“Damn, it’s hot.” Those were my first words as I climbed onto my bicycle this morning. I have a feeling that is going to be a common phrase over the next week or so. I don’t know if it was technically hotter today than yesterday, but it sure felt that way. The first 12 miles were fine, but after that the heat really got to me.
I made it to the Mississippi River, the dividing line between the east and the west. Sometimes I worry about my pace, but I went from Washington, D.C. to the Mississippi in a little less than a month. That doesn’t seem so bad.

The only bridge across the river was the Interstate 72 bridge. I was pretty confident that bicycles are allowed on the bridge, but the signs were a little confusing. The first sign on the on-ramp said non-motorized vehicles are prohibited. That would describe a bicycle. About 30 yards down the ramp, however, another sign said bicyclists must use the right shoulder. I didn’t have any problem crossing the bridge.
I ended up in Hannibal, MO. I had only ridden about 20 miles. I tried to take some time to cool down, but it didn’t really help, so I decided to stop for the day. After cooling off in a motel for a few hours, I went walking around the old downtown. Many of the buildings were built in the 1830’s and existed when Mark Twain was growing up.



You did make it to Mark Twain’s boyhood home after all.
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You may have to get lights and ride by night to beat the heat.
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