Apologies for the week long delay since the last full update, but racing through Kansas we hardly had time to sleep.
From about 30 miles into the mountains of the East, Kansas had become an almost mystical place in our minds, with the thought of long, flat roads heading due West keeping us going through the rougher sections. We had received warnings though that there could be trouble in paradise, with the notorious South Westerly winds that constantly sweep the plains getting the better of many a trans-continental biker. Someone must have been smiling on us though, no doubt amused by our previous struggles, because for the most part the winds were no more than a gentle cross-breeze.
We were more than a little smug to roll into Great Bends having notched up 145 miles in a day - no doubt a record that will stand for the duration of the trip - assisted by a strong tail wind.
The only bad weather came during the nights, and one particularly bad thunderstorm a few miles East of Cassoday, where we had pitched tent for the night, had Dan scuttling round the tent at 4am in his tiny man-pants checking the guide ropes were sufficiently tight. Because that would have helped in a tornado.
The people were lovely, the scenery amazing, and overall Kansas was our favourite State thus far.
In Tribune we met two American bikers also travelling to San Francisco, James and Jack. It was great to meet some new people, and we spent the next two days to Pueblo comparing the relative drinking cultures of our respective homelands. Other than a dust-storm just after the Kansas/Colorado border, the weather remained a friend, and a big day to Ordway left only 51 miles before a much needed rest.
The bikes are currently in a shop, with mine in particular needing some much needed TLC - 9 punctures in 13 days is too many, and I am not carrying my bike and bags for another mile as I had done in Kansas. Other than that in Pueblo we will eat, sleep and recharge the batteries for the ascent into the Rockies, which have been looming on the horizon for the last couple of days.
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4 comments:
You are doing really well, I hope you enjoy your rest day.
Can't wait for the next installment.
Han
(Dans Han)
xxx
Keep up the great work lads, you're doing ruddy brilliantly - must add that i am a little dissapointed in danos lack of pattie action, I've voted on you to overtake Joe so i hope you won't let me down and seriously up your beef intake over the next few days
Love and hugs to you both
Gman xxx
How ya doin y'all!
Can't believe how well you're doing with the mileage. In complete awe as I nearly died after competing in a 2 minute sack race against class of nine year olds last week. Lawn sports though, require different levels of physical fitness...
Make sure you're getting your vitamins over there, even if the patties come with a wedge of tomato.
Wishing you so much good luck with all the rest of your days, you're doing so, so well.
Love from Spongy.
xxxx
145 miles in a day....I don't even drive that far in a day! Must have been downhill, tail wind and pedalling for England! Hope you heard the Andy Murray news tonight - great tennis match - maybe Jen will have got it saved for you! Abbots all cool with many Dan and Joe admirers! Big rest before those mountains. Good luck on the nxt bit. Loadsalove,
Gill x
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