Day 52: Larned, KS

Day 52

July 7, 2015

Miles: 52

Bazine to Larned 

We stayed at Elaine's B&B for bicyclists last night as you know, and here below are our hosts Elaine and Dan.  Elaine and Dan were generous hosts and great people.  Elaine cooked us two healthy meals and Dan showed us around the farm and introduced us to their two large golden retrievers and their black cat who was very petite.  Elaine and Dan are veterans given their 11 years hosting bicyclists; they really seem to love it and they are good it too!  

This morning we got up at 6:00a for an early breakfast so we could get an early start.  As it turns out, we didn't leave the homestead until 9:30a.  Like Steve, I am not sure why this happens.  We always have good intentions to leave early [...] perhaps tomorrow we'll give it another try.  This morning, Elaine made us cornmeal (grits) and served assorted oats and fruit, and honey, to dress it; and peanut butter and strawberry (perhaps raspberry) jam with assorted breads. I had oatmeal bread this morning; Steve had a homemade wheat bread.

Elaine and Dan

Here is a picture below of Jenny and Lisa from Norway.  Jenny, the one on the right in the picture below, is a social worker specializing in addiction and a photographer and Lisa, a grad student, studying in California, majoring in sociology. Lisa plans to pursue her doctorate thereafter; she has a passion for research, so she wants to pursue a professorship.  Steve and Jenny talked a lot about photography, and Lisa and I about research and teaching.  As you can see, we had a lot in common, not to mention the commonalities of our bike tour.  For instance, Jenny and Lisa reaffirmed for me, and to Steve that my fear of encountering the black bear was well founded.  Although, Jenny and Lisa have not seen a black bear on the tour (yet), they were convinced that they might have as they rode through the Appalachians. See it's not just me! Lisa then told us about a time when she came face to face with a mountain lion near Berkley College one night when she was out for a run.  Luckily the mountain lion walked away after a short standstill with Lisa. Scary! 

We were so happy to have met Jenny and Lisa; both so interesting and personable, and with futures filled with opportunity!

Two great gals

So this is me (below) taking a rest in Alexander, a short 9 miles from Bazine where we stayed last night. It was tough riding against the wind today!  It seems we have traded the mountains for the wind. I  would say fighting the wind is worse, and Steve says climbing mountains is worse.  My feeling is that fighting the wind is so inefficient and lacks triumph.  At least with climbing mountains there is always a reward.  Reaching the top usually followed by a great descent.  So as you can see, we have become all consumed with discussions of wind. The majority of our miles today were with us riding into the wind.  For the first 20 miles, I drafted behind Steve so he could block the wind for me.  It was a great relief because this morning the wind came from the N/NE and blowing 13 mph. We luckily had the next 19 miles riding South, which gave us a reprieve from the wind and allowed us to quickly put some miles behind us.  Steve drafted behind me for the final 11 miles.  Trading off first position worked well for us today.  Tomorrow we plan to do the same because unfortunately the wind forecast is the same.  Basically the wind blowing out of the N/NE, although just 7 mph.  

Me at rest

This is still Alexander in the picture below, but from a different angle.  We discussed over breakfast this morning the cost of building this rest area and restrooms.  Our hosts were not pleased that 100k grant was given for this purpose.  As we listened along, we thought perhaps this was outrageous, complying with Elaine and Dan.  Then when we got to Alexander, we could understand why; the bathrooms were beautiful and extremely clean; it had running water and the rest area had a picnic bench and a barbecue grill.  Free camping is allowed on location as well.  This place was beautiful and extremely peaceful. We actually liked being there very much. As we relaxed and explored the area, we changed our minds and felt it was well worth it!

While there at the rest area, we met an amazing 62 year old woman named Jesse.  She was just about ready to leave as we arrived; she had camped there overnight. Jesse is riding cross country traveling east to west.  We don't have a picture of Jesse to share, but her story is worth telling.  Jesse told us how the very strong North wind the day before (she was riding North) forced her to walk her bike for 19 miles at about 3 mph.  The same 19 miles we rode today (avg. about 15 mph) with the wind at our backs.  I can't even imagine walking 19 miles without a bike never mind pushing a 100 pound bike fully loaded.  What a trooper!  It is really amazing what the human body, both physically and mentally, can endure!

Peaceful

Me exploring the area

So here are two typical picturesque images of Kansas. As you can see from the pictures below, another beautiful day. Besides the wind today, we had great conditions.  It never got over low 80s and the roads were very smooth, which allowed us to roll really well.

Not corn; crops grown to for cattle feed

Is that Dorothy in the window?

Here is a picture of Dick.  He is riding to the east coast too.  We bumped into Dick yesterday in Ness City and had lunch with him.  Today, we bumped into him on the road as we were headed to Rush Center, so we ate lunch with him again today.  It was great seeing Dick again today.  Dick lives in New London CT; Dick is 68 (you would never know it), a strong rider and has been touring for many years!

We plan to ride to Nickerson tomorrow about 58 miles.