“Bicycles Saved my Life”

Another day of riding today took me from Warrensburg, MO to Boonsville, MO. With a predicted temperature of close to 96 degrees with high humidity, I knew it was going to be a scorcher. I hit the road early from David and Barbara’s. I want to thank them again for their incredible stories! David has hiked thousands of miles along the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and more! He’s determined to hike the Appalachian Trail once in his 60’s (completed), 70’s (next year), and again in his 80’s ( 10 years). Way to go! Barbara has cycled so much, she makes me look like a rookie. It’s crazy. They had so much experience and stories, that they could share for days. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hear them all, but I got a great sampling!

I took off on the route, and while riding along US Highway 50 I had a cyclist ride up behind me and strike up a conversation. Les, as he introduced himself, was out for a Saturday morning ride (almost as good as Saturday morning cartoons) and was interested in where I was headed. He was amazed at my journey, and offered to buy me breakfast in the next town up. Free breakfast? Ohhhh yeah. It was incredibly generous of him. It was fun to chat with him along the ride, and I’m always welcoming company, especially with fellow cyclists!

The breakfast was delicious, and tasty. A nice local diner with friendly staff and customers. A small town feel, with a gorgerous downtown made for a great atmosphere. They even had a bike shop that I stopped in! Sounds like the perfect town doesn’t it?

The last time I saw another touring cyclist was way back Northeast Arizona. That’s almost 3,000 miles ago. It kind of stinks. I love to meet other touring cyclists, hear about their trip, their stories, their downfalls, their experiences, and everything. On today’s ride, I saw 6. Yes, six. Three pairs of two. I only was able to chat with one pair, but they were headed to California. Still a good ride left! Either way it was exciting to see some other cyclists loaded down with plenty of gear.

I met up with the Katy Trail, a long Rails to Trails trail that will deliver me from evil. No just kidding. It’ll deliver me to St. Louis. But it’ll keep me away from traffic, so in some ways it does deliver me from the evil motorists out there. If you’re not familiar with Rails to Trails. You should be. They are awesome. For cyclists of all skill levels it’s a great ride. The program, actually started in Wisconsin, takes old railroads and converts them to biking and hiking paths. The end result is typically a crushed limestone path with very gradual grades that are incredibly manageable to ride. Perfect. Everyone can ride them, and they’re safe. Away from traffic, and secluded. Boo yah.

Along the ride I stopped at a trailhead to quick use the restroom. Little did I know that this was going to be a lot more than a quick restroom break. Hanging out at the Trailhead was Al. Now Al, asked where I was headed, and I showed him my little Biking for Baseball map depicting my route. He was AMAZED. It couldn’t stop telling me how I was inspiring him, and how this trip was incredible. Then I started to ask him about his story, and that’s when I, rather than him, became inspired.

He started off by declaring he was a Vietnam veteran. Then, he followed that up with saying he’s all alone, no family, nothing. He acknowledged that he should have died six years ago. He was living homeless. The winters were harsh, and he had no food. He had nothing. Then he said the phrase, “Bicycles saved my life.” Al explained how he bought a book on how bicycles worked, and began fixing up old Huffy’s, Schwinn’s, Roadmasters, whatever it may be. He’d get bikes donated that were in horrible and inoperable condition. He’d get enough where he’d be able to interchange parts to fix them up and sell them for 15 to 25 bucks. From there he was able to get off his feet, and have enough to survive.

Bicycles saved my life. That’s a statement that I’m going to remember for a long time. Bicycles have had a huge part in my life. They’ve given me something to plan for, to train for, to enjoy, to experience life. I often would rather experience life on two wheels instead of two feet. I love biking. I’m excited to ride. There’s many days where I just can’t stop smiling while riding. Life’s good when you’re riding. You see the world in a new perspective. You understand the terrain, the pavement, the wind, the air, the humidity, the odors. It’s all there. You’re one with your environment. You are powering yourself across the terrain. Nothing else. Every bit of energy comes from you. Your legs. If I get hit by a car tomorrow, there’s nobody who can take away the 5,100 miles I’ve already ridden. They’re in the books, they’re done. Every one of those miles has changed my life. It’s given me a new perspective on the world around me, the people, and the environment. What’s even crazier, I’m not even halfway. I can’t imagine how revolutionary this trip will feel come October 3rd. I guess I can only do one thing to find that out. Just keep pedaling.

I rode into Boonville this afternoon and took an afternoon break at a local bar. I talked to a few locals and the bartenders even covered my beer. Wow. Boonsville is a small town, but incredibly friendly. My hosts Johnny and Rosalie are awesome. They’re almost too friendly, but a whole lot of fun. They were out riding a different section of the Katy Trail themselves. The heat killed them much like myself. It was rough, but we got our miles in! As I write, I smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and it smells delicious. That exponentially increases my appetite. Ironically, Johnny and Rosalie are related to Brewers’ outfieler Logan Schafer! Sweet!

I want to give a BIG thank you to my soccer coach Bill Fehrenbach. While in KC, he had read in my blog that the layers of sunscreen made riding awfully tough. You’re sticky, nasty, and smelly. I guarantee you’re not picking up any ladies when you walk in with an armor of SPF 50 donnin your face and arms. Bill got me some sun sleeves, that provide sun protection without he gooieness of sunscreen. Plus, they don’t provide insulation so you don’t have to worry about sweating. I rode with them today in the gruesome heat and they worked great! Woohoo!

To the baseball side of things, I want to give a HUGE congratulations to Max Scherzer for his NO HITTER he just threw today. He was one out away from a perfect game. UGH. Oh well, a no hitter is still a solid consolation prize. Max and his wife Erica are some of Biking for Baseball’s greatest supporters. Good things happe to good people. Way to go Max!

I hop on the bike again tomorrow to continue my ride into St. Louis. I’ll be fighting the heat again, so I’ll get up early to get as many of my miles completed before noon that I can. Until next time folks!

Matt