As promised, here is an ACM diary from our bike ride across some of Missouri, mostly on the Katy Trail, a rails to trails state park that follows the Missouri River.
It's been an Unbelievable 9 days. Let me share with the ACM the most unbelievable, yet so mundane, encounter for me on this trip.
After a long day of 51 miles racing to keep ahead of rain, we hobbled into Mokane, MO, with its welcoming park for trail users. Looking for a good place, I led my dog, bike and trailer through pavilions by where youngsters were spending their Friday evening. One of them quickly approached and asked me to go drink with them. I said no thanks and he asked again as 5, 6 or 7 young men joined him.
Their intentions were probably good, but you never know. Just as I started wondering, another man joined us. He said he saw something happening and wanted to see. I offered him a water, and the kids went about their business. Basically, a stranger came to help me at his own risk. I didn't put it together until later.
Me and this man who called himself Tobias got to talking some as I set up camp. It was mostly about riding, but not about any destination. He had been all over the United States from West Coast to mid MO, at least.
He talked about a bad situation in Jefferson City, but not a lot about how he got there or where he wanted to end up.
I asked a little, but he never revealed much. Don't blame him. Who gives up much info at midnight on a trail?
I gathered little more than he was going to keep riding, though it didn't seem to be for fun. I suspect he would like some rest.
Don't know if he was running from something, or if he had any issues. Doesn't matter. Everybody deserves food and shelter.
I could tell he didn't have much, and was shocked to see what he was riding. I took this photo from a distance when he was looking for coffee.
That's his ride there, with no racks or panniers. He goes across the country holding his bags, pedaling and steering.
I have met long haulers on every longer ride I've ridden. Though some prefer to keep moving, many don't have anywhere to end up.
I couldn't do it. And here I was thinking I had it rough getting exhausted trying to reach a destination with food, showers and a bed.
The thing is, there are more like this. Unhoused people aren't just lazy addicts who don't care.
Compare his ride with mine in the title image. I can cut back but not to Tobias' level, voluntarily. I need racks on my bike.
My bike, trailer, racks and solar panel costs about $5000. I imagine less expensive versions can be mass produced for a fraction of the cost.
Building the infrastructure and providing decent transportation and shelter are just one idea of something to do for those in need.
Please share any more ideas or thoughts you have. Apologies for rushing and probably making errors. Still have 40 miles today. Then I'm home