the deed is done

(typed on a REAL computer and not my iPhone--so much easier!!)

The final day has arrived and we were anxious to get on the road. A cold front moved through the area last night so we woke up to cool temps and mild breezes. Breakfast was provided by BAK this morning--they brought in Chris Cakes to make fresh pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs (lots of energy for our final journey). We packed up our bags one final time and loaded them on the truck for the final destination of LaCygne, then got on our bikes and headed east. People ask how our bottoms can take the long journey on a small bike seat. All I have to say is it gets easier every day we ride and one secret: Butt Butter (a biker's life saver)!

The scenery today was beautiful--rolling hills (a great challenge for bikers, but fun if you know how to use gravity and momentum to your advantage), lush trees and flowing creeks & rivers. This was the perfect weather day--the temperatures never got over 75 and the breeze was manageable, although it was out of the northeast--a direction we were going. We arrived in LaCygne mid-morning and rode another 8 miles further to reach the Missouri border. This part of the state doesn't have a river to divide its border, so it was anticlimactic when all we did to prove our feat was take our picture by a small green sign that read "Missouri State Line." Oh well, WE knew we made the 480 mile journey that strengthened our will, stamina, lungs and legs. A journey that gave us knew friends in Dave and Scott, a closer relationship with the Theimers, and a realization that we are not alone on any journey.

After reaching the border, all we could do was turn around and ride the 6 miles to Lake LaCygne park for our celebration picnic. Starla, the Theimer's daughter, was waiting for us with our vehicle to take us back to Topeka. We said our goodbyes to those we met on the trip and loaded up the bags, tents and bikes and headed for home, only stopping once at Louisburg for some apple cider donuts (because we could still eat anything we today!)

So was this trip worth it all? Absolutely!! Not many people can say they rode across Kansas on a bicycle. Spending time with good friends and meeting new ones was priceless. Enjoying a whole week with Chris and no other distractions was invaluable to our relationship. Raising money for CCCS and sharing why the message of Christ's love is so important, made this trip more than just about us. We are so blessed to have so many of our friends, family, and brothers & sisters in Christ around the world praying for us.

Would we do this again? Maybe not Kansas right away, but we are seriously thinking of trying another state next year. We have time to explore the possibilities and just enjoy our shorter jaunts around the area on our trusty Treks! Until the next travel bug hits...

My defining moment identified

Since it was a last minute decision to sleep in the gym in Burlington because of the weather, we left all our clothes in our tent for the morning. That wasn't the beat decision because some rain came in through the door an soaked part of my duffel bag. Thank goodness for hand air dryers in the locker room otherwise it would have been a chilly start to the day if I had to ride in wet clothes.

Today was a beautiful day for riding but as life's ironies are, the wind switched to the north on the day that we were to ride north! At least it was much cooler and overcast most of the day. We took a very scenic route to Garnett which was just under 50 miles. The rolling hills and green land made it very enjoyable for me. But there was one moment that really made me realize that we are part of something so much bigger. Every day this week Dave has gotten a phone call at 9:00 from a VBS in Nashville, Illinois. These kids are collecting money for support of CCCS and learning about the different countries that CCCS has Christian schools in. Today, we all happened to be at a SAG stop when the call came in and Dave talked with the group. They sang "Jesus loves me" in three languages then the pastor prayed for us riders and CCCS. What a powerful moment when you realize that we are a family of Christ. Tears streamed down as we said AMEN! Even one o the SAG workers came over to pray with us. It was quite a witness. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

We continued our ride and came into Garnett around noon. Storms were threatening again and the staff encouraged everyone to be indoors tonight. We found a great spot to set up our beds, took HOT showers and crashed for 2 hour nap. Then it was time to check out the town and find that greasy hamburger joint we were all craving. We found it at Trade Winds Bar & Grill. The town is lovely with a center square that held entertainment for the BAKers. We had the best homemade ice cream made by the Mennonites. But suddenly another storm was forming and the staff wanted everyone to get back to the school. Too bad--we missed out on so much!

Well tomorrow we ride to the Missouri border beyond LaCygne. Starla Theimer will pick us up and then it's back to Topeka...

Feeling at home

The morning came with refreshed muscles ready for another 60+ mile day. We are getting so good at taking down the tent and packing up. Now that we don't have our personal SAG, we load it all on the moving truck that hauls it to our next destination.

The weather looked threatening this morning, but it went just south and we road most of the morning with overcast skies--which is nice. The route out g Cottonwood Falls was on a very busy Hwy 50 to Emporia. There was a wide shoulder but it had rumble strips. So with semis whizzing by and bikers dodging debris on the shoulder, I thought to myself--I hope no one has a flat. Too late--I did. I was pretty far behind because I rode on it for a bit before realizing that is what was slowing me down. That meant that my group wasn't there to help. Luckily I called Twila and she happened to hear it. Her and Phil returned and we managed to change it but could only get 40 lbs of pressure in the tire with the little hand pump. I had to ride on that for 15 more miles before we found a nice bike couple who had a better pump. It was a challenge, but adds a good story to the week. Chris meanwhile was so far ahead and had no idea what had happened. It wasn't until the lunch stop in Olpe that we met up with the other half of our group and Chris finally checked his text messages to learn of my mishap. The guilt card was played!!

Tonight we had the opportunity to visit Twila's parent's home for a home cooked meal. Her mom and dad, sister Alice and husband, brother Lyle, joined us. It was so nice to be in a real home after a week of being a vagabond. We did some laundry too--always a good thing. We returned to our tent at the fabulous school facility in Burlington, only to watch this severe storm approach. We made the decision to camp inside again, so we didn't have to fight a storm. I don't know what is currently happening outside, but I do expect to find a waterlogged tent in the morning. Tomorrow is a shorter day that leads us to Garnett...

Rolling out the red carpet

Day 5 - Wednesday

After a grueling day before, we made sure we would get a good night's rest, so we opted to sleep indoors in McPherson's wonderful facility. We left our tents set up and just hauled in the air mattress, pillows and blanket and crashed with a couple hundred others. Everyone was so exhausted that the room was silent at 10pm and didn't come alive until 5:30am. And amazingly, our bodies recouped and we were ready to take on a day of riding through the Flinthills. The winds weren't as bad but the temps were still very high. We stopped for lunch (at 9:30am!) in A park in one of the small towns along the route to Cottonwood Falls. It was breath taking when we rode up a long hill to suddenly be hit with the panoramic view of the Flinthills we had time to soak it in as we coasted down the other side. Awesome!! We arrived at our destination a little after noon and felt do welcomed by this community.

If you haven't ever visited this little gem in the Flinthills, you are missing out. They closed off the streets of downtown and had live Bluegrass music in front of the Emma Chase Cafe (where we had rhubarb pie), and had a beer garden next to the historic hotel (where they served brats), and they had the beautiful Chase County courthouse open for tours (the oldest existing courthouse in Kansas). The town did it right and the bikers really enjoyed of their hospitality. We camped at Swope Park near the pool. It was a nice quiet ace with trees. I rank this destination as the best so far. Tomorrow's road leads us to Burlington...

Goal for the day--finish what I started

It didn't start off well...last night we experienced 30 mph winds all night and our tent struggled to stay upright. By 1am we opted to take off the rain fly before it took flight. That meant we were exposed to the outside including the 2 parking lot lights and the roar of the wind. By 2:00 we finally fell asleep with the help of our iPods blocking the noise. But wake up time was 5am!

We knew today was going to be our longest ride of 76 miles and we were facing temps of over 100 degrees and 40 mph south winds--so an early start was important. The first 55 miles to the lovely town of Marquette was great. We had a crazy crosswind that was made easier by drafting. At times we were leaning just to keep from being blown over. The SAG stops were great with one selling homemade cobbler.

We "fueled" up again with a delicious pulled pork lunch then got back on the road for the last 22 miles that included 11 miles into that 40+mph wind. This is where teamwork was the most important. We were riding in a drafting line of at least 5 people (but we picked up others on the way). We would trade up leaders every mile and could only manage maybe 8 mph (usually we ride at least 15-20)!! That last section took 2 hours and really tested our wills. We finally arrived in McPherson 7 hours after our early morning start --completely exhausted. I was so overcome with emotion and exhaustion that all I could do was sob uncontrollably. It was the strangest feeling--but made me understand how Olympic athletes feel when they give it their all and succeed. We succeeded! It was the most difficult physical thing I have done and I never want to do again!!

We are now cooling off in McPherson High School--pondering whether we want to drag our bedding tonight and sleep on the gym floor with 200 other people. It is air conditioned. We will see if the winds die down tonight. Tomorrow we head to Cottonwood Falls...

Early start. Early finish. Went nuts.

(written Monday, June 6)

Thank goodness for an iPhone because we could check the weather to know that it was going to be a scorcher today. So we made plans to leave by 6:30 this morning. It does take us all a while (Theimers and us) to take down the tents and repack everything into our bags. We got on the road by 6:45 and discovered a nice quiet, beautiful morning was awaiting us. It was picture perfect with the sun coming over the horizon, the wheat fields waving in the slight breeze and only the sound of our bike tires whirring on the newly paves roads. We practiced our drafting again and close to 20 mph--it was awesome. We travelled thru Bazine, Rush Center, had lunch in LaCrosse, on thru Otis and ending in Hoisington--67 miles later and by 12:15pm. This was important since the temps were nearing 100 again.

It was a quick set up of tents, then on to the local swimmin' hole to cool off and shower. The towns have been so gracious to the almost 900 people who descend on them. The pools let us swim for free and the restaurants bring in extra help. We really appreciate their hospitality.

We were looking for a good hamburger at a local establishment but only the DQ served them. We did, however, stop at the Tap Room (which only has Coors regular on tap!) for a beer and anything deep fried. Did you know that mushrooms, pickles, onion rings and Rocky Mountain oysters all taste the same when deep fried in the same vat?! Then we continued our meal at Gambinos Pizza. Mmm...only a few more days of this before my body revolts.

Tomorrow is our longest, hottest, and windiest (not at our backs). If we can make it, it's all downhill from there...

Have you ever been to Beeler?

(written Sunday, June 5)

I would suppose most people have not been to this speck of a town in western Kansas, but we have now! Today was a day of firsts--first time I have ridden consecutive days of more than 50 miles each, first time I have gone swimming in Ness City, first time I was in Beeler (population under 50), the first time I was bit by a red ant, and first time I have drafted while riding bike.

We are really enjoying getting to know people from all over the country. Since we are riding to raise money for Children's Christian Concern Society, we have gotten to know the executive director, Dave Saving. He is a veteran rider and taught us how to draft. We had optimal conditions for it--fairly flat and low traffic roads. Drafting helps bikers conserve energy by staying in the draft and out of the wind. We worked as a team--taking turns being the lead then moving formation to change leaders. It was so awesome to work together--communication is a key as we watch for cars from behind or bikes ahead. We made great time with a slight tailwind. Today's ride was 57 miles.

We arrived in Ness City as the temps were nearing 100. So we set up tent then headed for the pool. COLD!! and the showers were even colder! But it was wet and washed the road grime down the drain. The town has a few local eateries and the Cactus Club enticed us with fried chicken and mashed potatoes/gravy. I even ate the skin (because I can this week!) Because it is still over 100 outside, we are chillin' in the high school auditorium on cushioned seats (a nice change from a bike seat). Once the sun goes down, we will venture back to our tents and get a good night's rest before another hot day's ride to Hoisington tomorrow...

Egyptians in Scott City

It was a 63 miler today and the best day for a ride. Never have I felt more energized while riding. The roads were smooth, quiet, and flat. We averaged 20 mph which is amazing for us. The wind was fairly calm for this part of the country and sort of at our back. The sky was overcast and somewhat cooler. All his adds up to a wonderful first day. Now we are in Scott City--chillin' in the city park in front of our tents getting our appetites ready for brats at the Lutheran church.

So were do the Egyptians come in? Well, Beth is from this area and she wanted to take us to a place she calls "the pyramids". It was a long drive on gravel roads through random desolated areas, but I do have to say that it was a very unique geological structure. I can say that this is a once in a lifetime visit! Been there, done that.

So tomorrow it is on to Ness City. What awaits us there...

Flat! But not a tire!

If all rides could be like western Kansas then I'm giving up the car! We started at the border at sunrise and rode back to Tribune, then packed up camp, loaded the Escape, then hit the road toward our destination. We are currently eating an omelet breakfast at the Route 96 Cafe in Leoti. Only 20+ miles until Scott City where we camp for the night. And it's only 10am!!

Life in Tribune

It was an uneventful drive to western Kansas. I don't know how we managed to get five people's bags and equipment into the Escape. But with creative squishing it fit. Beth is our personal SAG for a few days. She works for CCCS and a longtime friend of ours--so we feel well taken care of.

Our plans changed today as far as riding goes. A huge storm with big winds came up, so we opted to wait and ride from the border in the morning. We set up our tents in "tent city" and the winds almost blew us down, but these dome tents are pretty durable. We should get a good night's sleep with the sound of the wind drowning out the snorers!

I think we are ready ...

Are we crazy?

It's the eve before another true road trip. This one is not by car but by human power--on a bicycle. "Biking across Kansas" is an annual ride that involves about 800 cyclists. This year Chris and I will be part of the pack. About 500 miles of riding in 8 days, seeing our fair state at a slower pace, camping at night, and eating anything we want to because we burn 2500 calories a day!! So this sounds like a great vacation, but as the time draws near, I'm not so sure I can really make it. Oh, I know I can physically make it, but the mind can mess you up. As Chris says, "take it one day at a time," so that is what I will do.

We leave for Tribune, KS at noon tomorrow, drive 6 hours, register, set up the tent, then drive to the Colorado border to ride the 16 miles to our starting point of Tribune on Saturday. Got it? We pray for tailwinds, no rain, and quiet roads.

And so it begins...