Day 44 – The Wind Continues

By Mark Heggestad
Today was a lot like yesterday: south wind in the 20 to 30 mph range with occasional gusts of more.  Similar to yesterday, the majority or our ride was east so it was a harsh crosswind, but about fifteen miles of the ride was straight into the south wind.  The wind was not as troublesome today because the Kansas terrain is quickly changing.  Instead of wide-open fields there are more rolling hills and groves of trees to break up the wind a little.  There are still wide-open spaces where the wind hits hard, but now we get a reprieve occasionally.  Once again, Jill and Pat broke up the day for us by bringing us much appreciated cold water and chocolate.  Much appreciated!

There are benefits to the wind.  Since we entered Kansas the temps have been in the high 80’s and low 90’s.  Given the ever-present wind, those temps have been very comfortable.  We have also been told the insects can be bothersome in Kansas.  Again, given the ever-present wind, I have not seen a fly or mosquito since our first day in Kansas.  And finally, the wind is just another challenge; like climbing the mountains is a challenge.  And the challenges are part of what makes this journey special.

We biked 50.8 miles today from Neal, KS to Chanute, KS.  The last four days of biking have been sixty miles or less, a little less than normal.  I think the wind is wearing us down a little.  Or maybe it’s because we just biked our 18th day straight.  Or maybe it is because Jill and Pat are here so we are keeping our days short.  Likely, a combination of all of the above. 

Changing Terrain.  Canopy covered road.
This is one of the roads we biked today.

The first "lake" we have seen in Kansas.

In Minnesota we say the  corn should be knee-high by 4th of July.
Guess there is a different standard in Kansas.

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