Day 6 Summary: Springfield Il to Chillicothe MO

 Daily Mileage: Yesterday, we covered 242 miles, starting in Springfield, IL, and ending in Chillicothe, MO.

Starting Point: Our day began in Springfield, Illinois. We left in the early morning to take full advantage of the sunlight.

Technical Issues: We only encountered one flat tire, which we changed efficiently. Our team has become quite proficient at handling flats and minimizing downtime.

Weather: The weather was favorable, with plenty of sunshine throughout the day. This allowed us to keep our batteries charged and end the day with a full battery, which is crucial for maintaining our progress and efficiency.

Highlight: One of the highlights of the day was when we stopped at a small church to point our solar array. A group of kids came by, and we had the opportunity to show them Sun Strider and explain how it works. Their excitement and curiosity were truly inspiring and reminded us why we are passionate about this project.

Biggest Obstacle: Despite our overall success, we faced a few challenges. We encountered one really terrible road that tested our vehicle's durability and driving skills. Additionally, we dealt with crosswinds that made maintaining a steady course difficult and excessive heat that tested our motors. However, our preparation and Sun Strider's robustness helped us overcome these obstacles.

Technical Insights: The day's success can also be attributed to the technical adjustments and improvements we've made. The cooling systems for our motors performed excellently, even in the excessive heat. This was a significant relief, as overheating has been a major concern in past attempts. Our solar array's efficiency continues to impress, as we managed to collect enough solar energy to keep us going and maintain a full battery by the end of the day.

Summary: Overall, Day 6 was a great success. Covering 242 miles and engaging with the community was rewarding. We continuously learn and adapt, making each day a stepping stone towards our ultimate goal of reaching Los Angeles. The team's morale is high, and we are excited to tackle the challenges ahead.