Monday, September 4, 2017

The Great Plains Begin

Today we exited the hills of Missouri and moved into the vast flatness that is Kansas and the central USA. So the hills are gone but we had two new adversaries: wind, and heat. The wind was from the southwest all day, putting it at about 4 points off the port bow, and the temperature reached 93 by the time we finished around 3 PM. Otherwise, the ride was uneventful. It was nice to be able to ride at a steady moderate pace since neither of us had fully recovered from yesterday's constant climbing.

Andy, if you are reading, this one's for you

Always fun to cross a state line

At our final rest stop at yet another convenience store, a guy saw our bikes and asked where we were headed. We gave our usual reply: "San Fransisco." He asked "where did you start?" "Charleston." He thought for a second and said "ya still got a long way to go." He's right, but I prefer to think about how far we've come.

Tonight we are staying with Tom's sister Kate and her husband Dean, who have this amazing spread on 55 acres southwest of Parsons. The house is a artisan ranch with wood everywhere and great views of the property. We have already enjoyed cheese, crackers, and a recovery beer or two. I even saw a bottle of red wine on the counter, which I have been craving since we left Charleston. Quite a step up from the Oak Park Motel in Greenfield!

Today's mileage: 98 miles, (only) 1924' climbing.

Thanks to all who have commented. All the encouragement really helps.


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10 comments:

  1. Carol and MikeSeptember 5, 2017 at 9:12 AM

    We are so impressed. We love traveling along with you through the blog!

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  2. Debbie's WorldSeptember 5, 2017 at 9:18 AM

    I am enjoying your blog as you travel along. Lisa says that you are my travel blog competition and you are doing a great job!

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  3. Karen ShawSeptember 5, 2017 at 9:19 AM

    I keep trying to comment so hopefully this works. Awesome blog and I am enjoying hearing about your trip. We will try to come see you in Gunnison. BTW - Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose has a section that is down to one lane and is all gravel - I dont think you have any alternative either.

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    1. ADavisSeptember 11, 2017 at 4:09 PM

      Thanks Karen for the intel. We'll be in Gunnison Wednesday. Thanks for the We ran into some other cyclists that gave us the scoop. Apparently the gravel section is not too long.

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  4. MomSeptember 5, 2017 at 11:43 AM

    Heather helped me learn how to comment. Have enjoyed reading your blogs. Keep having fun despite the sore muscles.

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  5. UnknownSeptember 5, 2017 at 5:29 PM

    Keep on pedaling guys, great job!

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  6. UnknownSeptember 10, 2017 at 9:04 PM

    Hey Alan, fantastic job managing the trip so far. I believe I recall you saying you were stopping in telluride. What route are you taking from florence?

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    Replies
    1. ADavisSeptember 11, 2017 at 4:48 AM

      Pretty much US 50 all the way. Salida, Monarch Pass, Gunnison, Montrose, Telluride.

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  7. Andy FritschSeptember 11, 2017 at 6:40 PM

    Hi Alan, I'm catching back up after getting distracted for awhile. It sounds like you are having a great trip. Thanks for the Joplin reference. Glad all is good with your house. Since you stopped in Greenfield you probably also went through Golden City. If so you went right by a place with great pies. I expect you have seen enough corn to last a lifetime. Good luck with the mountains.

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  8. Andy FritschSeptember 11, 2017 at 6:55 PM

    BTW, in MO the state highways are numbered but the county roads use the letters. Some are quite good (like Texas's FM's. As you noticed others are not.

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