Before getting into today's ride, I would like to once again thank all of you who are taking the time to follow my travels as well as make comments on my blogsite, which are very much appreciated. Unfortunately, I don't have much time in which to make individual replies so I hope you understand.
Today was advertised as a day of rest / recovery, with only a 40 mile jaunt and minimal climbing. However, the Hawk from the north was blowing NNE at a steady 21 mph, gusting to 35 mph, almost on our noses. The Wind gods have exacted their karma for all of the terrific WSW winds that we enjoyed the first two weeks. Once again, we started off in a longer pace line but Tom and I abandoned it because it was too slow and unwieldy.
Rider on left in front is rotating to the end of pace line, after completing his "pull"
The aroma of livestock is ubiquitous in this part of the world. The locals must be completely de-sensitized to it or everyone would have moved away long ago.
We could smell this livestock yard at least a mile before reaching it.
As you can undoubtedly tell from my narrative, I have a definite "separation anxiety" upon leaving the Southwest. I very much enjoyed the rugged majesty of the mountains and craggy rock formations. Middle America has its own story which I'm sure will unfold over the next weeks. There was a kind of fun incident today on the ride. A train was passing us going the same direction. The engineer had his window open and waved as he also gave us a blast on his air horn. Out on the plains with golden early wheat swaying in the breeze, it all seemed to add up. If that doesn't bring out the boy in you, I don't know what does.
There was an unfortunate incident on the ride today. John F. (UK) took a hard fall and may very well have broken ribs. His riding status for tomorrow is uncertain.
There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home.....
The town of Liberal, KS somehow has deemed itself to be the home of Dorothy Gale, of Wizard of Oz fame. Not quite sure how that works but I'll go with it.
Me with my buddies Dorothy and Toto
Walking the Yellow Brick Road
Total Miles: 40 Total Vertical Climb: 500 ft.
Glad you made it to Kansas. Perhaps if you wear red shoes and click your heels you'll wake up in BOSTON. Sorry to hear the news about John. Please give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery. LY, Diana
ReplyDeleteAt the very least, Liberal, KS is better than Conservative, KS. Perhaps in the latter you would encounter Alice in Wonderland. (Sorry, couldn't help it).
ReplyDeleteFeel bad for the bloke with broken ribs. I had just one last year and found that it didn't hurt to ride, but riding delayed healing (from the deeper breathing and movement, said the doc)and really interfered with sleep. Good luck to him.
Sorry to hear about the fellow that injures his ribs ,that will be a difficult ride for sure .How nice that Diana came to spend time with you on your tour. I see that you are entering the flat Midwest states,I have found that in my years of traveling from Mich, to Texas,the terrain is rather boring,except for river crossings,how cool that Kansas has claimed the birthplace of Dorothy from the wizard of oz. Love,Beth
ReplyDeleteAs you know Mike, my daughter Hilary and I are off our jungle trek, thanks to a bush pilot who extracted us from the central "camp" of Corcovado NP. Today a car will be brought to this village and we'll drive 4.5hrs north to a proper hotel at Manuel Antonio and have proper internet access again instead of random wifi to satellite like right now. I've just read all the blog I missed and remain amazed that you can do this. These are huge distances every day and all in the blazing sun. We'll be thinking about you tomorrow as we spend the entire day floating off Beach 1 M.A. Jim J
ReplyDeleteMay and the major mountains are behind you. You'll get into some "hills" starting in Ohio and continuing into Penn, New York and beyond. Really sorry to hear about John's spill. Hopefully he will be able to continue after coming all the way from the UK and already riding 1000+miles. You're still looking great in the pics. Keep safe.
ReplyDeleteDave
Sorry to hear about John F. Hope it doesn't stop him, now that you're in "flat" country. 39+, now 44+mph! What will Diana say this time, especially after the news of John F. I hope the winds shift to the NE instead of from the NE, give you a little tailwind instead of up the nose. Speaking of tail, is yours still there after 1000 miles? Well, as Dave Loggins would say....Please come to Boston (safely). John & Carol
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your blog, pics and text. Diana's Tucumcari shots of the"" Downhill Curve" and the " WALL" are ones I won't forget. It looks like you could almost basejump off the curve. Sounds as if the flat demons have left you behind. I hope that's so.
ReplyDeleteHappy Trails
Mike W
love these pics...I am a "Wizard of Oz"..fanatic!!!..would love to go there..just a big kid at heart...Aunty Em, Aunty Em!!..keep peddling brother!..love mary
ReplyDelete