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Published: June 18th 2018
Alley Spring Mill
Archeological evidence suggest this area was occupied by native Americans for Century’s. Early settlers used it as a grain mill since 1828. An early settlement was built around it and in 1964 it was given to the National Park service as a Historical Landmark. We When we encounter people along the way, it is always fascinating talking to them.
Often the first two questions are:
“Where are you going? “
“Where did you come from?”
Then they say, “ Are you two brothers?”
And the final question, “Why is he carrying all the stuff?”
After those four questions we, usually hear their opinion of what we are doing.
Yesterday an older gentleman offered: “There are only two people who would ride bikes in the heat, children or fools and you ain’t children!”
Can’t say he was wrong!
Non-cyclists are also very unreliable when we ask directions. For example, after we park the bikes for the day we usually walk to what we need.
We might ask, “How far is the Millers Landing Restaurant?”
If they say, ‘just a few blocks away’, we estimate 5 blocks and are usually closer than they are.
If we ask, “how far to the next quick stop?” and they say ‘3 miles’, we guess 6 miles and are not disappointed.
Often they will offer the amount of hills we have left to the next town. If they say ‘3 big
hills before you get there’ we anticipate 6 big hills.
Their senses just aren’t tuned in to hills and distances as we are without our car getting us there.
Yesterday while at the laundromat however, the woman supervising was right on.
She asked where we were going? I told her Houston, and she said, “The first seven miles will be big hills and then it won’t be so bad.’ By golly, she nailed it!
The moment we left Eminence we started climbing and did severe 12% ups and downs nonstop until the seven mile point and then it became simple rollers all the way to Houston.
We did encounter the Alley Spring Mill along the way. We heard it is one of the most photographed sites in Missouri so I took a picture to share with you.
At Somerville, ( fifteen miles into our day), we pulled up to the only restaurant in town to find it was closed on Monday. We asked a woman opening the Senior Center next door where else we could go? She told us to come on in and she would fix us breakfast. We noticed the doors weren’t
supposed to open until 11am and our watches said 9:05.
We went in and she fixed us a full breakfast! What a kind thing for her to do!
Another act of kindnesses for us Bicyclists.
For the remainder of the ride, we enjoyed the wonderful quiet countryside and rolling hills.
Tomorrow we are preparing for 64 miles to Marshfield.
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Dan Schlader
non-member comment
Enjoying Blog
Hi Pilot Bob I have been a friend of Bernie’s for over 30 years. Have done many runs with Bernie and some with Bruce as well. After living in Lynchburg for nearly 40 years I have now returned to IA my home state. I have thoroughly enjoyed your blogs. Sorry not to have you come through IA. Know weather is now breaking for more comfortable days. Have a safe ride and say hi to Bruce. Dan