Well we made it today to Topeka, KS so we are officially past the 1/2 way mark. My records show I've ridden 1726 miles and gained 50,224 feet. That's alot of hills!!
Today was a bit of a challenging day. Not only was it 106 miles (3300' of climbing), the light winds always seemed to be a quartering headwind and the terrain was filled with seemingly endless rollers. If we're going to climb, I prefer a noticeable and relatively steep and constant 5-8% grade that rewards you with a summit of a mountain pass and a nice long descent. Today however was filled with rollers....3-4%, sometimes short 6% grades, that are only 100 to 200 feet of climbing but certainly take some effort and break your riding rhythm. Just when you are settled into cruising, here comes a roller. You have to mentally and literally shift gears and drive up the hill. The downhill side is short and mentally not too rewarding. Reshift into cruise gears again. Disruptive and annoying.
Settled in again and another roller comes along, and another, and another. This has been the most difficult type of terrain for me to adapt to, especially with the headwinds.
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| Not a great picture but you can see the rolling terrain.... |
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| Anyone see a squirrel? |
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| Not many cars today on these lightly traveled farm roads. |
We also passed a field of bison so of course I had to stop and take a picture.
A nice SAG stop (support & gear) in a park in the very small town of White City, KS. The spread as usual was nutritious and very welcome. We usually take 10-15 minutes to refill our camel-backs with Gatorade, grab a few munchies, stretch or sit & rest, and oh yes reapply the Bag Balm to the bum. Then off we go for the next 2-3 hours of riding.
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| Great work by Carol and Robin!!! |
Also in KS there seems to be frequent displays of themes of honor, duty, country, morality, relationship with God, faith and patriotism. I for one LOVE it. Too bad the rest of the country is not as overt.
Finally, for many days now Mike K has been kidding me about how I can ride, take pictures and videos, and munch on snacks all at the same time. Well the following picture is proof that even bicycle riders can be trained and adopt new skills.
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| Way to go Mike!!!!! The master of multi-tasking. |
Click here to see details for today's ride:
Day 25: Abilene to Topeka, KS by xctom2012 at Garmin Connect - Details
2 comments:
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father —to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Rev 1:5-6
Enjoying the ride vicariously from my office chair. A bit easier on the bum. The photos and your narration are terrific.
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