64.5 mi, 852ft gain, 52-86F / light tailwind
This was the ride I hoped for in Kansas. Overcast, light breeze tailwind, fields for miles, and smooth pavement. The pavement was the best we’ve seen in 1,500 miles! If given the chance I would ride here again for sure.
As we left Great Bend we were quickly on smooth roads with wide shoulders. I was joking this felt like a normal Sunday group ride as we were all together for 10-15 miles. This was the morale boost ride we needed after a few tough goes. Everyone really enjoyed it. We rode past pump jacks, family cattle ranches, wheat fields, rolling hills, and trees are back!
Our support stop was in a small town called Lyons. It reminded me we are getting closer to the Midwest. Large brick buildings line the main street, and the light poles have military members banners up for Memorial Day. It was really quaint.
Leaving Lyons we had rolling hills with large fields on either side. It’s the first time in days I’ve been able to pedal at will without a wind gust or road conditions holding me back. It was wonderful. Honestly every rider looked happier today. It was a workout, 64 miles is no matter if you have a tailwind, but it had a recovery edge to it. Needed & appreciated at this point; day 8 of riding in a row.
As we got closer to McPherson (pronounced Mac-Fir-son, I asked a local), we rode through Conway, KS. I was stuck by the amount of oil and gas train cars. Then I biked by a large holding area, followed by a large fill contraption built over train car tanks. It was quite the operation. When I got to the hotel I had to research it.. it’s called Mid-Continental Fractionation & Storage. I had no idea there was a large oil, gas, and propane storage area here!
Before we knew it we were coming into town, and just a few miles from the hotel. Thankful for today and the weather being nice to us. Tomorrow we have 80 miles to Emporia where we will be for 2 nights.
Special shout out to all of you that have offered to help as I make my way across the country! Family, friends, friends of family, all of you, thank you. Luckily, I’ve not needed to ask for help, but knowing there are people around is very comforting and supportive. Sincerely, Thank you.
Total mileage to-date:
1,553.4
Total elevation gain to-date:
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