Monday, July 22, 2013

A Tail of Two Centuries

Long long ago in a far away land a tale was told of a mighty wind. Kings and queens as well as beggars and thieves spent years toiling and searching for the mighty wind. The ancient Greeks looked to Aeolus to release the mighty winds. Zeus himself even pleaded with Aeolus, but to no avail. Time went on as it so often does, and tales of this mighty wind were long forgotten. The society of man became focused on this idea of progress. The focus was so far off in the distance that once the bicycle came about man had the audacity to keep on pushing for progress. Progressing into a climate controlled existence the memory of the wind faded away like a dying breeze. 

Fate would have it that this wind, bestowed upon a group of riders, would be the gust of legend. Humbled and battered the day before by a halting force the weary travelers arose wary the next morning to find peaceful overcast morning with the faintest hint of a breeze. The miles started ticking away, the women departed to visit the land of one of their families, and west rode the men. After some time the men arrived in a small village where they sought a fine meal. Leaving the village they were filled with vigor, the meal left them feeling hearty and strong. They set off for the next village ready to prepare camp after a long day of travels. The queerest thing happened in the time between locales. The men found they were being aided by a swift gust, hopes were high that the day would end earlier than planned and thoughts turned to a restful evening.

The next village had something entirely different in store for the intrepid travelers. One mans face wrinkled as he pensively examined the wind. He remembered a tattered piece of parchment in the far corner of a long lost museum that told of a  gale that would one day grace the land. Shivers trembled down his spine as the hair on the back of his neck stretched skyward as if to sample the wind for itself. He reminded himself his excitement was getting the best of him, but then he thought he glimpsed the corner of a tattered black flag that looked as if the seas and wind were well know.  He knew at that moment what had to be done. Summoning his words he stumbled through a speech one would utter to medieval warriors ready to charge into battle. Befuddled by some of the words another member of the group made it plain to the men what was at stake by unveiling the Jolly Roger. The great flag was hoisted and flew proud as the men set sail for the longest ride thy had ever attempted. 

The group realized this was the one wind. One wind to push them all and in the darkness guide them. Sailing west over the sea o the Midwest the men embarked on a journey they scarcely deemed a possibility. They followed the sun as it laid its head for the evening and were accompanied by a moon only the great wind could bring about. The stars loomed overhead and on they sailed. Not a soul to be seen they enjoyed their finest of days, feeling what a joy it was to be so alive in a moment of such monumental beauty. Over the course of over thirteen hours and over two hundred miles the men finally rested and enjoyed a deep slumber. It was a deep restful sleep filled with dreams of times of old and how so many had yearned for the great wind. What a great wind it was. 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Thankful for the cloud cover

Early morning starts + all day cloud coverage = the perfect combination for a cyclist. We cruised from Larned to Rush Center in what seemed like no time at all. The gals split from the guys to see Annie's family in Ellis, and the guys are currently aiming for a HUGE riding day of around 200 miles. GOOD LUCK, GUYS! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Liz is not impressed.


J, it's Batman, not Spidey.
Larned, KS.

JOE


Meet Joe. Solo cyclist from Baltimore. He snuck up on us one day, as if he just appeared out of thin air! We stopped for lunch at a gas station and he told us about his trip and how he averages 100 miles a day!! We parted ways only to be passed by him a few minutes later down the road. We didn't think we'd see him again but were in awe of his physical ability and positive outlook.

We crossed paths again in Newton, KS where he showed us his superb dance moves and joined our group for a bit. He rode with us for 2 days and then parted ways after Larned, Kansas. Good luck to you, Joe!!

James the cowboy


In Sterling, Kansas, Joe and I (solo cyclist from Baltimore) went to get some dinner. We stopped at a gas station and saw a guy pull up on his horse!! We got to chatting and invited him to the lake for dinner. He told us all stories about trapping coyotes, riding bulls in the rodeo, ranching, and all things country. As we spend time in these small towns, we're getting glimpses of a different life, a slower pace, a different world. After visiting with James, I think we all gained a renewed appreciation for the small town farmer, the difficulties they face, and the importance they have to our food system. 

Bodies are amazing

 Bodies are amazing. As I'm (Annie) typing this, the guys are aiming for a 200 mile day. Nuts!! Cheering them on from Ellis, Kansas while reflecting on our own accomplishments. A few days ago I completed my first century ride, finishing the day with 124 miles exactly. Bodies are incredible and Liz is an amazing riding partner.



And now for the amazing action shot Liz captured of me drinking gatorade.....

Kansas sunset



Squirrels



I guess the love of squirrels runs in the family?
Janice's squirrel in Wichita

Katie's painting in Newton

My pet squirrel, Derrick (Rest in Peace)

Family Reunion

Lots of family has been visited throughout this tour. Kevin's family in Pennsylvania, Jeannay's extended family in Missouri, and now the Sunflower State of Kansas. Most of my family (Annie) is from here and this stretch of the tour has unexpectedly turned into a huge family reunion. Our bike tour went right through, Newton, KS and we stayed at my Aunt Debbie & Uncle Bob’s house. My cousin, Katie, drove me to Wichita to visit with Janice, Chris, and their girls. Later on in the week, I saw a sign for Hays, KS, which is right next to Ellis, my mom’s hometown. I was not paying attention to where in Kansas we were actually biking!! I took a detour joined by Jeanné & Liz. Aunt Doris and Uncle Ed met us on the road and drove us to Ellis, where my Aunt Susie organized a family dinner in Holly’s garage. I got to surprise my grandma and see my grandfather in the nursing home. Fun to show Ellis to non-family members. There are so many of us!!



It's funny for my Kansas family to hear reactions from non-Kansans. Jeannay asked Holly if she hung out with her cows!


THANK YOU HONAS FAMILY FOR THE HOSPITALITY. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! 

Part of the WIchita clan: Aunt Chris, Aunt Janice, 
Cassie, Carly, Hannah, Bubbles (woof!)
Katie & Aunt Debbie in Newton


Grandma Julie in Ellis
Holly's garage


Hayden


Holly showing off her deer.

Aunt Doris

Holly's chickens


Liz doesn't drink coffee









Thursday, July 18, 2013

Cities on our route

KANSAS
-Newton
-Heston
-Buhler
-Medora
-Nickerson
-Larned = we are here now! It was a long, straight, 60 mile ride with no amenities, but we made it (from Nickerson)...and we were welcomed into the city with free access into the pool! Thank you so much, Larned! They've got tunes playing, and I'm digging it! The girls are planning on riding another 50 miles or so to Bazine. The guys may stay behind...who knows, the day is still young.
-Rush Center
-Nekoma
-Alexander
-Bazine
-Ness City
-Beeler
-Dighton
-Scott City
-Leoti
-Selkirk
-Tribune

COLORADO
-Towner
-Sheridan Lake
-Brandon
-Chivington
-Eads
-Haswell
-Arlington
-Sugar City
-Ordway
-Crowley
-Olney Springs
-Boone
-Pueblo
-Wetmore
-Florence
-Brookside
-Lincoln Park
-Canon City
-Hartsel
-Fairplay
-Alma
-Breckenridge
-Frisco
-Silverthorne
-Heeney
-Kremmling
-Parshall
-Hot Sulphur Springs
-Rand
-Walden
-Cowdrey

WYOMING
-Riverside
-Saratoga
-Walcott
-Sinclair
-Rawlins
-Lamont
-Muddy Gap
-Jeffrey City
-Sweetwater Station
-Lander
-Fort Washakie
-Crowheart
-Dubois
-Moran Junction
-Colter Bay Village
-Grant Village
-Old Faithful
-Madison

MONTANA
-West Yellowstone
-Cameron
-Ennis
-Virginia City
-Nevada City
-Alder
-Laurin
-Sheridan
-Twin Bridges
-Dillon
-Jackson
-Wisdom
-Sula
-Darby
-Hamilton
-Victor
-Florence
-Lolo and Lolo Hot Springs
-Missoula
**More than likely, we'll be getting off of the Trans America ACA maps after Missoula. As of now, we plan on getting the Lewis and Clark ACA maps, which will take us through Portland, OR (instead of Astoria, OR). However, until that becomes a reality, here's our planned route after Missoula.

IDAHO
-Lowell
-Syringa
-Kooskia
-Stites
-Harpster
-Grangeville
-White Bird
-Riggins
-Polluck
-New Meadows
-Tamarack
-Council
-Cambridge

OREGON
-Oxbow
-Richland
-Baker City
-Austin Junction
-Prarie City
-John Day
-Mount Vernon
-Dayville
-Mitchell
-Prineville
-Powell Butte
-Redmond
-Sisters
-McKenzie Bridge
-Blue River
-Finn Rock
-Nimrod
-Vida
-Leaburg
-Walterville
-Eugene
-Coburg
-Harrisburg
-Corvallis
-Lewisburg
-Adair Village
-Monmouth
-Clow Corner
-Buell
-Fort Hill
-Grand Ronde
-Boyer
-Rose Lodge
-Neskowin
-Okay, I'm tired of writing potential cities...you get the idea. Although, I'm really sure we'll be getting a new route after Missoula, MT. We'll keep you in the loop.

Here's where the girls are right now. We woke up around 5am to avoid the hot Kansas heat. The boys preferred sleep...We should see them in a few hours or so. Silly thing happened this morning when they were sleeping and right before we were leaving: the sprinklers where we were camping went off...the boys awoke abruptly and sleepily tried to solve the problem. Oh yea, and the Arkansas River is properly pronounced the "R Kansas" River...We are in Kansas after all.

205 miles in two days

This morning we had a nice snooze at Annie's relatives in Newton, Kansas. We are here after two days of riding In the flattest terrain imaginable. There are times when your mind tries silly things when you are on long rides. The terrain albeit gorgeous does not to much to stimulate your mind or other muscles. For a spell I believed I was riding a stationary bike. I found if i stared down at the road I would glimpse the occasional rock or grasshopper that indicated that movement was in fact occurring. The miles are easier on our legs but harder on the rest of our bodies. Fingers are still tingling the next morning from leaning on handlebars. Our nethers are constantly reminding us that though the terrain does not dictate it, stand up for a few pedal strokes. You quickly find yourself thinking about long sweeping downhills, dogs smiling as they run after you, swimming pools, and friends back home. Your world comes to a crashing halt once you realize you are only five miles into the days ride. 

The flats though challenging are not a faux amie. They most certainly are our friend with miles and progress. Our legs have churned out over two hundred miles in two days. We are very pleased with this. The large mileage was spurred by and idea to go for two hundred in a day if the wind was right. The guys started off early from Pittsburg with a decent tailwind that died after 30 miles or so. We ended up doing a not so shabby 125 on the day. The girls had a giggle-fest and rode just shy of 80. Yesterday we inverted the numbers with the girls riding just shy of 130.  

Here in Newton we found an awesome bike shop that is also a hostel of sorts with some work still to be done. They also have a bike bath which is mind boggling lay awesome. Is you find yourself on the TransAm be sure to check out Newton Bikes for great people great service and an awesome place to stay. Newton Bikes is the halfway point on the route and their module operandi is your bike should be as good when you leave their shop or better than when you started out. https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=184527111619455&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch&refid=9&_rdr#!/newtonbicycleshop?__user=7804435

We also met three young architects in the small town of Eureka Kansas who are working to revitalize downtown. We think the things they are doing are incredible. They were kind enough to invite us to stay for the evening and it was truly a treat. Check them out at www.ruraldesignmob.com