A motel makes it easier to get an early start because of less packing of tent, etc. Our plan worked – we were able to ride 50 miles by 1pm.
We stopped in every town along the way and had a cold drink at the mini-mart/gas stations to stay hydrated. One of the clerks, Mandy, talked to us about our trip. After we rode away she must have told another customer, Tria our story. Tria flagged us down on the trail and offered help if we needed it in her hometown, Merriman, down the road a few days. We will try to stop by for another visit and cold drink.
We rolled into our final town of Stuart and found a nice restaurant called Cast Iron bar and grille. 3 ice teas and a cool salad made the early finish that day seem worthwhile. Camping in the city park is free and they even have showers and sprinklers to ride thru. We liked the Cast Iron so much we went there for dinner too. It seemed like half the town of 500 people came into the restaurant. Another soft serve at the mini-mart and we were ready to end the day.
Summary: we rode 52 miles from Two Rivers motel in Ewing to Stuart city park on The Cowboy Trail and a little bit of highway 20.
Damn! You guys are Awesome! Makes me ready to “get on my bike & RIDE!!