A good start this morning, just after 8am. We are getting more efficient with the repacking process but its still one of the more time consuming tasks we encounter. An aggravating glitch with the Garmin Zumo XT GPS. I create the routes for each day with Basecamp, a software package to create downloadable routes for the Garmin GPS. Todays route seemed to have all the right directions but displayed an expected arrival time that was clearly bogus. Not sure if this is an issue with the routing software or the GPS itself or the Garmin GPS. Luckily, an Google Pixel 8 Pro along with Google Maps is a good cross check and backup when needed. That kept us on track.
The ride kept us in the saddle for about 8 hours today. No major issues other than some rain for the last hour of the ride. We were able to get into rain gear quickly enough to avoid any problems.
About the lack of commentary and pictures so far: When we were starting the planning phase for this trip we started with two initial goals. The first was to make it to Boulder, CO by June 10 to see a concert. The second was to spend a full day riding a 300 mile loop through the Ozarks. That necessitated making the other routes subservient to the main two. So, the routes so far have pretty much been get from A to B, not filled with any sightseeing or interesting locations or pure fun mountain rides. After June 10 our plan is to stop and smell the roses which will hopefully result in somewhat more interesting posts.
Hopefully things will pickup on Wednesday as we have a go at the Ozarks. Tomorrow we are off to Clarksville, AR which will be the starting point for our Ozark ride Wednesday. Looks like rain most of the day – oh well, it IS and adventure, right?
Until then ………
Adventures of an Old Man 