Just the stats: 105 miles, 15.0 MPH average, rolling hills with more climbing. Climbed 7,023 feet, descended 7,295. Cumulative 1,721 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunshine, 73 to 88.
Today we have reached the halfway point of the trip.
Wind was the name of the game today. Now I know how a kite feels. We had high winds ALL DAY with steady winds of 30-40 MPH and gusts up to 50 MPH, directly from the south. Most of the time these were crosswinds which became dangerous to many riders who were buffeted all over the road.
The ride today was 106 miles of rollers on roads that turned north, south and east. That actually helped with the wind gusts because we would go a short way with a head wind then the road would bend and it would become a crosswind or a tailwind. It was a beautiful ride, but very difficult.
We rode through lush green farmland with rolling hills and smooth back roads with little traffic. This is the first day that we were truly on "back roads" rather than on US highways. It was a like some of the country roads of Howard and Carrol Counties, but with no houses or other signs of humanity. We saw farms with corn, wheat, horses, cattle, sheep, buffalo, elk, and one llama.
One of the perks for riding the entire route today was the opportunity to stop at the Dover Cafe in the town of Dover, KS (population 27). A place right out of the early 50's. We were told that they had the best homemade pies in Kansas, which I can attest to. Now the pies in Iowa - that's another story all together - right Doug?
Tomorrow we ride in to St Joesph MO. The forecast is for 25-35 mph SW winds and we are headed NE. I plan to fly tomorrow!! Stay tuned.
Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2950609
I put this picture in for fun. We see many small cemeteries along the way. All the grave sites face east. That's because when Christ comes again He will come from the east and all the dead in Christ will raise first. Those who are raised will be able to face the living Lord because they are already looking east.
2 comments:
Hi Tom,
Today's high crosswinds sound like a very difficult challenge, especially for the taller riders.
I wish I were cycling with you tomorrow, given with the forecast of a 25 mph tailwind! Have fun flying but keep your wheels on the ground.
In Christ,
Will
BTW - today's link to your Garmin data does not work.
Alan and I went bike riding yesterday here at the beach. It was really fun and I know what you mean when you say that you can really appreciate the sites. I thought about you a lot while we were riding. We only went 9 miles but my butt is really sore today! You go ten times as far and it's a breeze for you! Keep on pedaling, I can't believe that you are halfway home. We miss you!
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