Atlantic to Pacific Cycling Journey 2011: Day 24 Marshfield to Golden City

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Miles 83.75 Total 1514.77 Daily Avg 63.11

Avg speed 14.5 Max Speed 39.2 Alt climbed 4787 ft

Slept well last night in the city park although trains rolled through town every four hours, whistles blazing. They passed quickly and back to sleep. You can not complain with the room rate.

We took down our tents and hammocks and were on the road at 7:30. Five miles outside Marshfield we came to the construction flagman Roy, he explained they were resurfacing the road ahead. Luckily it was not the dreaded tar and gravel of yesterday. We waited 5 minutes for the flag car to lead us past. Roy having never been to Oregon asked us to say hello to everyone from him.

Today's route had some long sections without any place to get water and ice so we stocked up where we could. Outside of Everton, MO we came to a small shady building with a Budweiser sign out front. We entered to get some ice and water. It was 11:30 and the bar was filled six guys looking like they are always in that bar at that time. This was not the place men wearing spandex shorts are welcome. The guy with the Wiley Nelson look at the end of the bar spoke first, inquiring of our trip. Wanting to know the details, when we started, where we are headed, how many miles a day. He explained how much he admired the effort and dedication we have to complete such a trip. Again, we were totally surprised by his friendliness, interest and kind words. As we left the bar Kelly noticed the name printed on the sign”Shaved Beaver” and commented I hope that does not mean what I think it does. I am thinking it's a biker bar with signs advertising Jello wrestling and Wet T Shirt contests. What other possible meanings could there be.

The road finally flatten out with a quick last 8 miles into Golden City. The final hour provided a good tailwind to end a 84 mile day.

Tonight we are camping in the Golden City Park. The park is crowded with parents and kids watching 5&6 year olds playing coach pitch baseball. We are right in the mist of it. We will wait for the games to end before setting up our tents. Earlier this afternoon we ate at “Cooky's Cafe” known for their homemade pies. We had over 20 fresh pies to choose from for $2.00 a slice. Lunch/dinner consisted of baked ham, salad, mashed potatoes, green beans and bread for $7.00. Total bill for the three of us including three slices of pie for $28.00.