DAY 10 -
Alton, Illinois to Indianapolis, Indiana****More Pics to come so please check back later today. Remember to double click on any photo here in the blog to view a larger version.****
The following thoughts are from Gene on his accounts from June 23rd to June 25th
June 23:
Rolling out of Dodge now. Wow you can get filet mignon for $15.00 Porterhouse for $17.00 Dinner was good last night but I was expecting a little more of a classic western town. Wyatt Earp stuff to be a little more preserved. They had some cool stuff but not too much historic stuff. Donnie rode out of Dodge first today and left Jason and I to pick up supplies and see some stuff along the way. Great place to get Dakoda and Hayden gifts for home.
Had to check over the bike after it practically got ripped off the truck after the old Kansas storm. Into the Kansas plains and WOW nothing here but flat grassy land and a lot of wind. The wind is so strong picture sticking your head out of your car window for 4 hrs its pretty stressfull. Starting to get back to civilization as we are on to Missouri. Made a wrong turn today but sent us on some real secluded back roads today so Donnie took the jerseys off soaked up some sun for the last 20 miles. We figured we were safe here until this rabid dog like the one from toy story tried to get me. It’s pretty funny after the fact but I had to pedal fast to get away. Tonight we rolled into Yates Center, Kansas. We are tired but ready to get into the next state. Talk to you tomorrow.June 24th:
Rolling out or Yates Center, KS and moving onto Missouri. I will be in the saddle first today needed to change a tube as I ended the day with another flat. Good time to adjust and clean the bike. On the road seeing first signs of life after first 25 miles. That ended quickly though. Back out riding the plains and battling the wind only its much hotter or humid as the climate is changing. Roller coaster hills makes for a tough ride but the further we go things seem to be getting greener and less flat. I’m really tired today everything is cramping up. We found our first body of water since San Diego at the end of todays ride. It’s really hot and we are really hurting but Jefferson City is a great city and a lot like home with lots of people. Found a great pasta place and looking forward to resting tonight. The woman at super 8 in Jefferson City comped the room for us today and also offered to take care of our laundry that was really nice of her. Thank You!
Son enjoy the pictures be sure to send us your comments in the guest book we love hearing from you!!
Gene
Sunday June 25th:
How is everyone doing?? Pretty good here. Well I had my first official bad day. Thae Kansas wind and Missouri rollers took a toll on the body yesterday. Cramping hands and legs and other body parts, not a good feeling.
Got off to a slow start when I got in the saddle. I went straight to climbing not good for recovery. Not only physically but mentally unprepared for the day and had other things on my mind. It’s amazing how something simple like riding a bike if your not up to it can be so hard. I just wanted to stop but I did not. This part of the country is beautiful totally different from Kansas. Landscape, trees, mountains, water, green grass, long flats and rolling hills, it has it all.
It was one of those days. We were rebel cyclists riding without a jersey today. Just could not get into the groove. Then to top it all off I get beaned for no reason with a bottle of water from some passing motorist. I tried to contact Donnie and Jason to get the guys but they both had their phones on vibrate. Probably the worst state so far for cycling. Got run off the road twice yesterday and hit with a bottle today. Never mind get out of dodge get out of Missouri... Donnie said the guy hit me because of my yellow shoes I guess that could be a good reason? By the way it was a black mustang. Where was Chris Koenig on Sunday??
Well, that got me going any way and jumped started me with a little adrenaline and I was able to finish the days milage required. The last 15 priceless miles Jason joined me and we went back to rebel cyclists bandanas and guinea tees. A real mess but we were relaxed going over the Mississipi River, Whew! we did it. I ended up with a nice dinner and watched Donnie clear his plate as if it came fresh from the dish washer!
Sorry to bore you with my bad day but I guess every day can’t be great. It was honestly the most physically and emotionally draining start. I really felt like racking the bike. I didn’t though and when the day ended I realized as hard as it was it was worth every moment. Remembering all the those affected by SUDC and what our REASON is brings me right back. I’m glad I did not give up the day they are too priceless to let go to waste, even if you feel broken down there is always a way to turn it around. I miss everyone Home!! I miss my family I’ll be home soon Gene
