Early morning on Highway 56, heading to Abilene, KS
I've seen several "Eat Beef" bumper stickers in KS
Rest stop in a park in Durham, KS; John F. (far right) recovering well
Rolling hills as we move east toward Missouri
Plenty of history here
Abilene is another Kansas town with a past linked to what we would call the Wild West. It is arguably the first Cow Town as it was situated at the northern terminus of the iconic Chisholm Trail. At the end of the cattle drive, cowboys got their lump sum pay and there were plenty of folks in Abilene willing to separate the cowboys from their money. If they survived the saloons, gambling tables and brothels, they still had to get past the outlaws and gunslingers. Even Wild Bill Hickok had a run as sheriff in the 1870's. For railroad nostalgists, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe line used to run through Abilene. Finally, this is where Dwight Eisenhower grew up.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, 6/5) is a non-riding day, our first since Santa Fe, NM. After nine days of pushing, we'll have some much needed recovery time.
Total Miles: 63 Total Vertical Climb: 1600 ft.
Sitting at the rest stop, the crew looks like they need a 24 hour reprieve. Perhaps a big beef steak and a brew will fire them up. So glad you have a rest day tomorrow. In your honor,and as a toast, I'm celebrating with a glass of vino!
ReplyDeleteLove you, Diana
So, do you go for a pleasure ride on your day off? Time trials? Rent a mountain bike and look for a trail? Now that you have video, how about a nice music video on bikes? What do you do on your day off? Seems like a good time for a massage to get those knots (there must be some, aren't there?) out of the body. Enjoy your one day "vacation" Mike.
ReplyDeletePat W
Enjoy your day off, I'm sure it's much needed and more than well deserved. Mom's idea of a juicy steak and brew sound superb. While you're enjoying your day off, I'll be covering some serious ground on my bike; I'm looking to cover 6 miles today :)
ReplyDeleteMike, Your travel log is exciting to follow; read it every day. Enjoy your well deserved day off today! Dorothy
ReplyDeleteMike: Hope you are enjoying today. I did a bunch of neighborhood hills yesterday but I don't think I did anything close to 1600 feet of climbs. Seems like you haven't had too many flat days. 800 - 1300 is a fair amount of climbing in the plains. And these are the so called "easier" days?
ReplyDeleteWell, at least today should be. Somewhat ironically, this is the 70th anniversary of the pivotal Battle of Midway. Different theater, but Ike certainly had more than a passing interest in that battle.
My you seem to know so much about all the places you have seen on your travels
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your much needed and deserved day off my dear brother. I too will have a glass of vino with Scott and toast to the amazing YOU. love, Annie
ReplyDeleteLove the diary of all the places you are visiting. Lots more exciting than Battle Creek :-) Hope you enjoyed the day off and everyone is rested and ready for tomorrow.
ReplyDelete