If you are a cycle enthusiast then you need to know the best routes and the safest routes in your state for long-distance cycling. Most states have Bicycling or Cycling Associations to help riders and most are sponsored in part by exceptionally knowledgeable folks who work in the cycling industry or own bike shops. One of the greatest states for long-distance cycling has to be Missouri and indeed here is a very good 190-mile long-distance ride for the hard-core, over achiever and serious cyclist.

Poplar Bluff to Springfield Missouri is a tough one-day ride indeed. It is a very easy course along highway 60 and it is a safe route and most of the road construction although not all has been cleared away. The warm up is a very nice ride Northeast to Ellsinore, MO about 15-miles. The next 15-miles are quite scenic to Van Buren and onto Winona and Birch Tree is also quite scenic about 20 more miles or so.

As you hit Mountain view you have some nice flat speed areas and then you head into Norwood, Mansfield, Seymour, Rogersville and Springfield, MO. It is 190 miles and it is indeed a safe, fun and exhilarating ride for the long-distance cycle enthusiast. Consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Currently Lance is retired at age 40 and is running an Online Think Tank Forum while traveling North America. Perhaps considering something extremely challenging to do that will exercise his mind and utilize all his experiences, observations and skills. Any ideas?