Stage 2: Cape Girardeau welcomes the Tour, Cavendish rockets to another win

The highlight of my day today was talking with various bicyclists, Velo Girardeau members, bike shop folks, and others in Cape Girardeau about all the exciting things that have been happening here to make Cape Girardeau friendlier for bicycling.

I saw far more bicyclists here than I would have expected--many volunteers bicycled down to check in--and the evidence of recent work by area bicyclists and organizations was evident on the streets. The city has agreed to install a large number of bicycle and "share the road" signs, and some of them have been installed already.

The Cape Girardeau community really put on a show--one of the largest and best-attended expo areas the Tour has seen.

Lieutenant Governor Kinder--who has been the Tour's champion in Missouri for the past three years--is from the Cape Girardeau and has been anxious to bring the Tour here. It was clear the community was very happy Lt Gov Kinder was finally able to follow through on his promise.

It is clear to me in every community I go to, that having the Tour come to Missouri is good for bicycling at every level. A whole class of citizens, businesses, organizations, agencies, cities, towns, and counties gets a positive view of bicycling and sees how these events can benefit the whole community.

It's positive public relations of the sort that quite literally, no amount of money could buy.

As far as the race--the highlight was definitely Mark Cavendish powering away from the field in the last 100 meters. That guy is powerful . . .

Photos from the Stage 2 finish in Cape Girardeau:


Special thanks for today goes to Chad, a nice couple whose names I never learned, and Pastor Kabo of First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau--they each went out of their way to save my bacon today, and I really appreciated it.

Join MoBikeFed's Advocacy Network

MoBikeFed is a statewide group of people like you, working together for better bicycling, walking, and trails in Missouri. When you join our advocacy network you receive occasional important advocacy alerts and bicycle, pedestrian, and trails news from around Missouri.

Working together we make a real difference! Join our advocacy network:

Want better bicycling and walking in Missouri?
We rely on the support of members like you.  Please join, renew, or donate today.