Taking Topeka

Big riding day today.  It had it all: distance, climbing, heat and headwinds.  Some might call it the perfect storm but we choose to call it opportunity.

Early morning riding out of Abilene (no, it's not the same photo every day)

This might be a good opportunity to discuss how some of the on-the-bike conversation goes, especially first thing in the morning.  To set the scene, I am having a conversation with Nick and John F., both from the UK.  The wind is already kicking up pretty good and both Nick and (especially) John have strong London accents.

MK: "Tracey mentioned that we might see buffalo on the way to Topeka today".

Thirty second pause.

Nick: "I shouldn't think that we'd be seeing buffalo in this part of the country but rather bison.  Don't you agree John?"

Thirty second pause.

John: "(Unintelligble)"

One minute pause.

MK: "Why do you think bison and not buffalo?"

One minute pause.

Nick: "I shouldn't imagine buffalo being here.  Although, I daresay that the bloody buffalo and bison themselves don't know what they are."

Laughter.

Nick: "Of course, you know that buffalo are used in the production of mozzarella cheese."

No pause.

MK: "Whaaat?!"

Nick: "Yes, quite so.  Don't you reckon that as well, John?"

Thirty second pause.

John: "(Unintelligible)"

That was a somewhat typical dialogue.  Quite pleasant, it passes the time and, on rare occasion, may actually be informative.  As a post script, it turns out that milk from water buffalo is used in the production of the only Italian mozzarella that enjoys the "protected designation of origin" status under EU trade rules.  I looked this up after the ride and, unfortunately, will have to tell Nick of this at breakfast tomorrow morning.

Katy Park in White City, KS, site of our first SAG stop today.  Pure Americana

Just before reaching the SAG, one of our riders, Larry (PA), had a nasty crash.  He was crossing one of the many railroad tracks that we encounter.  These tracks crossed   the highway at a particularly dangerous angle.  His front wheel slipped into the track groove, throwing him from the bike.  No broken bones but he's pretty cut up.  Larry was knocked out of action today but hopes to return tomorrow.

You want to swing to the other side of the road and turn a hard right, trying to cross the tracks at as much of a right angle as possible.  (Photo taken by Roberta (NH))

Also out of action today was Mike F., our strongest rider on the tour.  His shoulder was significantly injured in a cycling accident years ago (hit by the mirror on a 18-wheeler) and after the extended use on this tour has now reached a point that he can't ride.  He's hoping to return as soon as possible and, in any case, vows that he will go to Boston even if he has to ride there in a CrossRoads van. 

Lovely lake in the background

Local sheriff checking in on us at the second SAG stop

This was the order of the day, both up and down

Lush corn planting

 

 

 

We also saw interesting wildlife.

Yes, they are bison

 

 

 

We also saw a number of large birds including heron and hawks.  And we saw a herd of llamas.

I made a couple of video clips on the bike today.  They are a little rough in parts and I debated posting them but then decided that they are short and may be of some interest.  In the first clip, Tom and I see some of our riders in the distance, as we gained on them.  In the second clip, we are passing them and this gives you an opportunity to see some of the riders.  In any case, hopefully, my videography will improve.

 

 

 

Bottom Line on today's ride: All rural roads with little traffic and lots of natural beauty and wildlife.  Well worth the effort.  Tomorrow will be our last day in Kansas as we make for the Missouri border.  I will miss it far more than I ever would have guessed.

Today also marked the passing of the half-way point on our journey.


Total Miles:  106           Total Vertical Climb:  6200 ft.