June 21,2007 End of first day. (6)

After leaving Pilot Grove and crossing the Highway 70 bridge we arrived in Boonville with 72.8 miles under our belt (or should I say on our butt). In Boonville we rode by the old bridge and the Isle of Capri casino. We crossed the Missouri River on the new bridge that has a separate bike lane. After crossing the river the trail was a little confusing to follow on our way to New Franklin. This section of the trail was one of our least favorites. The day was getting hot, the trail was not as smooth as south of Boonville, and the scenery was not very interesting. We were hoping to have dinner in Hartsburg where we were spending the night. But our pace was slower than expected so we decided to eat dinner in Rocheport. The trail approaching Rocheport is very scenic with bluffs on one side and the Missouri River on the other. In this section we also go through the

MKT tunnel built in 1893 and is 243 feet long. Arriving in Rocheport at 5:00 P.M. we ate at the Trailside Cafe. This was one of the best cheese burgers that I have ever eaten. The Trailside Cafe also has bike sales, rental, and repair. So it was good place to stop. Rested, filled our water bottles, and continued on to Hartsburg. We had 26 miles to go before our day was done. On the way to Hartsburg we saw many Buzzards nesting in on the rock bluffs. I told Mike to try and look more lively because the Buzzards were starting to circle and lick their lips. We must have been looking near death.