Agony and .......more Agony!!!

• Jcb849's Profile
• About this blog
• Entry from Wichita

Trip Start Jul 17, 2011 Previous
Entry Trip End Aug 13, 2011 Next
Entry

  Wichita, Kansas
Friday, July 29, 2011

 In order to try to beat the strong head winds we had been experiencing, we left two and a half hours earlier and started our trip at 5:30 am. Little did we know that the winds were just as strong at that time in the morning. We struggled for 3 hours to do 32 miles. We then stopped for breakfast in Pratt, Kansas. My wife had found a local diner for us and upon entering the diner we encountered 6-8 reitred men all sitting around the breakfast table killing time. As we walked in and greeted everyone, we entered into a laughter filled conversation with the locals about Kansas and our journey. It was pleasant and uplifting. After breakfast, even though the winds were still strong we managed to average between 14-16 miles per hour. We stopped once to replenish the liquids at 65 miles and rested for about 20 minutes. We then started again, and for about 30 minutes the wind seemed to turn in our favor. As it turned out it was just a temporary reprieve, for it soon turned against us stronger than ever. We finished the last twenty miles struggling to maintain a 7-9 mile per hour average. It was a little discouraging to be pushing as hard as you can and still not go above 9 miles per hour. Tired but unbroken by the winds,we arrived at the Hilton in Wichita at around 4:45 which is the earliest we've gotten back yet. Despite the weariness, we still feel very strong both physically and mentally to finish our journey. Tomorrow on to Iola, which will be our last night in Kansas.  Stay tuned.....

P.S. My wife has become more than just a driver to us. She has become quite adept at finding places for us to eat, sleep and rest as well as leading the way so all we have to do is worry about riding without having to concern ourselves with anything else. She has become quite indispensable to us. I think I'll keep her!!!!

Rosalie's corner
Early morning again, I almost feel like I'm working getting up at the same time as I do for work. I did buy something the other day in one of my gas station stops - I bought a fly swatter and boy has it come in handy especially when Joe and John stop for replenishment and let all the flies in. Can't wait to get out of cattleland and leave them behind although most of the ones I have come in contact with are now dead!!!  We've had to change the itinerary some because we are one day ahead of schedule but tomorrow they have to do 118 miles so I only hope the wind will abate if not, it will mean a longer time in the car for me.
Here are John's statistics from yesterday:


 

Total Miles:         97.61

Avg Speed:         12.2 MPH

Ride Time:          7 hours & 59 minutes

Elevation:            1,234 Feet (the road was super flat

Calories Burned:  4,998 (slower speeds burn less calories)

Share

Previous Entry Next Entry