Wow! What a beautiful ride! It was 106 miles from Abilene to Topeka and the winds were strong and relentless (in headwind and crosswind directions), but we didn't encounter any rain (fortunately that hit Abilene on our rest day).
Today was the half-way point in our tour, mileage-wise.
Below is a photo of the map that greets us in the hotel lobby each day. The bold line shows the route we have covered.
I could not get over how beautiful the countryside was! Rolling hills with expansive views. Everything was lush and green. The only things that weren't green were the cows, horses, 2 elk, tree trunks, fences, homes, the red barns, and some patches of yellow and purple flowers. If you ever get a chance to tour Kansas in the spring-time(by car, bike or whatever), be sure to include Route 4E! The route goes through the Flint Hills region.
Ag. report: The corn crops are approaching knee-high. Also, we got employment offers from some farmers to come back in a few weeks to help bale up some hay.
Ride report: This was truly "rolling hills" stuff; we figured out to work to get some momentum on the descent and it can carry us half-way up the next ascent. It was amazing to me that we could get 5,000 ft vertical gain (per a Garmin - see below) on this ride just from the rollers - no major climbs like coming out of the American River Canyon or up Baxter Grade back home!!!
We also had some highlights at the rest stops. The SAG stop at mile 71 was in front a little restaurant by a lake. We ended up chatting with some folks there (surprise, surprise) and found out they work for Garmin (!)- the sponsors of the pro cycling team and maker's of the GPS devices that a lot of the riders have. So, Nancy didn't waste any time getting tech info about her altimeter function. Once that was out of the way, we found out they were out on a video shoot - one involving these guys riding some nice motorcycles. Anyhow, it was great to see how interested they were in our trip. I suppose they like to see how their gadgets get used and they definitely have an affinity for cyclists.
The next stop was at mile 91 - a little cafe in Dover, KS that is known for the Best Pie in America. It's true - this is Norma's place; she is the 89 year old woman that was featured on Good Morning America's "Best Bites" search for the best pie. It was her Coconut Cream Pie that got her the honors. We had the honor of meeting her in the cafe today. (The fast riders got to all of the Coconut Cream pie before we arrived, but I was able to get some great peach pie). Photo below shows her with Harry.
Ag. report: The corn crops are approaching knee-high. Also, we got employment offers from some farmers to come back in a few weeks to help bale up some hay.
Ride report: This was truly "rolling hills" stuff; we figured out to work to get some momentum on the descent and it can carry us half-way up the next ascent. It was amazing to me that we could get 5,000 ft vertical gain (per a Garmin - see below) on this ride just from the rollers - no major climbs like coming out of the American River Canyon or up Baxter Grade back home!!!
We also had some highlights at the rest stops. The SAG stop at mile 71 was in front a little restaurant by a lake. We ended up chatting with some folks there (surprise, surprise) and found out they work for Garmin (!)- the sponsors of the pro cycling team and maker's of the GPS devices that a lot of the riders have. So, Nancy didn't waste any time getting tech info about her altimeter function. Once that was out of the way, we found out they were out on a video shoot - one involving these guys riding some nice motorcycles. Anyhow, it was great to see how interested they were in our trip. I suppose they like to see how their gadgets get used and they definitely have an affinity for cyclists.
The next stop was at mile 91 - a little cafe in Dover, KS that is known for the Best Pie in America. It's true - this is Norma's place; she is the 89 year old woman that was featured on Good Morning America's "Best Bites" search for the best pie. It was her Coconut Cream Pie that got her the honors. We had the honor of meeting her in the cafe today. (The fast riders got to all of the Coconut Cream pie before we arrived, but I was able to get some great peach pie). Photo below shows her with Harry.
Wow Karen...you're in your element now! I love reading your posts and following along. Amazing that you have had only 4 flats...but you've always been lucky that way on our rides!
ReplyDeleteWe had quite a large storm here last night...looked like something out of a Steven Spielberg movie! This weekend is the Sierra Century...a piddly 58 miles for me (I've got to get to my daughter's grad party in the early afternoon) but have signed up for the Marin Century (100 miles) - I'm of course jealous...you're doing metric and regular centuries every day!
Keep on posting!
Roger H (Team Revs)
Hey Karen,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that your buddies at Burger are following along with you. Sounds like you are having the ride of your life and we are on your handlebars! Everything is fine here..... no disasters yet, but you are definitely missed. Keep on trucking and enjoying your ride!
Burger Buddies