June 30, 2005

Travel the Katy Trail to St Louis, MO

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As we prepare for our journey this morning, Joe tries to catch Bill off guard with his "Liquidator" while making threatening remarks to him as he hides behind Bruce.  Trisha is just glad to be out of the line of fire while Mandi (with one i) looks on in utter astonishment.

After a live, morning interview with a local radio station, we head out toward Mokane with wet shirts and somewhat cloudy skies overhead. Our super soakers have been safely stowed away by our support drivers (or are they really in Bruce's backpack?  Nobody is allowed access to it now)  It's the perfect start to another good day on the bikes.

Bruce is all smiles as he convinces Joe to "try" out his old, worn out, decrepit, beat up "OLD BLUE" bicycle which has a seat the size of a small sunflower seed.  Joe is beaming because he thinks he got the best "end" of the deal.  Joe brags about his new ride to all.  "Oh Bruce, I love the gearing on this thing.  This is a great ride.  I'm so happy you are allowing me to ride this royal buggy.  I wish everyone could experience this ride."  10 miles later, with tears in his eyes, Joe gets off "Old Blue" and looks like a tired and weary John Wayne after he's been on a horse for twelve straight days. 

Bruce thanks the man upstairs for his ability to  swindle Joe out of his sweet ride.  He is also shown modeling his newest attachment to his prosthesis.  A garter-type leg belt, which gives him a sleek, stylish, sexy look while securing his prosthetic device to his leg. 

Bill motions for the camera as he finds an old historic land marker along the way.  Everyone was amazed at it's remarkable resemblance to Joe!

As Trisha gears up to ride, Bill wishes her well while Mandi spies overhead.  Bruce is seen hear trying to remember where he last had his cell phone.

Bill surprises Bruce with a little sugar and Trisha plants a big one on Joe.  Mandi is left out and drops her head.  Bruce lets out one of his famous wolf man howls in appreciation.  Bill whispers to him just how nice he looks with his garter belt on.  Bruce is worried about Bill's pink shorts more than ever.

Mandi is all business and sets a torrid pace while Bruce follows.   In the distance, Bruce can hear Mandi "Eat my dust, Bruce!"

Bruce gives a thumbs up as he barrels on down the trail.  His big smile and great attitude is contagious to the whole group. 

Just a word of caution:  Don't lay down that backpack!

Trisha puts in the miles today as Bill frantically tries to keep up.  She's now up to 77 dog-miles for the trip!!

Here comes old pinky bottom now.  He's all smiles now because he knows lunch is just around the corner!

Bill and Trisha stop for a picture in Steedman, MO.  Population 108.  With a bar on one side of the street and a church on the other side of the street, Saturdays and Sundays here are pretty busy.

Ms. Jannette is shown here doing what support drivers do during their down time.  A little rest and relaxation in a shady spot beside of the Missouri River serves as a good place to enjoy a hot, juicy romance novel.

Bill takes off his riding shoes and puts on his eating gloves.  It's lunchtime and every little town in Missouri welcomes men dressed in tight pink shorts. 

Bill sends Joe in first to see how the locals respond to his attire.  After a few hoots and whistles, and turning down at least one request for a date, Joe decides we'd better sit in the back room.

We are very appreciative of this one horse town, however, and as we return to the truck after lunch, we realize that we'd locked the doors but left the doors wide open.  None of our equipment was stolen.  Perhaps it could have been for the sign posted on the outside of the truck stating: "This truck protected by Super Soakers"!

With his tummy now full, we continue down the road and Joe begins his impersonation of a jello-neck, bobble head doll, prompting a quick pull over.  Here's Joe in all his glory, catching a few zzzz's (and flies).   Sucking in so much air at one time prompts the other drivers to quickly open the doors in order to keep the cab from collapsing.  One big snort and the Old Professor is ready to roll.

Bill impresses the locals with his new prosthesis and shorts ensemble.  No one can tell where his leg ends and his shorts begin. 

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