Bicycling At Drake Harbor At The Lake Of The Ozarks

I am so glad spring has sprung. It gives me a chance to get out of the house and back into nature. Last year, I had set my sights on riding the entire Katy trail across the state of Missouri. It is nearly 250 miles across and it normally takes 2 or 3 days to make the trek. I have horses, who have become accustomed to eating on a regular basis, so being away from home overnight is just not practical.

The method I've had to use to make this ride is to drive the car to the trail. I will travel to the furthest point I have cycled and begin the next phase of the trip from there. I can easily ride 30 or 40 miles a day, but any further distance creates problems for me. So I will plan my day, ride 15 or 20 miles, then turn around and ride back to the car. I didn't accomplish my goal of riding all the way to Saint Louis last fall. So I now need to finish the last 60 miles of the trip so I can claim triumph.

Like, most people, I didn't get enough exercise over the winter so I have to get myself back into shape to finish the Katy journey. I live in Missouri, near the Lake of the Ozarks. It is a resort area that is great for fishing, boating, skiing, or just loafing around. I like to ride my bike along the banks of the Lake of the Ozarks. The area is beautiful and there is nothing better than riding my bike, on a beautiful day, in an area of natural splendor.

The Lake of the Ozarks is a reservoir that was built and opened in 1931. It has flooded a number of rivers and makes one of the largest lakes in the state. One of the rivers included in this huge body of water is the Osage River.

The Osage River travels through the city of Warsaw. In the 1800’s, traders would travel by boat down the Missouri to the Osage River then up to Warsaw. At this point, the river was no longer navigable. The riverboats would be unloaded, and the goods would be sold to buyers in Warsaw, or the items loaded onto wagons to head west to their final destination. Warsaw was a trading post and the riverfront was a big center of commerce. There is so much history here. Every day is like taking a history class, only a lot more fun.

To get back into shape to finish my ride on the Katy Trail, I need to build up my strength and stamina. I am riding 10 miles a day after work on the banks of the Osage at Drake Harbor, in Warsaw. Some days are easier than others, but soon I hope to be ready to ride the rest of the Katy and add this trail to my list of accomplishments.

Drake Harbor is a wonderful place to train. A lot of folks walk themselves, their dogs, and ride bikes. The trails are paved and flat, so this is an ideal place to ride a hand cycle if you are disabled.

The work is tough but the rewards are great. I not only get to check one more item off my bucket list, I also get to lose weight, build strength, and get outside and enjoy nature.

Get outside every day. It is good for your mood!

Kali