Onto Kansas

Posted on 12 Sep 2011 by John

After a late start I ride to Ordway about 84 kms. Steady slight climb and more headwinds again. What happened to the promising westerly winds? But at least no rain and very pleasant temperature. I stay at the Ordway hotel, which featured in the original Trans-Am ride in 1976.

I decide I want to leave early the next morning and make the serious mistake of leaving without breakfast. I had assumed that other eating places would be open along the way. WRONG! I had to go 60 miles before I found food. Luckily I came across three older and wiser gentlemen in an old ‘ute who gave me a supply of energy bars and water. On the way I passed the official half-way point of the journey but the sign has been removed so no photo.

So at Eads I am enjoying a well earned feed and am joined by another cyclist Jeremy (again traveling in the opposite direction) who gives me some tips on where to stay including a stopover in a church in Sheridan Lake. By the way his bike is an amazing self converted mountain bike into a tourer. The kit cost about $500.

I press on to Sheridan Lake making a round trip of about 143 klms or (90 miles) for the day and I am made very welcome by Virgil the local minister and his family including a delightful little chatterbox named Victoria. No need to sent up tent or sleeping bag as I fall asleep in a very comfortable rocking chair.

Virgil kindly treats me to breakfast before I set off for Scott City (128 klms or 80 miles). Now do not expect too many photos of this part of the journey as the landscape is flat as a tack. You can almost see the curvature of the earth. The major landmarks are the wheat silos and they are located In the main on the outskirts of each small town. You think it is only 5 miles away but 20 miles on and it is still there – 5 miles becomes 25 miles or 8 klms becomes 40 klms. It is a whole new perspective on distance and I have learnt not to give myself false hopes and just to concentrate on just counting down the miles.

In Scott City I have an interesting and rewarding experience. I am in a bar (again)and joining in a conversation with some “bikies – Harleys etc and they are asking me what I am doing and why. I tell them about the charity and out of nowhere comes a $50 note for the cause. Knocked my socks of and shows never never judge a book by it’s cover. (Thanks a lot Shane McBride whose motto is ‘Only God can judge me’ – it is one of his many tattoos)

SUNDAY 9/11

I decide to have a late start and to respectfully watch the memorial ceremonies. I remember that eventful so well, like most people, and I am quite moved by it all.

I eventually set off for Ness City at 9.45 and completed the the 88 klms ride in just under 3 hours. I had ridden the first 10miles with a lady from Scott City who has just entered retirement after selling the local IGA shop. It was a pleasure to ride with someone for a while. After that it was meant to be a recovery ride but I was so enjoying it with no wind in my face that me and the coffin could not behave. The undertaker was having fun.

I honestly don’t remember being this fit for a long time, if ever, and am enjoying it. I certainly have built up a good cycling base. since I started is trek I have pulled in the belt 2 notches and here re no more notches to go. I dare not weigh myself but I do not need any more cold weather thank you.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: MELISSA ROLLISON WORLD CHAMPION TRIATHLETE. Melissa is one of my home club members who has been in the USA for the last 3 months training and winning everything. On Sunday she won in Las Vegas and is now world champion. So so proud of you and the reward for all your efforts. I dare them to leave you out of the Olympic selection process now. Go you good thing!

I am now resting in Ness City ready for a few long rides over the next week -wind permitting. I am sitting in a little cafe where they are serving good simple healthy food. the people who have lent me their I Pad have made it feel like home – good people everywhere.