Jim's Ride Across America: Day 24 Ellington, MO to Houston, MO

Yorktown, VA to Houston, MO Completed 1,383 Miles

Biking Detail Ellington, MO to Houston, MO

Day 24 Thursday, June 4

Started day off at 7:00 with good breakfast at The Vintage Coffee Shop and Cafe, one we discovered end of day yesterday. Owner Cristina was expecting us and greeted us by name. So unusual to find a coffee shop in these parts, a town of 900. She managed a Barnes and Noble in St Louis and learned the coffee piece there. Came back to her hometown of Ellington and decided to stay and open her own cafe.

Hit the road about 7:30 prepared for what is supposed to be the toughest day of climbing in the Ozarks. They are adding a small shoulder, newly asphalted and still under construction, on HWY 106 for several miles out of Ellington. The climb is gradual at first but had two 15%ers in the first eight miles. The added shoulder, although fairly narrow and not yet swept, may help prevent long car parades behind the bikers. Not too many stretches where safe for cars to pass. Lush green on this Ozark National Scenic Riverways stretch and so far not too much car/truck traffic.

At about 14 miles and right before leaving the Riverways stretch you cross over the Current River. Very scenic. Might want to stop in Eminence for nourishment and hydration as you will face some long, steep grades as you leave Eminence and head to Alley Spring. You can stock up on Cliff Bars at the Sinclair Gas station and store in Eminence! Stopped at Alley Spring and walked bikes up to the Mill and Spring. Very beautiful! Spring pours out 81 million gallons of water a day! Color is such a pretty shade of blue. Glad we took time to stop.

We were forewarned that hills after Alley Spring were steep. Accurately stated! Pushed on to Summersville. Not much in this town of 500 and no phone service so decided to push on another 23 miles to Houston. Long ride for end of day and no real lunch stop. Nothing between Summersfield and Houston. Found a work building with a shady tree and had crackers, cheese and fruit before heading out again. Ran into pretty heavy rain shower about ten miles out of Houston and took shelter under a tree. Short lived and we were off again. Arrived at the Southern Inn Motel in Houston at 5:00 PM and happy to be done for the day! Andreas rode with us all day and decided to motel it tonight so here at the same motel. Ed rode ahead and is probably at a campground here in Houston.