Day 48: Tribune, KS

Day 48

July 3, 2015

Miles: 58

Eads to Tribune

We managed to leave the Cobblestone Inn in Eads by 8:40am this morning, which is pretty good for us.  We ate the continental breakfast offered, which was just OK (not lousy). We rode 58 miles today averaging 12.6 mph despite a NE wind.  We arrived in Tribune at 2:15pm MT (3:15pm CT).  Well, we made it into the long awaited, and much discussed Kansas.  It was exactly what we thought it would be.  Miles of flat plains and loads of farms.  We saw lots of cows and horses too.  At one point, we saw what looked like a young coyote, but Steve thought is was a young wolf.  It ran across the road right in front of us.  We also saw many turtles, I am sorry to say, roadkill turtles.  They should know better, right!

So getting back to the farms.  We saw three different plants being grown - corn, wheat and soy.  Apparently, each town specializes in a certain plant. The towns are so small and usually with one processing plant and silo built to hold the same product.  So for instance, we passed a series of towns about 10 miles apart - Towners, which grew only corn, and Sheridan Lake, which grew only Soy, and Tribune, which grew only Wheat.  

We saw lots and lots of sunflowers and black eyed Susan's.  They are all over the plains - native plants to the region. Of course, we rode parallel to the abandoned railroad tracks again.  There's something restful about these tracks.  Not sure what.

Steve on the plain

Tracks with character

Sunny flower

This was a surprise.  As we rode passed the plains on either side of us, we saw between 5-7 oil drilling rigs.  That being the high plains; we are still in the high plains (Western Colorado and Easter Kansas).  In a couple days, we will be in the low plains.

Working rig

This is a picture of the processing plant and silo in Tribune where we are staying tonight.

Steve approaching wheat silo

Corn silo (Sheridan Lake)

Just a random shot of Steve

We made it to the Kansas border at about 1:00pm MT.  Both of us were very happy to see this sign.  I must admit the high plains in Colorado were tiring.   I would rather see corn, soy and wheat plants. I will digress for a moment.  While taking this picture Steve gave me about 3 seconds to get it.  The reason is because we were being eaten up alive by what else - flies.  Yes, flies.  For some reason, here in Colorado and Kansas, flies bite and hurt.  We asked some of the locals about them, and they all responded that it was just a few years ago that these pesky flies started bitting.  Crazy right?  

Doesn't he look cute!

Close-up of a killer fly

We stopped for a quick break in Sheridan Lake, and who did we bump into?  The youngsters.  They seemed genuinely pleased to see us.  Very talkative this time.  Perhaps we have impressed them with our riding or they have realized that they can't get rid of us. Not sure!

Steve again; boys in background

We rolled into Tribune at 2:15pm CT; so we have changed time zones by crossing into Kansas.   Just one hour difference now.  Population just over 1000 people.

So we had a choice (1) to stay at the Trail Ends Motel, below, or (2) camp for free in the city park.  This is allowed throughout Kansas.  After reading reviews on Yelp about the motel such as, 'last resort motel', 'wipe your feet on the way out', 'the owner should be ashamed of himself', well ... the decision was easy.  We are tenting in the city park tonight.  And in most all the larger towns in Kansas there is a pool with restrooms and showers.   It really was an easy decision!  Steve and I took a swim in the pool, took showers and then headed to Karen's Kitchen for dinner.

Wipe your feet on the way out motel

Nice and refreshing

Our tent site in the city park, across from the pool and restrooms

And of course, since we had all that bad food yesterday, we still need to make up for it!

We are off to Scott City tomorrow, about 48 miles away. Mostly a slight downhill, but the forecast calls for a South wind between 10-13 mph.  We hope to get in early to enjoy the 4th of July festivities and of course a restful day off on the 5th!

Steve and I want to wish you all a Happy 4th of July!