From Ness City on Saturday we rode to Scott City and we got slowed down a little by the continuous grade and a fairly strong side wind. This 57 mile ride thru central and western Kansas makes one realize just how big the great plains are, miles and miles of wheat and corn. It just keeps going. You really do not get a feel for the size driving a car at 65, but at 13 miles an hour you sure understand the greatness of this land.
In Scott City we stayed in the Athleticlub and had a very nice evening after the five amigos went to the local watering hole for a few hours. Great local people and some good stories. Fortunately we were inside tonight because another of the evening severe storm warnings came up. This time we were told to go into the shower areas of the building in case the sirens went off. But once again we had a severe storm but no sirens.
Storm Clouds move in and within an hour we are in a very strong storm on the road on Monday.
That's getting a little ahead but on Sunday we rode to Tribune on our last full day in Kansas. This was another day of all pedaling on a gradual grade up and we made it to Tribune in good time and once again stayed at the local park with the cold shower and swimming pool. No one came around to tell us about storm warning and we all went to sleep thinking this would be a quiet night, ha, ha, about 11:30 the winds came up, and I mean the winds came up with gusts up to 50 mph. Kathy in our group had a pole in her tent frame break and puncture her tent badly but other than that we all made it thru the wind storm fine.
The winds did not stop in the morning and after breakfast we got on the road with a very strong side wind from the north, with gusts up to 45 mph. And we are riding on a main highway with lots of heavy truck traffic. Nothing like being blown into the traffic lane by a gust but at least at the start of the ride it was not raining. The picture above is of the storm clouds that we rode into and just as we entered Colorado the skies opened up and the temperature dropped about 12 degrees to 55 and this along with the side wind.
Kansas was great to ride in, except for this morning we had essentially no wind issues but Colorado really welcomed us with cold, rain and high winds.
Life is Good Bobo
Great blob, bobo.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to update us on the weather situation albeit not that great for riding. Based on our recent conversation, the upcoming days will not bring you level riding conditions but, perhaps, the weather will be kinder. You're all in my thoughts as you ride on to your ultimate goal in Oregon. Safe and happy riding!
ReplyDeleteHeh Bob, the Trevetts say hi. I ran into Linda at the doctors office yesteday and she gave me your blog info. What a fabulous trip you are having, Colorado will be super, I love Denver and Boulder, Durango and Colorado Springs. Can't wait to hear where you go in Colorado. Have a great trip, stay safe.
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