When I planned the direction and route for this trip I had counted on the prevailing westerlies to push me across eastern Colorado and Kansas. However, Mother Nature did not agree. I did have some tail wind, about 25 percent of the last 10 days, but mostly a headwind or strong southern cross wind. I had hopped for a relaxing 17-19 mph pace but many days was left with a a punishing 13 mph fight across vast open areas. That said, when I did get my brief moments of tail wind it felt SOOOO good!
The other battle I faced was heat. We were so lucky in the desert west and temps hardly reached into the 90 degree range. However, the past section we have experienced regular days in the mid to upper 90 range and humidity to match. I also had my first few days of rain which can be both refreshing at first but has downsides like blisters after many hours on wet gear. Final difficult thing....flats. I was riding on mostly major highways through this area (Kansas US400) and while the shoulders were AMAZING, there was also a plethora of things that would destroy my tubes. All total I had 5 or 6 flats over the 8 days of riding.
Ok, enough of the tough stuff. Overall this part of the ride was great. What made it this way was the amazing people. Every town, gas station, Subway or park I rested in I was met by friendly, caring and interested people. They shared their story, talked about their families and community. Being a mid westerner I have always heard that people here are super friendly. However, being a traveler in my own back yard and feeling this hospitality first had was overwhelming.
It was incredible to watch the landscape transition from the arid and mostly brown Eastern Colorado foothills, to the yellow wheat filled Kansas plains to the Eastern Kansas/Western Missouri lush green territory. By yesterday morning I felt back at home in Iowa with the gentle rolling green hills and crop land surrounding me.
I discovered a few really interesting places. Greensberg, KS was one of them. It was a community that was hit by a EF5 tornado back in 2007. I literally wiped the city off the map. The community had been on the decline anyways but they rallied after the tornado and rebuilt their community as a completely renewable city! They are also famous for having the largest hand dug well in the world. I could not resist taking the tour!
Yesterday I found Cooky's Cafe. This was located in Golden City, MO. They had over 30 pies to choose from. Also, I only had my credit card and they did not accept plastic. Disappointed thinking I would have to walk away from this amazing pie case on empty the waitress said,"don't worry about it...just send us the money later". AWESOME!!! It turns out the cafe is a regular stop for Trans America riders and they had note book where each rider logged in. I put in my entry while enjoying some amazing beef brisket and, of course, a piece of delicious pie after!
So, I am about two thirds of the way across. Well over 2000 miles in and about 1200 to go. This is a huge country with beautiful places and wonderful people. I am looking forward to the Eastern part of the country for its more plentiful towns and green vegetation. I am terrified of the climbing and steep grades to come. I got a taste of this yesterday.
This is Grahan driving the DUCK boat we were in in Branson!
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