68 mi, 2,237ft gain, 60-85F / humid with little wind
Today’s ride was all on side roads. It was so nice to get away from large trucks. We did lose our shoulder, but it wasn’t a problem. Today distinctly started to look like Missouri to me. Big rolling hills with trees, cows, small farms.
We rode a lot of the Native Stone Scenic Byway, which includes everything from limestone fences to buildings along the route. Farms and homes use the limestone as a welcome sign with their names hammered into them. The fences reminded me of Irish fences I’ve seen. Apparently this area was settled by pioneer family’s from that region as well as German and Norwegian. The stone fences are stacked limestone found in the Flint Hills more readily available to them than anything else. These stones are not mortared, rather stacked with care and the top row is put at an angle to allow weathering. It is said they can last 200 years. I loved them.
This region is only made up of a few small unincorporated towns. One is Dover where we stopped for pie at the local shop. Everyone absolutely loved their pie slices!
I was in love with the curves in the road as well as the hills. It felt like a route I would choose. The end had a little bit of challenging wind, but nothing like days ago. We got to the hotel with plenty of time to rest and talk.
Tomorrow we head to St. Joseph, MO!! I’m so excited to head towards home and family. I’m thinking tomorrow will be more of me and cows?
Total mileage to-date:
1,701.9 mi
Total elevation gain to-date:
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