Avis rental car for our return trip to Pittsburgh.

Trip stats:
Total miles:           1096
Riding days               19 (not counting last day’s 8.4 mi ride to pick up Avis rental)
Avg Miles/Day:        57.7
Feet of climbing: 17,763

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