July 28
Larned, KS to Ness City, KS
66 miles
July 29
Ness City, KS to Scott City, KS
57 miles
July 30
Scott City, KS to Tribune, KS
47 miles
We entered a new time zone today (Mountain), and are half a day’s ride from Colorado. We can’t say we’re sad to leave Kansas. The people are wonderful, the scenery is spectacular, but the riding is monotonous and taking a toll on our bodies. We’ve been riding the same flat terrain for over a week, providing no variation in saddle position. Instead of logging the long-mileage days that we expected, we have been frustrated by headwinds, thunderstorms, and sore butts, and our mileage has gotten shorter by the day. On the other hand, we couldn’t be happier with the temperatures. While the Pacific Northwest is sweltering in record-high temperatures, Kansas is experiencing record lows. We have been cycling in 70-80 degree weather, which is practically unheard of in the summer months. Another bonus: we’ve hooked up with the dynamic brother-sister duo of Aaron and Saz and hope to continue riding with them as long as we can keep up!
Tonight’s evening entertainment was the county fair, being held right here in Tribune. We took in the swine show, followed it up with hot dogs and root beer, and then some of us (K, Aaron, and Saz) braved the swing ride. Everyone survived the sketchy circa-1950 machinery, though K came off looking a bit green. To complete the fair experience, we shared a funnel cake, then decided to call it a night while limbs and stomachs were still reasonably intact.
Although we are behind schedule, it’s amazing to look at the map of the US and see how far we’ve come. We have cycled over 2,000 miles and are more than half way across! We can still hardly believe that we are doing this trip. Early on in our trip, in Kentucky, we were having one of our daily interchanges with local residents about our trip. A man asked about our trip, and we responded that we had started in Washington, DC and were headed for Seattle. He looked at us and there was a long silence. Then his eyes got wide and he exclaimed in his thick Kentucky drawl: “On BAH-cycles!?” I think of this conversation at least once a day, and think to myself, “OMG, we’re crossing the US on BAH-cycles!”
Great to hear your voice (ML) and K's in the background oh so faintly. Restored my 66th St. spirits. So glad to hear/see the report of the fair. That ride looked a bit green alright. Where's the photo of the funnel cake????? Huh?????? Ate it too fast I bet.
ReplyDeleteI'm saying a little blessing for your fannies and hope that you spend a little time up on your peddles in the next couple of days to give 'em a wee tad 'o a rest.
We sat outside tonight and watched the mosquitoes swarm closer and closer until we had to run for cover. So now we have HEAT and BAD BUGS. What the heck is going on??
But I made some raspberry jam that you can have when you get back so you'll have a little of the summer bounty to savor. I'll try and make some blackberry as well. Margaret's recipe.
Oh and the news is that Jason is moving from next door. Don't know if everyone is clearing out yet. Not quite sure.
And the little house on the other side of Jim and Judy is for sale.
The block party is Tuesday. The street is hopping more then I thought.
XOXO
C
So, what have you larned in Larned? Bet you the pickles at the county fair were nothing compared with Aunt Viki's 2006 mustard relish.
ReplyDeleteColorado? You are practically home! Just tap those heels three times and say "There's no place like Kansas" and hopefully you'll end up back here.
Mika, Rascal and Pa all had their week's end baths tonight so we're all freshened up for Saturday night. Let's hope there's a hop.
The heat is letting up a bit, at last, and it's starting to feel like Seattle again.
Remember, Zen Butt...it is just a feeling, it comes and goes, or, in some cases comes and stays. The Buddha felt it all the time when he was sitting. It is the primary challenge of existence. Be one with it...be two with it...
CTSN1S
Hellooooooo!?.....
ReplyDelete