Stage 15 - Farmington MO, 90mi (145km)

Last night I went to Hardee’s for dinner and enjoyed a very good burger. I decided to stay at the Apple Tree Inn Motel, which turned out to be a nightmare. Young people next door had a party all night until early morning 4AM. Even though I asked them kindly to lower their voices it did not help and I learned my lesson. Rather paying some dollars more and having a calm and well-deserved rest and sleeping time over night. So I got up early this morning at 6.45AM riding towards Chester.

Chester is the birthplace of E.C. Segar, creator of the cartoon character Popeye, and the town promotes the connection. There are statues, murals, and a shop selling Popeye memorabilia.

In Chester I met Norma from Boston, and another couple Ryan and Sabina, he is American and she is from Austria. I quickly stepped into a collectable store with all kinds of Popeye gadgets. And I could not resist buying something for my kids Jil and Ewan. The lady in the store was so kind to have it posted directly to McLean, so I do not have to carry any additional items.

I crossed the Mississippi river and entered Missouri, my fourth state. 

The long bridge has one lane in each direction and no shoulder.  

A few miles of flood plain led to wonderful cycling country – smooth roads, little traffic, and lovely rolling hills. The weather was perfect and best of all no wind. 

After a view miles the climbs towards the Ozark Mountains had started. And today my total elevation was 4'000 feet (1'200m).

The hostel is owned by the municipality of Farmington and is in a converted jail. It has been well designed for cyclists' needs, with showers, laundry, kitchen, indoor bike parking, a computer and WIFI. Sheets and towels are provided. It costs $20 a night to stay there. 

After 90mi (145km) of a ride with a total time of 8.5hours including stops I arrived in Farmington. So far, it has taken me 15 days to get here for a total riding of 1170mi (1’900km), which is 80mi (130km) per day.