Those silent larger-than-life bronze statues of the Corps of Discovery stand guard over a great piece of real estate on the Missouri State Capitol grounds.

And so on September 12, 2008 with sports enthusiasts from around the world watching on international television, professional cyclists will do several laps past the statues in their trailhead park setting before the end of Tour of Missouri race segment 5 in Jefferson City.

The trailhead plaza was dedicated on June 4, and saw its first tour bus (teachers from Savannah, Georgia) arrive on June 10.

What would Lewis & Clark think of all this?  Though their backs will be to the racers, I am sure they would enjoy hearing the big crowd’s roar. What a great place for travelers from over 200 years ago to be seen and remembered.

Meriwether Lewis and his dog Seaman, William Clark and his manservant York, and the great interpreter, guide and hunter George Drouillard get to be seen by a whole new group of fans.

There at the site entrance are a few bike racks for photo ops with the big statues after the day’s race is over.  For those who have never seen a pro cycling race, check out the following webpage: http://www.jctourofmissouri.com/