July 25
Eureka, KS to Newton KS
76 miles
July 26
Newton, KS to Sterling KS
66 miles
July 27, 2009
Sterling KS to Larned, KS
58 miles
Short of the big guns, tornadoes and car-damaging hail, Kansas has pulled out all its summer weather extremes for us. We’ve cycled its cool, still mornings, sampled its headwinds, and broasted (that’s simultaneous broiling and roasting). Today we rode along a 53 mile stretch with nary a service, not even a lemonade stand at one of the five houses we passed. Along the way cows cooled their heels and other parts in any available pond. When polled, ten out of ten cows agreed Kansas is too hot! Along the way K spotted a sign for the Peace Church and spent four miles riding in prayer for a spigot. It paid off. Now she’s spotting the holy spigot on toast and tortillas. After soaking our shirts, heads, and kerchiefs, we rode off feeling refreshed. Three-quarters of a mile later, our holy water had evaporated and we were heating up again.
The forecast was for a 20% chance of thundershowers, which shortly after our church birdbath turned into a 100% pounding thunderstorm. ML smartly pulled out her rain gear, including her newly purchased Walmart flamingo-colored shower cap, while K tried riding on, eventually seeking shelter in the cab of an abandoned John Deere corn harvester. That is, until she remembered that she was sitting in a gigantic lightning rod and might as well be riding her bike on a golf course holding her clubs in the air. Storm over, we raced the final 18 miles into Larned ahead of the next band of showers
The last two days we’ve met another wave of eastbounders, including a couple of retired teachers from Seattle, Frank and Allison. We finally met Rebecca and Mia, two cool young women on their own, who we had heard about from Keith a couple of weeks ago. Mia was using her mom’s Brooks saddle from when her mom rode the inaugural Transam in 1976.
Ok - I'm all for the raspberry shower cap. It is the LOOKEE!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad K didn't bit the lightening bullet becuz I wouldda been sooo unhappy for that demise especially in Kansas.
You seem to be making tracks though. That's good. You are seeing some of Kansas behind you alright.
It is broasting here in Seattle. I have been sweating buckets myself whenever I move it seems. Since age 55 I seem to have developed sweat holes in my body. So I'm with you all the way. In fact I'm going to ride tomorrow so I can broast with you in spirit just fine.
Did you have a prairie chicken to eat once you landed somewhere?
And finally I'm glad that you are not sitting on some 30+ year old seat. That would be cruel and unusual punishment for your fannies. And I want you to be comfortable and all.
K- does the Buddha have a little pink shower cap?
LOL,
Carolini
Well, Coach...is it tougher than Boston? Certainly more drawn out.
ReplyDeleteNeighby, did you know that there was a 2 month window of time in the Buddha's life, just before he sat under the tree, that is unaccounted for. They recently found his diary from that period of time. It turns out he was biking across the states, and it was in Kansas that he found everything in the midst of nothing. It was there that he came up with the notion that "being" as opposed to "biking" is the preferred way of passing time.
How can those flatland farms, pounded by the thunderstorms and tornadoes and blizzards seem so tranquil...as tranquil as anything could ever be?
You are truly sunflowers in the windrows and Kansas will never be the same.
Take care of yourselves and always remember what it is you are pedalling home to.
Licks and hops from the critters...
C of the MT
I'm so proud of you guys, what a great adventure!
ReplyDeleteYour loving cousin,
Nona
Hey Ladies,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you're doing well. We've hosted two cyclists since we saw you at Rough River, KY. One is heading West and may actually catch up with you. His name is Matt and he is from England. The other was Bennet, he's heading East, and you may have past him. Anyway, continue to let people know about us. We love hearing all the stories!
Beth & Garry Feltus 270 879 0267
Very amusing entry, guys. Dad and I decided to explore Albuquerque today. Strolled around downtown and went through "Old Town," which was remarkably like Santa Fe. Imagine that. Got home before the traditional afternoon thunderstorm - good thing because I had to hide Gus under a blanket in the bedroom to get him through the thunder and pelting rain. He recovered his swagger by chasing a tiny rabbit after the storm. Can't wait to see you.
ReplyDeleteMary Lou, you look quite fetching in that pink showercap. I didn't know they could be so stylish!
ReplyDelete