We began our RATS bike-riding season with an excellent ride on the Katy trail that was, unfortunately, poorly attended. The schedule came out late, so several people had made plans not knowing about the ride. But, we had the same riders we had at the last overnight Katy ride with Bill, Bud, and me (Dan). We left Rolla just after 8:00 and arrived at the Jefferson City Katy lot about 9:30

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We had the mandatory maintenance issues that seem to accompany all rides. We really miss Dick and his knowledge

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It seems that our “mascots” were out early. Maybe they thought we were in worse shape than we though.

The first thing we noticed on the ride was the gorgeous purple fields. We stopped to take in the great feeling of being outside on the bikes again and took a few pictThen we continued in the cool morning to Hartsburg. We were disappointed to find one of our favorite restaurants closed. The Salamander was always a friendly place to stop and take in some local culture and food. They had recently expanded, but there was a sign on the front door that they had moved to Booneville.

After riding around Hartsburg and looking around the bike shop, we left Hartsburg and decided to ride back to Jefferson City before stopping for lunch (ice cream). We stopped about half way back to enjoy the scenery. The redbuds were just starting to show and looked great in the woods that were just starting to put on somegreen buds one particular place, close to the end of the ride, had the best redbud mixed with red

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The next ride is Sunday starting in Doolittle. It looks like the redbud are really bloomed out and the Dogwood may be in full bloom by then. Come join us and enjoy the spring.