The 2014 Boone Dawdle has come and gone, and we are happy to report another unforgettable day. Hundreds were undeterred by the threat of storms and joined us for a fun-filled bike ride, a scrumptious meal, a delightful concert and a fascinating film. As always, we’d be utterly lost with out the good will and hard work of an entire community of people. We want to take a moment to look back at the day and thank some of the people that made it happen. Along the way we’ll share some of our favorite images captured by photographers Stephen Bybee and Vivian Abagui.

Things got underway that Saturday morning with a tune up from Sarah Ashman and the rest of the crew at Walt’s Bike Shop, who generously provided support for our 15-mile westward journey down the MKT and Katy trails linking Columbia and Rocheport.

 

It certainly wouldn’t be True/False without music vibrating through the air. As we set off westward, tunes were here and there from Max Rubio, Dubb Nubb, SaP, Meeyoo, Step Daughter, Rae Fitzgerald, Ben Bushman, Nevada Greene, Sunshine Mamas and Ruth Acuff, who accompanied her beautiful, soaring melodies with a harp.

 

Folks looking for a burst of energy or perhaps just a simple treat were in luck, thanks to the delicious trailside snacks provided by Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream, Kaldi’s Coffee and Harold’s Doughnuts. For those that imbibe, there was a local beer pour featuring samples from Schlafly, Flat Branch, Broadway, Logboat and Bur Oak breweries.

photo by Vivian Abagui

 

The Dawdle is defined by delightful and instructive digressions. This year we entertained by the folks from by Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers, Moon Valley Massage, Missouri Contemporary Ballet and the folks from the Greenhouse Theater Project, who gave short improvised performances.

 

Dawdlers also found themselves seeking advice from the Interpretation Station manned by John Reid and in the midst of a mini carnival at Hindman Junction featuring jugglers Phil and Melanie Knocke.

 

In addition, Jeff Barrow and the Missouri River Relief volunteers offered Dawdlers a new treat, a short voyage on a scenic stretch of the Missouri River.

 

The final bit of trail before Les Bourgeois is especially taxing, coming at the end of our trek. Thankfully, cheerleaders from Hickman and Battle High Schools were kind enough to provide some inspiration. Meanwhile, the legendary T/F Sherpa team kicked it into gear, hauling more than 143 bikes up the hill and the bike loading volunteers began loading the hundreds of bikes into trucks for their return journey to Columbia.

 

We’d arrived at our destination, Les Bourgeois Winery. Here our gracious hosts Curtis, Chelsea and Matt had a delicious meal waiting for us, featuring food from numerous local culinary contributors, more Schlafly beer and Les Bourgeois’ own wine. Then we stretched out and relaxed on the beautiful limestone bluffs overlooking the Missouri River.

 

This summer’s delightful sunset concert was performed by the duo Drakkar Sauna, who combine classic country themes with inventive word play to create a unique style all their own.

 

Throughout the day, Doug, Steve, Justin and the rest of T/F tech crew once more rose to the challenge and worked around inopportune weather. They waited until just before showtime to setup the screen for this year’s film, An Honest Liar, explores the career and life of James “the Amazing” Randi, a world-class magician who became an important debunker of purported psychics and healers. Afterwards, co-director Justin Weinstein was kind enough to join us for a discussion of this provocative film.

 

Then, alas, the 2014 Boone Dawdle was at an end. Thanks again to everyone who made the journey with us, and a special thanks to the T/F Volunteers and Core Staff who worked a 15-hour day to make it possible. Let’s all hang our again in just six short months, March 5-8, at T/F 2015! And in less than a year it will be time to Dawdle again, on August 15, 2015.