Day 37 - Rest Day in Indianapolis, Indiana - 0 miles

Today was my most rested rest day. I woke up around 6am and spent several hours doing various things SLOWLY - laundry, blogging, organizing photos, and enjoying a nice full breakfast at the hotel with other cyclists. A few cyclists who sagged in yesterday due to the pending weather doom, decided to go into together on a shuttle to the previous town and do the route today - I wished them good luck and good weather. I know the ones who went were excited to go.

So I just enjoyed today - I got a cab to go to a bike shop to get some new bike shorts... I am suppose to have 4 pairs and my SCTA shorts are tearing at the seams... not sure why... but they are pretty new so must be pretty crappy - the bike shop didn't have any great apparel, though their website said they had the most in the city of Indianapolis. They were very nice there and were helpful in explaining why my left hand feels like it isn't working well... they said that happens a lot with long distance cycling and I found a pair of new gloves that might be able to help. My left hand is so weak that its hard to shift... so I hope these gloves help.

After returning to the hotel and grabbing a snack, I went on a personal walking tour of the town of Indianapolis - it is super cute! The monuments are amazing and the walkway, riverwalk, gardens, and museums were enjoyable. This is a great city to go to if you are really into sports - it is home of the NCAA, the Speedway, and several other stadiums that are for some important sport... not sure what cause I am not too into them. I also enjoyed some good conversations with my mom, dad, and friends whom I haven't had a chance to catch up with until today. It was very humid out today so after about 3-4 hour out around town, I came back and enjoyed watching a comedy movie in the personal home theater at the hotel with a nice blanket and big comfy chairs - truly restful I tell ya! Then I headed to the hot tub to read more of a great book I am reading... so nice.

Now I am headed off to a reception at the hotel - some wine and italian food with some fellow riders' company - a great way to spend a rest day! I feel ready to begin my adventure again tomorrow... continuing my tour of the country... and now the East Coast... by bike (in case you didn't know... hahaha!).

Day 36 - From Crawfordsville, Indiana to Indianapolis, Indiana - 66 miles

Today was quite an eventful day! We awoke in the morning to loud thunder and lightening - it was clear that no one was biking anywhere. So, our leaders drove us to breakfast about 2 miles down the street and then after breakfast we all waited to hear any news. The leaders gave us a choice - we could either sag into Indianapolis and not ride today or we could wait it out and see what happened with the weather. The forecast was rain, lightening, and thunder coming through in waves throughout the day. So, half the group decided to sag and the other half decided to wait. I, of course, decided to wait - I'd ride unless they told me I couldn't. So, the sag vans took half the group to Indianapolis while the rest of us waited for more news. Some of us slept (see picture of Kip), some of us read the newspaper, and others of us just chatted and acted crazy (me!).

About 9:30am, it had been clear for about an hour and Skip talked to our tour leaders and got permission to ride over to Wabash College (about 3 miles away) - it is one of only two men only colleges still in existence (so, this is where to meet men!! :). So, Skip, Fred, Jose, and myself rode over there and took an informal tour - from Skip and Fred who both graduated from there in the 60s. We were there for about an hour and Fred got to see two of his fraternity brothers who now work there. It was quite pleasant and was much better than sitting around the hotel.

So, our sag vans got lost on their way to Indianapolis and by 10:30am, they still weren't there yet - so our leaders told us we could go ahead and start the ride since it was nice and clear out. No thunder or lightening in site. I called the hotel and talked to Michelle, our tour leader, who explained that we could leave from Wabash College, so the four of us headed up the road for a short 66 mile ride.

We had many sites to see today - first, the Roark Bike Factory, which was only 35 miles up the road. At this bike factory, they custom make titanium bikes - we took a short tour. I wasn't too impressed, to be honest. It is basically a big welding plant and they do SOME bikes - ranging in price between $9,000 and 16,000 - definitely out of my price range! The majority of the plant makes other things for other companies - like stuff for the military - I don't even know what it all was and I didn't really care... moving right along...

We rode through Eagle Creek Park, very pretty, and then went onto the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - super cool! All the time, we were waiting for another rainstorm or thunderstorm but it was nice out... very nice out. The Speedway was really big... impressive! We got a lot of information from Skip on Indianapolis, since he lived here lots of his life. That was nice!

Then we went onto the Major Taylor Velodrome. I'd never seen a Velodrome ... it is where cyclists race ... and we were welcomed with a nice sign! I watched a cycling clinic going on and it was neat to see them racing - interesting.. lots of young people in this clinic...

We followed the waterway into our hotel - it was beautiful! There is a riverwalk area that reminded me of San Antonio, Texas's riverwalk. I might take a boat ride through there on my day off. The hotel we were suppose to stay at was a Comfort Inn but it wasn't built in time for our arrival so we got to stay at Staybridge Suites - which is an amazing hotel with huge suite rooms, free laundry, exercise facility, nice pool, amazing breakfast and cocktail hour. Divine! It much needed for two nights and a rest day.

We had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory and I enjoyed a much needed glass of wine. Though the day was excited, it also tried my patience to HAVE to ride in a group the whole day due to the pending weather doom... but it was beautiful and I was excited I decided to ride. Our rest day is suppose to be another thunder and lightening storm but it is blue skies and looks like a nice day (I am writing this on my rest day and it is sunny, sunny, and sunny)! I am excited to have a day of rest in this beautiful hotel right next to downtown Indianapolis... yahoo!

Publishing/comments note: I didn't know how to change the dates of my post, so blogspot automatically puts the date that I write the post as the actually date - I just figured out how to change it, so I'll be sure to keep the days accurate from now on and will change the other ones- sorry for any confusion to anyone (thanks for asking about it though, Lawrence!). Also, I get emailed all comments to me, regardless of where you post them... so feel free to comment wherever you'd like and I'll receive notice of the comment! Thanks for all your commenting... it helps so much to hear from you all and to know you are out there following along as I pedal, pedal, pedal, and pedal some more!

Day 35 – From Springfield, Illinois to Crawfordsville, Indiana – 82 miles

Today was just lovely! I felt like I had a renewed spirit after visiting with Sarah yesterday. The weather today was very nice – cool and not too hot. We entered another state, Indiana, wow – we are moving along quick! We also entered the last time zone – Eastern Time! I enjoyed the shorter day of 82 miles and look forward to an even shorter day tomorrow and then our rest day. I am ready for a day of rest. It was relatively flat today without much wind so it went fast.

I was aware that today is my sister, Asha’s, birthday – she passed away about 10 years ago and would be 29 today. It was ironic that we passed by soooo many cemeteries today – too many to count! Well, I am aware of her absent often and felt myself living today as fully as possible in honor of her – since she can’t be here to do things like this herself… granted, she never would ride across the country and is probably looking down from heaven and wonder what got into me! HAHAHA!

Another thing that we see a lot of here is people mowing their lawns… lots of lawns and lots of need for mowing them. I need to start keeping count of how many people we pass mowing their lawns everyday…. I think maybe about 20 – it feels like a lot! And as I passed one town in Indiana, a father and his sons were using their lawn mowers as a mode of transportation… that works!

Cornfields, Cornfields, and more cornfields. I just had to jump in! And so did the America by Bike (ABB) van – you can’t avoid ‘em! Today was another long day with another great end! I rode in a fast paceline for the first 30 miles and then went off on my own since it takes a lot of mental energy to ride in a paceline and I just didn’t have it in me. I also stop more often to go to the bathroom so then I have to ride really fast to catch up and I did that twice and then was over trying so hard – we had a long day to go! I was excited to get to Champaign because Sarah Levar, my best friend and roommate for 3 years from college, was meeting me there – I felt like it was too long since we have seen each other and I couldn’t wait.

I had some more tears of exhaustion as I rode to the second sag stop, which was appropriately placed at a cemetery. I sat under the tree and thought I might never get up. Forrest commented “Audrey if you don’t move, they’ll have to bury you here!” I said to him “Okay, can I let you know what I want on my tombstone?” Anyway, it was a hard day just because we are ALL so tired. That was the general talk amongst the riders and even our top notch rider, George, ended up taking an easy and riding with us (he NEVER has taken an easy yet… so that says a lot). I now know why it is called a Cross Country CHALLENGE – it is all a mental challenge right now.

At the second sag stop, I got to ride with Skip for the rest of the way, which was exactly what I needed! He is such a great guy. We rode an easy pace and the roads were rather flat with a slight small headwind – not too bad! I enjoyed his company and he has ridden across country before (a different route) and I was asking for advice on how to get through this part where you just want to not get up and ride and he said to focus on other fun things in the town or in the day that don’t involve the riding – great advice! So, that’s what I am going to start to do. The riding is really only one aspect of this great adventure – and the one aspect I am not loving right now… so there are other things to have fun doing. My butt has finally fully revolted and broke out in a complete diaper rash! Ugh J

One of our riders, Rob, fell yesterday and broke his collarbone and has to go home. He had dinner with us all last night, which was nice, so we could say goodbye. It was really sad because his girlfriend, Terry, just joined us on the trip to go the whole way and it was her first day riding with him. Biking can be a dangerous sport but I am glad it wasn’t too serious and that he didn’t hit his head – he seemed in good spirits last night, though it is never fun to have to go home.

Oh, and the Illinois people aren’t too fond of cyclists on their roads. We had a clear example of this when Skip got CHEWED out by a woman riding by – we weren’t even doing anything wrong… she was so angry like we had killed her daughter or something – it was incredible! Skip just listened to her yell and yell and yell about the trackers that use this road and the children who are around here (it was a deserted road with hardly any homes… I was thinking… what? Children of the corn? Hahaha! She was crazy!). Anyway, Skip patiently listened to her for awhile and when she was finally finished, he calmly said “you are a very angry woman!” – She speed away really fast – hysterical!

It was sooo fun to see Sarah! We can chat non-stop for hours and its like no time has passed. I wish I had gotten a photo and brought my camera with us but forgot. I was so just enjoying talking to her. I was up past my bedtime (til 9:30) but it was well worth it! I feel so blessed to have a friend like her and a friend I’ll have my whole life. She is training for her first marathon, the Chicago Marathon, which she is doing this October 12th in honor of her Oct. 22nd birthday of 26 years – 26 miles for 26 years! Very clever! Her mom is joining her too – right on! I am very proud and wish I could be there. We also stopped by the store to get me some diaper rash stuff, a new cell phone charger (yippee!), and other various items… it was such a nice visit!

Day 33 – From Quincy, Illinois to Springfield, Illinois – 106 miles

I got the blues DANANANANA the 4th of July holiday homesick blues DANANANANA the very exhausted blues DANANANANA the 106 miles too long blues DANANANANA the riding day blues DANANANANA the cornfields nonstop for three states blues DANANANANA the weather angel abandonment blues DANANANANA the ‘I would rather be hitchhiking’ blues DANANANANA the crying for miles knowing you have 60 miles more to go blues DANANANANA the I can’t find a damn postcard in Illinois blues DANANANANA the I have to pee and can’t find a place to go blues DANANANANA the hungry but nothing sounds good to eat blues DANANANANA the I want to throw my bike in the cornfield blues DANANANANA the I miss the ocean blues DANANANANA the headwind blues DANANANANA the my hotel room sticks blues DANANANANA and I stick too blues DANANANANA the my cell phone died and I don't have a charger blues DANANANANA

Okay, so today wasn’t that bad but I started out tired and knew I had 106 miles left to go. I rode alone all day at my own pace and my goal was to be in in less than 7 hours… I was not going to be out as long as yesterday… mentally I just couldn’t do it! So, I speed along at a nice pace and at about mile 25, I missed home and then just started to cry. I was so tired. The tears lasted on and off until about mile 70 and then I started to feel better. I sang the blues to myself and had myself laughing! I also learned to whistle! I never knew how to whistle but I got rather good at it --- I never knew that it all has to do with the way you put your lips... oh the things you learn while you ride! I had a nice pace going today and the weather was rather nice. It was cool out (70s and 80s) and not too humid. Also, the hills started to level out and we had some flat land… which my legs appreciated.

Today we had a contest going on – the one best dressed for the 4th of July got some reward. So, we had a few takers on the contest with nice outfits (see photos). We arrived in Springfield, Illinois – the home of Abraham Lincoln - there are many signs and historical places based on him – the town isn’t all that nice but there seems to be some major celebration for the 4th of July that they are setting up near the Capitol building. While at Walgreen’s, where I FINALLY found postcards to send to my niece and nephew (I haven’t been able to find them in any of the last few towns), I got asked out to the 4th of July festivals by a nice looking young man – I told him I wasn’t from here and needed to bed early since I have a century ride to do again tomorrow. He said he should move to California…. Hahaha… or this should happen in California – I never get asked out at the drug store! Go figure :)

I just found out at route rap (where I am right now) that today was Skip’s birthday! We’ll have to do something special for him at dinner. It is also Wayne and Al’s birthday too… three riders have birthdays on the 4th of July – very special :) It made my day to enjoy dinner with Skip for his birthday and then some cake afterwards (see funny video of Skip - he is hysterical!). Wayne's wife came all the way from Wales to surprise him for his birthday and brought two cakes for all the birthdays, along with some cupcakes - yum yum!

Day 32 - From Kirksville, MO to Quincy, IL - 87 miles

Today we officially buried our weather angel… what a great companion and a sad goodbye! The goodbye was noticeable by the raingear clothing we all wore this morning – George, pictured right, really hates the rain and I think he might believe he will melt away if a drop hits his skin… so sealed he is! We had on raingear for the first 20 miles or so and then the rain stopped and by the first sag stop, I was able to take my rain jacket off. By this point, my feet were already soaked but the air was cool and nice out. It never hit above about 77 degrees today – very very nice! So, the weather wasn’t THAT bad. We do look forward to our weather angel's resurrection, when she decides to come back!

However, today was a tough day and exhausting. It took me over 6 hours and 30 minutes to ride only 87 miles – not sure what took so long – lots of hills and lots of wind. Today was a hard day for many people. When I got in, I just jumped in bed and didn’t move for an hour – I woke up refreshed but can’t believe we have a century (106 miles) to do tomorrow – hopefully, it won’t be as hard as today. Regardless, it is always nice to be out everyday on my bike exploring the country… even when its hard!

We entered another state, Illinois, and said goodbye to Missouri. We weren’t in Missouri for very long and I feel like the days are going so quick. I almost want them to slow down just so I can make sure to take it all on before it is over. I feel so blessed to be able to do this ride. We had to sag over the Mississippi River today for safety reasons… I was going to swim but it was cold out J

Day 32 – From Chillicothe, Missouri to Kirksville, Missouri – 81 miles

Thanks for all the comments from everyone that I got to read today – it is always great to hear from you all and know that you are following along! This is quite the journey and I love hearing from home, friends, and family… now onto today…

What happened to our weather angel? As we started out today on our ride, we had some small raindrops that accompanied us. We heard thunder in the distance and I saw lightening four times – granted, the lightening looked far away but I learned later that lightening can strike up to 25 miles (or more) away – it could have been closer than 25 miles… thus our meteorologist, Greg, was in the sag wagon avoiding the danger… while I was enjoying myself . . . naivety is bliss! The rain drops were very nice since it was quite humid today… we guessed it was 100% but I am not sure how accurate we are. I didn’t get any photos today since my camera was nicely packed in a plastic bag to avoid any water. I still think our weather angel is with us and was just keeping us nice and cool today with a little rain drops.

We had an eventful day – I rode with John, Amy, and Sue again – we ride very similar speeds so it is easy to stay riding together. The road today involved many ups and downs… it was like a rollercoaster ride and pretty fun! We climbed over 4000 feet but only gained a total of 200 feet in elevation… just up and down and up and down and up and down. It was like doing interval training all day… great workout and exhausting! We saw much evidence of the flooding – one of the roads we were on looked like it had been flooded, another road was close to being completely covered in water, and many fields were like mini lakes. It should be interesting to see the Mississippi tomorrow – more rain is expected – I hear even hail --- aww, well… it makes it a fun adventure!!

The biggest thing that happened today was that our second sag stop wasn’t there – it was suppose to be at mile 51 but at mile 55 we all stopped and decided to ride a few more miles and then call the sag van. Great idea but neither of the sag vans had cell phone reception so that didn’t work. About mile 65 or so, the sag wagon came by and said that we had beat them to the second sag stop so they didn’t have one… everyone had gotten there before they did – not sure how that happened but I was glad to hear that no one was hurt… since I thought that might be way the sag wasn’t there. Michelle and Christine, our tour leaders, passed by later with PB&J sandwiches they made and gave to us through the car window – how nice! It was a great treat and felt extra special that they took the effort to make them for us.

We got in today before 1pm and I had time to read and completely clean my bike and use the nice “Bike Lust” purchased for me by Sister Denise (thank you!) to polish and buff my bike – it looks awesome!!! J I am getting better at cleaning my bike each time. There isn’t much in Kirksville so the rest of the afternoon and evening was just spent hanging out and chatting with everyone. This is the life I tell ya! I love it ;)

Day 31 – From St. Joseph, MO to Chillicothe, MO – 92 miles

Today was another rolly day through Missouri – lots of ups and downs! We went through Amish country in Jamesport, MO. We saw many horses and buggies and even stopped in to get pie at an Amish bakery and to look at the quilts at an Amish shop. I learned that the Amish’s first language is German and they don’t learn English until they enter school. I had no idea! I asked if someone who isn’t Amish can enter the Amish community and they said yes, they are an open community. I am fascinated by these communities and would love to spend a week there and see what its like.

Our group enjoyed the cookies Sister Audrey made for us and told me over and over again how much they liked them – they were all gone at the first Sag Stop… almost everyone got at least one! I missed my mom today, after spending time with her, but also have a great group here, so that helps! I enjoyed riding today with John, Amy, and Sue and also rode with other people periodically throughout the day.

We saw the beginning of the flooding as we got closer to Chillicothe today (picture on the left is a flooded field). We’ll see how things go for us as we get closer to the Mississippi River.

Four new people joined our ride today – a grandfather and grandson pair and another pair who are riding a tandem. I haven’t gotten to know any of them yet but hopefully I will at dinner tonight.

I am beat and hopefully will get a nap before the route rap tonight. I am also doing laundry since I didn’t get a chance on my rest day and it is much needed! My bike also needs cleaning but its not going to happen today.

Day 30 - Rest Day in St. Joseph, Missouri

This was the most incredible rest day I have experienced! I got to go with my mom to Clyde, Missouri to stay at the guest house of the monastery (use to be called a convent but now they call it a monastery) where she lived from 19-26 years old. I got to spend time with my namesake, Sister Mary Audrey. The guest house was lovely – with a large room for both myself and my mom and a large living area and kitchen. You could tell the kindness that was put into preparing the place for us – we had fresh linens, homemade soaps, a kitchen stocked with food, and a nice welcome sign – they live by the words of St. Benedict “Let All Guests Be Welcomed As Christ” and I found this message on the walls of buildings and on signs throughout the monastery. Sister Audrey even made me a bunch of really great cookies that I look forward to sharing with my fellow riders at the first sag stop today.

I woke up early on my rest day and spent from 5:30am until about 11:30am with my mom in the guest house just chatting and catching up. I feel blessed to have a mother that is also a great friend. We joined Sister Mary Audrey for prayer time before lunch and then joined all the sisters for lunch. I had lunch with my mom, Sister Audrey, Sister Denise, and Sister Nancy. I was also introduced to all the sisters at lunch and felt warmly welcomed. It was a pleasure to get to spend time and talk with them. Sister Audrey and Sister Denise have known me before I was born and have visited me as a child and I have visited them with my mom as a child. I don’t remember these visits but I know they have been praying for me throughout my life. It was truly a pleasure to spend time with these sisters, who are near and dear my heart. Sister Denise was such a kind woman and I look forward to seeing them again in the near future (she says we have to visit more often… which I intend to do). Sister Nancy is a cyclist also and had done many cycle trips before joining the monastery and Sister Becky was also a cyclist and came over after lunch to chat with us. It was very nice. I felt right at home.

Sister Audrey took me on tours throughout the area. The monastery supports itself by making Altar Breads – 9 million PER MONTH! I got an inside tour of how these altar breads are made – lots of hands at work and custom made machinery. They also make custom soaps and lotions, which I also enjoyed the touring this area. Sister Audrey knows so much about the history of the different buildings and how things have changed over the years. It was fascinating to me and to my mom, who noted how different things are now from when she was there.

Sister Audrey also toured me around the local Abbey, where the monks and a seminary school are located. It was beautiful! We went to their bookshop and got to see their newly renovated Basilica – breathtaking! I enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and willingness to take me on the tours of various things. I also asked a lot about how Sister Audrey’s convent operates and it was very interesting. I feel that today was filled with a lot of love and knowledge. I feel renovated and ready to continue my ride – I know I have a lot of people praying for me and rooting me on!

Day 29 – From Topeka, Kansas to St. Joseph, MO – 92 miles

Today was a phenomenal day – first of all, we got to leave Kansas – so that alone made it a great day! We rode through Atchison, Kansas, the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, where the Amelia Earhart Century Ride was going on. There were about 250 riders registered and I had a great time talking to the local folks. Some of the volunteers were telling me a little about the history of Atchison. First of all, I learned that they hated Western Kansas as much as all the rest of us and have had the discussion amongst themselves about selling it to Mexico. I told them Eastern Kansas should just join Missouri and all four of them almost fell out of their chairs! It was like I just told them their mother died! So, they went on to tell me that they don’t like Missouri and there has been a civil war between themselves and Missouri for years and years and it is still going on (now through college sports!). Atchison was named for a senator in Missouri who was one of the largest slave owners and moved to Atchison to make Kansas a slave state. The local folks still resent it – okay, I get it, now!

Before I left Kansas, I decided to take one last picture of the lovely grain elevators, which truly are the Kansas Skyscrapers! When I backpacked across Northern Spain, I always knew I was entering a town because I could see the Catholic Church in the distance. But in Kansas, I always knew we were entering ANOTHER town because you could see the grain elevator in the distance. I sent my niece, Adrianna, a postcard of the Kansas Skyscrapers. Definitely one thing Kansas is known for… both in the East and in the West!

We rode over the Missouri river, truly beautiful, and entered Missouri. I really wanted to hang upside down over the sign but the sign was too high. So, I had a brilliant idea of doing a handstand next to the sign! I asked John to help me get my legs in the air and he asked if I have ever done a headstand – I told him maybe twice in my life… oh, this would be interesting! He was able to help me but I wasn’t very successful… I think maybe YOGA will be on my list for when I get back! I needed some help here J So, I finally resigned and got a upright photo of myself and Missouri. Home sweet home!

I arrived in St. Joseph, much later than I expected, due to the headwinds, sidewinds, and many many rolling hills! Missouri SHOWED US as we entered (the Show Me State Missouri) – it was blowing us back to Kansas, but we refused to go – though we entered St. Joseph’s much later than expected… the ride took only 30 minutes less than yesterday and it was 17 miles shorter! I arrived to be greeted by my mom and Sister Mary Audrey – so pleasant! We had a great dinner together and I enjoyed spending time with them. I recognized Sister Mary Audrey right away – she hasn't changed at all. I went back with them to Clyde , Missouri, where my mom and I are staying at the convent’s guesthouse. It is very nice here! I learned more about the convent last night and how it operates – very interesting. I will be spending my rest day here.

Day 28 From Abilene, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas – 109 miles

Today was finally a phenomenal day! The weather was cool (though humid) due to the pending the rainstorms, which never occurred. I don’t think it got over 85 degrees all day and was even in the 70s in the early morning. It was very humid, so wearing as little as possible is still the way to go! I rode with Gary and Jeff (who is our trip’s comedian) most of the morning and we had some songs going – songs from the play, Rent, and Jeff began singing the Blues – “Riding my bike… danananana (which was my part)….” – we had a great time! I met up with another group at the sag stop and went with them the rest of the way. It was fun to be riding with a group at a comfortable pace. Today there were lots of rolling hills – up and down, up and down, up and down (pictured very well here) – and it was super nice to have some variety. And the scenery was gorgeous… yes, that’s right folks… gorgeous in Kansas! It was like we entered Missouri two days early. At our lunch stop (by a nice lake and the only restaurant on the route), some locals said that people from Eastern Kansas don’t go to Western Kansas… they despise it as much as we do! Nice to know ... I could actually live in this part of Kansas… there were many lakes, nice green rolling hills, and it was just beautiful! Also, everything is within a short drive to Topeka, the Capitol of Kansas… you have the best of both worlds – the beauty of the country within a short drive to the benefits of a city. And there isn't all the industry in Eastern Kansas like in Western Kansas . . . I think it should be two different states! Or Eastern Kansas can join Missouri and we can get rid of Western Kansas all together (granted, we might still want the food they produce... so, we'll just not vacation there!)

Today was the longest ridingTIME day we have had yet (and I was wishing my legs were fresher… maybe that run wasn’t the BEST idea in the world yesterday… though very nice indeed)! I didn’t get into the hotel until almost 4pm and though I would love to see the town of Topeka… I am exhausted. I guess there is always another time to see it – we’ll ride through it on the way out tomorrow, hopefully. I am eager to have dinner and go to bed early. I am looking forward to seeing my mom tomorrow in St. Joseph’s, Missouri and then having a rest day there. Missouri here I come… right back to where I started from (for those of you who don’t know, I was born in Missouri!)

Day 27 – From McPherson, Kansas to Abilene, Kansas – 63 miles

Last night it stormed and stormed and stormed. It still looked stormy when I walked out of my hotel room this morning – uh oh! I asked our tour leader, Andy, “what happened to our weather angel? It left us mid-way through the ride?!?” I would be eating those words later because it cleared up during breakfast and it was much cooler out (in the 80s instead of the 90s and 100s) and we had a tail wind! WOWZERS! I ended up deciding that I don’t like riding all alone so I decided to speed up a little and surprised myself with how fast I can really go when I want to (I started out later than everyone because I had a hotel flat… flat #2). I also had one goal today (besides riding) – do laundry! My stuff stinks and I don’t have any clean socks or underwear – so I was first to get my laundry in – goal accomplished! I forgot – today was the half way point for the ride – YIPEE! We were all very excited about that and got some great photos.

The scenery has changed a lot too – it is definitely getting prettier as we head East. John stated in his blog “So, why has the US decided to KEEP Kansas? I am sure someone could take it off our hands”, which I agreed with completely and thought was hysterical. But after today, I think there might be some redeeming value to this state. There were more rolling hills… lots of green and rivers and we road on a nice country road most of the way – very lovely!

I arrived in Abilene with plenty of energy. I did laundry and had a great talk with my friend, Michelle. Unfortunately my phone died and then I realized I don’t have a charger – I must have left it in a hotel – I think I get the prize for the most items left in a hotel – so far I’ve left my IPOD, a book, and now my cell phone charger! GEEZ LOUSIZE! I also went for a 6 mile run through the town – saw some pretty sights – this is a relatively nice town. I wish I had had my camera to take photos. This is the home of the Greyhound, the dog, and there are greyhound places everywhere that house them… similar to a horse stable but smaller. There were also trucks that look like the trucks that transport cows to the slaughter but they are smaller… I think they are for the greyhounds to go to the racetrack… maybe!

Day 26 – From Great Bend, Kansas to McPherson, Kansas – 65 miles

Today was a great day! We finally had some rolling hills, though small, which I appreciated since I could finally shift a little! I rode by myself today – taking breaks in towns and talking to locals – it was a short day and I knew I had plenty of time. Despite all my breaks, I was still in by 12 noon and heard there was a water park in this town and it was only about a little over a mile away! I perked up and was excited to go and so was Skip so 30 minutes later, we headed to the water park on our bikes with glee in our eyes! The waterpark was amazing – lap swimming (I got in a few laps – it was a 50m pool!), huge slide, lazy pool, diving board, lots of places to lay out in the shade – we spent the whole afternoon there, enjoying the cool water, the only local hangout, and just chatting and relaxing by the pool. We also discussed other riding trips we want to do so we hope to get that organized on this trip – a trip down the Cali coast and a trip through Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon – two trips I won’t miss! I couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was just what a needed – something different with some great company! You can see from my tan lines that there is a lot of sun out here! It is HOT HOT HOT!

Day 25 - Dodge City to Grent Bend, Kansas - 85 miles

Today was soooo easy - the road was about as flat as a pancake, we had a soft wind at our backs, and the scenary hasn't changed so much. We hit the USA midway point, though the midway point for our ride isn't until tomorrow. I rode with Tom most of the day, which was really nice since I have been riding alone too much to my liking lately, and it was nice to have a good conversation as we were riding. My spirits are lifting back up (felt a little sad and homesick for a few days) and I am feeling greatful again that I get to ride everyday... even if its through Kansas! It's neat to see how different parts of the country can be!

I am excited to see my mom in a few days, who is coming into St. Joseph, Missouri. She is leaving tomorrow and I'll get to see her on Sunday. That will be nice.

One of my fellow riders, John, has a shirt he bought here that says "Dear Dorothy - Hate Oz, Took the Shoes, Find your Own Way Home - Toto" - I love it!

Dodge City Miss Kitty's

So I guess there are things to do in Kansas - there was an awesome show last night at Miss Kitty's - an old town that "took you back in time" - it was super fun! It was a night filled with lots of laughs. It started out with the car ride there with funny jokes from Sarge (see the video.. he is sooo funny!) and then a gunfight outside the saloon, followed by the show. It was a great end to a not so great day yesterday. Enjoy all the photos and the video.

Day 24 - From Garden City, Kansas to Dodge City, Kansas - 52 miles

Today is the shortest day of the whole trip, which was nice on my legs but I would be fine flying through good ole Kansas and getting the hell out of here! The state STINKS from all the cow feeding lots and the trucks that transport the cows to their death. Missouri here we come! Kansas' idea of an "overlook", which I interpretated as a nice scenary spot, is a cow feed lot - well, I guess that is Kansas' scenary! We are riding along the Santa Fe Trail, which has a lot of history to it, including the killing of many indians on their homeland... oh, you can see my mood today!

We arrived in Dodge City, which is a country western town that is losing its country feeling (lots of the places are falling down) but there is a little still there for tourists. We are going to some show tonight, which hopefully we give us that Country Feeling and maybe some love for Kansas?!?

I was SUPER homesick today and had a lot of tears but made my ticket to go home the day after the ride ends and I look forward to being back in Cali. Don't get me wrong - I still love waking up every day and riding and having fun exploring our country, but I think after over 24 days on the road, I am ready to see home and my friends and family. It will be nice to see my mom in Missouri and to get out of Kansas - that will help, I'm sure.

So, as I ride along Kansas, I think to myself "THIS TOO SHALL PASS" and so should the homesickness. Love to you all and please comment if you read this. I'd love to hear from home and friends.

Day 23 - From Lamar, Colorado to Garden City, Kansas - 104 miles

We have arrived - in Kansas, that is! And strange things happen in Kansas, according to Skip (such as bicycles growing on trees?). I guess we have a lot to look forward to in this state... strange things... not scenary! Today was another long ride - 104 miles and it took every inch of me and my dear butt (which I think officially hates me now~ :) I am feeling stronger and stronger with every mile - I did feel kinda quesy after some soft serve Dairy Queen, so I am still needing to take an easy on my stomach - plain pastas, plain bread, crackers. The last 25 miles had some headwinds and sidewinds, which were not very appreciated, though dealt with! We left early this morning at 6:30am in order to finish our ride before the thunderstorms hit Garden City around 3pm or so. It is already 3:30 and no thunderstorms to be seen or rain for that matter.... oh well... its always good to get an early start and hear the rosters crowing as you ride :)

So, instead of racing George (our fastest rider... I think he is in by noon or 11am everyday!), I decided to race some cows across their field! It was really funny... I was with John and Amy riding along and a group of about 10 cows came running toward the fence - I screamed "I'll race ya!" And the cows came running along the fence as if we were racing... we left them in the dust (granted we were on bikes and they were running) but it made me feel good to leave SOMEONE in the dust... I guess that is what you do for fun in Kansas :)

As I crossed yet another farm, field, factory, cows, and small small towns, I was thinking about how so much of the food we eat is made and processed in places like Kansas and yet I have no idea what actually happens - I feel quite naive. As I see all the equipment on the fields and see plants, like the Tyson plant, and the many many cow feed lots, I wonder what happens in the life of a farmer, the cows, the corn, and how the food we eat gets to the table. I have a real interest in farming - not enough to be a farmer (well, there is a career idea :) but interested probably because it effects my daily life and yet I know nothing. Maybe I could marry a farmer and live in Kansas - OR NOT!

It was a pleasure to get in this afternoon and have so many comments from family and friends! I have been feeling especially home sick today and missing people, so thank you for commenting! I could just be so worn out that I miss home or maybe "There is No Place Like Home" is ringing in my ears as I pass by another corn field or farm and is getting to me! Or maybe it's the time change... we did enter the Central Time Zone today, though its only an hour in time difference (our second time change as we cross across the country.. one more time zone to go! :)

Please everyone keep our dear friend, Bob, in your thoughts and prayers, as he continues at the hospital in Pueblo. We miss him on the trip here and are all eager to hear good news of his quick recovery. I am so thankful that he is doing better and would appreciate you all thinking of him and his family during this time.