DAY 29. CHILLICOTHE, MO TO KIRKSVILLE, MO

I'm not sure how to describe today, maybe a visit to hell.

We had a delayed start due to thunder and lightening.  Instead of our typical 7:00 am departure we got off closer to 9:00 am.  When we left it was showering but after about 15 minutes the downpour began.  The cycling was miserable.  I had a flat at about mile 15 that damaged my tire.  I replaced the tube in the pouring rain and continued on to the first SAG where I replaced the tire.  A mile or so down the road, another flat.  At this point the rain was coming down in sheets.  I fixed the tire and got back on the road, riding with Tim.   The thought came across our minds of jumping in the van and taking a bump to KIRKSVILLE but we decided to press on.  At mile 50 I noticed a small building on the left side of the road with a sign "market".  I was drenched and chilled so we pulled off and went inside.  We were greeted by  a wonderful older woman.  I asked if we could get a sandwich......."sure, if my daughter comes back."

Long story short, we have a wonderful lunch with hot tea with Arlene and her 86 year old mother.  Arlene took my soaked rain jacket to her house next door and ran it through the dryer , presenting me with a. Warm, dry jacket to continue our journey.  She even offered to throw our bikes in the back of her truck and drive us to KIRKSVILLE some 25 miles away.

We pushed on the final 25 miles reaching our destination just before 5:00.

This was a day I'll never forget.

Thanks to Tim for pushing on an completing this epic day!

Best,

Michael

DAY 28 ST JOSEPH, KS TO CHILLICOTHE, KS

LToday was all hills, up - down, up - down, and up, up - down. 12% grade hills!

The best part of the trip to date was when the town of Maysville, Mo came out to greet us as we entered town.  They prepared PB & J sandwiches (with homemade strawberry jelly), homemade cinnamon rolls, bananas and all sorts of beverages.  The town has been doing this for all 18 years CrossRoads has been  riding through Maysville.  It doesn't get any better.

We continued up and down on our way to Chillacothe.  I passed a great memorial on the way.  I hope you can make out the saying...

And a sign that I found quite funny.....

More up and down.......

Until we reached Chillacothe the home???

Yes, sliced bread!

76 more miles tomorrow.

Best,

Michael

DAY 27. TOPEKA, KS TO ST JOSEPH, MO

We started the 85 mile day with a cloud over our head or should I say a massive weather front.  

We were 5 miles into the ride when the sky's opened up.  I was riding with Herm and Chuck.  We continued to ride until mile 31 when we were called off the course and into the support van.  We were soaked and cold so the heat of the van was welcome.  

After 15 minutes the rain subsided and we were released to continue our ride.  Although the rain turned into a light drizzle, the visibility was greatly redused by thick fog and the wind started to howl.

Wind gusts reached 40 mph and came as a. Cross wind circling to to full on head wind.  We were being blown around on our bikes.  This lasted 15 minutes and as if someone hit a switch, the sky's cleared and the sun came out.

I forgot to mention that my 5th flat tire came during the earlier downpour.

At mile 57 we crossed over the Missouri River.  It was running fast and was filled with debris in the form of tree parts of all kinds.

Another mile down the road, we crossed our 6th state line into Missouri.

We completed the ride around 3:30 pm........a long day in the saddle.  Tomorrow brings another 85 mile day.  I hope the weather is more favorable.

Applebee's for dinner, laundry, a bath in Epsom salts and an early bedtime.

Best to all.  Thanks to everyone for your notes of support and encouragement.

Best,

Michael

DAY 25. Rest day Abilene, Ks

Today was our 3rd rest day.  Much of the day was spent resting up for our 105 mile ride tomorrow.

The morning started with breakfast at the Hitching Post.  I had to try their homemade cinnamon roll.  It was good but not as good as the one 'a at Liz Sue. I'm hoping for a FedEx package arrives at our next rest day with 2 or 3 Liz Sue cinnamon rolls.

After breakfast I had my hair cut in town. The gal did a nice job and included a wash........ all for $12.00.

After my haircut I wandered over to the Dwight D Eisenhower
center were I viewed his boyhood home, the memorial where he and his wife are buried, his library and museum.  Very interesting.

I was able to book a massage in the afternoon.  I got a great massage, about 1.25 hours long......,,..the cost.........$48.00!

The rest of the day was spent resting up for the long day tomorrow when we reach the 1/2 way point of the tour.

Best,

Michael

DAY 26. Abilene, Ks to Topeka, Ks

Did I happen to mention that this is the most difficult challenge I've ever tackled? 

Today was supposed to be a 105 mile day but because of an unforeseen detour it turned into a 115 mile day.

I need to thank Carlos (Podium Cycling) and Tom (Team Holland) for making this challenge possible.  They both did a great job preparing me for this adventure.  I rode 115 miles today.  Sure I'm tired after a long day in the saddle but I'm

not beaten up and I'll be ready to tackle the 85 mile distance tomorrow and again on Friday.

The highlight of today was reaching the 1/2 way point of the trip.

Dinner tonight was at Famous Dave's BBQ.  He must be famous in Topeka but I doubt anywhere else.

I found a reminder that it's Father's Day in 2 weeks.....this reminder was found on the roadside in between Abilene and Topeka.

This will be a long week.  I need all the rest I can get.

Missing my riding partner.

Best,

Michael

DAY 24. McPherson, Ks to Abilene, Ks

Sixty-five more miles today.  After a night of severe weather, the day started out clear but the forecast for Abilene showed a 30% chance of mid-day rain.  

The first 30 miles, as we headed East, went by quickly.  I moved through the first SAG quickly but long enough to have my picture taken with Carol.  Carol is a member of our support team.  She is the kindest, most upbeat and supportive person I have met.  She keeps us nourished, making gourmet snacks out of leftovers.  Carol is leaving us here in Abilene.  I will miss her.

Out of the SAG we're turned North.  The wind came back and the clouds thickened.  

I love watching the cows run to the fence and line up as we pass.  It seems they're there to cheer us on!

I made it to the hotel (actually the Dairy Queen which sat 50 yds from the hotel) before the rain arrived.  I enjoyed a shake and a nap before heading to IKE'S for dinner.  Joann enjoyed a beer as she started to carb load for Wednesday's 105 mile ride

We enjoy having a day off tomorrow in IKE'S hometown

I'm looking forward to breakfast.  We're going to The Hitching Post a spot known for their famous cinnamon rolls.  I'll report on how they compare with my favorite Liz Sue cinnamon rolls.

Best,

Michael

Day 23. Great Bend, Ks to McPherson, Ks

We just can't catch a break with the wind.  The final 35 miles of today's 65 mile ride was done against a wind that varied from a cross wind to a full blown head wind.

We reached our first Dairy Queen at mile 31.  There is still goodness in this Country.  Our entire group has been treated to DQ on several occasions, a couple of times by the store owners and once by a person that was totally impressed with our mission.

On the way we passed some very impressive gentlemen grazing in the fields.

We pushed on to the hotel where I immediately jumped into the whirlpool to help quiet the screaming legs.  

Dinner at Applebee's tonight (so much better than Pizza Hut).  The manager asked to take our picture (below) which she does each year.  Pictures left to right, standing are:  Tim, Stuart, Richard, Herm, Pierre, Barry, Chick, Alan; seated from left to right, me, Ross, Joann, Geoffery the XC14 family.

About 15 minutes after dinner the rain started.  The rain came down sideways as the wind was blowing about 30 mph.  I tried to capture the weather from my hotel room window.

 

Another 65 miles in store for tomorrow .  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for clear sky's and tailwinds.

I would love to here from you.

Best,

Michael