STATS
Miles: 43.96
Calories: 3,112
Top speed: 21.4
Average speed 6.3 (Wind) 8.3 (tailwind)
This may have been one of our most challenging days, not because we were struggling over mountains, but because we were struggling against harsh winds, semi trucks and being literally blown off the road.
The day began with breakfast at a local restaurant. We enjoyed chatting with some locals about our trip and as always, enjoyed their well wishes.
Leaving Eureka we passed the “Fall River”, what do you know? There’s a fall.
For the next 20+miles we were blasted by wind from the south as we traveled west. We had a decent shoulder (2.5 feet) but the wind blew us everywhere. The worst was the semi-trucks and the back drafts. One could feel the truck try to “suck you under”. Semi-truck coming toward us practical stopped us in our tracks when the draft hit us. In addition, when trucks or cars passed we were doused with road grit. Lisa suggested we were getting a “micro abrasion” treatment for free!
For hours we struggled to hold our ground with our hand, wrists, and bodies feeling the pressure. Eventually, when we saw a semi in our rear view mirror, we stopped and moved over as far was we could and ducked down as the blast of back draft and road grit hit us. Our average speed plummeted to 6.3 mph
Finally our route made a turn to the north, TAILWIND! This was a true tailwind as it was silent, no buffeting wind, just pedaling along at 25-31 mph.
WARNING: SNAKE PICTURE
Passed by this unfortunate snake. Look at its length! Must have been at least 4 ft. long.
We also passed by a wild horse ranch. From what we heard the ranch serves as refuge for Kansas’ remaining wild horses. We were fortunate to see them.
Wild horses
Now this fellows had a different agenda. Either they were looky-loos, or were watching TV through the window.
Another fortunate event, actually two. We started to see some riders from the RAAM ride (Race Across America) . This is a supported ride with support vans following the riders with food, an extra bike, and supplies. Riders take brief nap or sleep for a few hours then are back on their bikes. Here are some coming down the hill. We would offer a cheer and the support vans would wave and shout out for us. We also saw the Trans Am Riders. These crazy bunch have no support and ride 200 to 350 miles a day; eat, sleep (very little) and ride, 36 hours riding, 6 sleeping…crazy!
We arrived in Cassoday our goal for the day. The only available camping was at the city park. We stopped at a small country store as root beer and peanuts were calling my name. It was then I got a text from Phil and Linda. They were 6 miles down the road and had plans to camp at the home of a local. We decided to join them. By the time we arrived we were pretty beat mostly from being tossed by the wind. The homeowners were not home only the teenage girls so we were not sure if everything was OK with the parents for us to stay using their outside water, and electricity. Being only 32 miles from Newton (our next stop and rest day), Phil and Linda toyed with the idea of getting a ride into Newton, a quick call brought a Newton Bike Shop mechanic “ART”, to pick us up. We decided not to let a short ride to Newton pass us by. We all piled in the trucks and our bikes, panniers, and BOB nestled in the back.
We arrived at this amazing bike shop about 7pm. Run by husband and wife, James and Heather, this shop has everything for a touring cyclist. Bunk beds, sheets, bathroom, bike wash (yes, one’s bike is washed in a big cattle trough). One can get their bike worked or they will loan one tools to do-it-yourself. Cyclists come and go all day long. If you are a touring cyclist stopping at Newton Bike Shop is a must! www.newtonbikeshop.com
FYI- This evening the 3rd place fellow from the Trans Am Bike Race came to the shop for a bike tune up and to eat -then be on his way.
Tomorrow will include: A bike wash, laundry, and some relaxing.
…I’ll keep you posted.
The Long and Winding Road - TransAmerica 