First Ride of the Year

The weather warmed up today (about 42 degrees at the start), and we (Ralph, Doug, Rae, Tom, Neil, Ron and Dave) rode from downtown Springfield to Stafford and Turners Station before returning to Springfield. We try to ride to Strafford (17 miles) at least once a month because the VFW has pancake breakfasts the first and third Saturdays for $3. You can also get biscuits and gravy. They are only open from 7-9AM, so it is difficult to get there in the winter when it is still dark and really cold at the start. Today, we left at 7:30, but had two flats before we even left Springfield. We cut the route short, but got to the VFW about 9:10. Fortunately the grill was still hot, so the vets whipped up some more batter, and we fueled up for the ride to Turners Station. It was well worth their effort because we each left at least $5.

Strafford, MO, VFW














The ride south to Turners Station (19 miles) has some good hills because it crosses the James River. The south wind (23 mph) made it more difficult today. Turners is a former rail stop that was founded in 1889. It is still the post office and general store. You can also get deli sandwiches if you need a quick meal.

Turners Station, MO














We made it back downtown around noon with the sun starting to break out. The temperature was in the high 60's in the afternoon, and they are predicting record breaking highs for tomorrow.