Day 42 – Bigger Wind

By Mark Heggestad
Biked 60.3 miles today from Buhler, KS to the intersection of County Road 570 and U.S. 77.  Today was one of the more challenging days.  There was a crosswind from the south again today – it just upped the ante from yesterday, blowing at 25 to 30 mph and occasional gusts of more.  There was also a five-mile stretch we had to bike south straight into the wind.  The wind challenged me, but it also gave me a break.  Half way through the five-mile segment I was fatiguing fast and all of a sudden there was a momentary lull in the wind.  As I continued south, the slight break in the wind occurred a few more times – just when I needed it.

Other than the wind, it was another beautiful day: sunshine all day, temps in the low 90’s, and good roads with courteous drivers.  Had refreshments with Jill half way through the ride, which broke up my preoccupation with the wind.

As I neared the end or the ride today two high school age boys passed me.  We small talked while we rode for a while.  They said they were riding twenty miles today and were training to ride across Kansas sometime in August.  They eventually passed me and I lost sight of them.  As I came upon a farm place, they were standing on the side of the road.  It was the home of one of the boys and they were waiting with a large glass of cold water for me.  I stopped and talked a long time with them – they were very interested in our journey.  I only tell this story because it is an example of some of the wonderful hospitality and extremely kind people we meet on this journey.  People are always stopping us and asking about our journey.  And then wishing us well.  It is heart-warming.  

Not a great pic, but wanted to capture the flag standing straight out to show the intensity of the wind.
What I didn't realize when I took the picture is that the flag pole is also bending.

Riding straight into a 25-30 mph wind.
Had to hold on with two hands at all times.

There are still some wheat fields that go on as far as I can see.

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 12, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    Always one of my favorite things about any trip -- all the great people you meet along the way.....

    ReplyDelete

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