June 20, 2007 (3)

The train traveled on the south side of the Missouri River and there were many places where the river could be seen. We stopped in Jefferson City to let off and take on passengers. We had some delays with a freight train in front of us and had to slow down a few times and once or twice we stopped all together. We followed a freight train onto a siding so that a east bound train could pass us. Then we backed up onto the main track and were able to pass the freight train and pick up some speed again. We ended up being about 55 minutes late getting into Sedalia. We had arranged transportation from Sedalia to Clinton with B&L Shuttle service. Bob from B&L called us a couple of times during our train ride to check on our progress. When we got to Sedalia, Bob was waiting there with his van and a bike rack on the back. It was 9:00 P.M. we loaded the bikes on the van and headed for Clinton. We drove for one hour at about 60 mph. All of the time we were thinking that we had to ride our bikes back this same distance in the morning. We accused Bob or driving in circles just to scare us with the distance. He assured us this was the most direct route. Bob was great! Very friendly, but had only average jokes. So Mike and I thought it was our duty to give him new material. So we told him some of our witty stories. We were sure Bob was impressed by our wit and grateful for the new material. Arrived at the Best Western motel in Clinton at 10:15 P.M. Got to our room and started getting our bikes and gear ready for the next morning. Laid out riding clothes, filled water bottles, took a shower and hit the sack.