Missouri: Tour de Loco & Joplin

Joplin, MO. I just completed 100 miles of hot southwestern Missouri farm roads. The Tour de Loco begins and ends in Mount Vernon, MO. It is run by the Locozmos bike club, and wanders around some pretty Missouri countryside. I did 66 miles in the morning, finishing that segment at around 1PM. The temperatures by then were pushing 100 degrees. I decided that discretion was the better part of valor, and finished the last 34 miles from my hotel in Joplin after the temperature went down. Running a century in the heat of the day in summer is a questionable venture.

Riding around Joplin, of course, was a sobering experience. Last May 22nd, the town was devastated by the deadliest tornado to hit the US since 1957. The broad-front twister cut a swath a mile wide and eight miles long. It devastated about 15% of the city of Joplin, and barely missed the downtown.

Six weeks later, Joplin has barely begun to recover. The devastation along the path of the tornado was complete. As you crest over a ridge, you are greeted with the sight of debris, wrecked structures, and broken trees. There was absolutely nothing left standing along the centerline path.

Debris removal has just barely begun. Less than 10% of the structures have been cleared to the slab. Some businesses have brought in temporary structures and reopened. Some have moved and placed signs to their new location. It was inspirational to see "We are open!" signs.

The people of Joplin face massive problems. Looters struck the wrecked areas quickly. Recently, a rare fungus infection has struck many of the survivors. It will take years to rebuild their city, but their determination, their love of God, life, and country, and their unbreakable spirit make recovery simply a matter of time. I rode with tears in my eyes for miles.

I've included a picture of Joplin High School. It will have to be completely rebuilt. School was not in session when the tornado hit. In fact, seniors were graduating at a college nearby, away from the tornado. The picture does not do justice to the massive scale of the destruction.