Day 28: Abilene, KS to Topeka, KS

Day 28: 30 June 2007

Abilene, KS (1155 ft) to Topeka, KS (940 ft).
108 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com
Friends – feel free to encourage or make fun of me on this blog.

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
Friends – access this link to view some videos I am making with my digital camera. Not advised while riding, but, at least I have a helmet on…..

New Videos:


Day’s Theme:
How bad do you want it??

Weather/Terrain:
An even worst weather day in Kansas! Continued head winds, humidity, cool temperatures (like maybe low 70s – this was actually good), but a steady rain from noon on…,. L While the roads were more scenic and largely nice to ride on today, they brought continued rolling hills – testing all CCC Riders.

How I feel:
I am doing very well. All systems are in check. Looking forward to Joan’s visit tomorrow…..,.
Thanks all for your notes and encouragement – it helps!! J

Notable Events:
I didn’t see this, but apparently Gene stopped into some little lunch stop in White City and a German woman had him pay the bill via deposit into her “security chest”. He even left a tip!

Rider Profile:
Correction!!
Yesterday I listed Bill Reinert’s age as 75 – he is 61 years old! And he lo0ks great for either!
Sorry Bill…………..

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



It was dreary this morning, but didn’t rain until noon.
However, the Kansas landscape was quite different right from the start today – greener, and we had rolling hills throughout the ride today.






Our first SAG was in White City, KS, with it’s brick streets. We rested in their town center gazebo, and were all greeted by Bill Williams who greets the riders every year.
Bill and Michelle were chatting away for a bit.
Nice guy.






White City built a wonderful monument to their heroes who paid the price for freedom, and put up that monument to remind us of their sacrifice and to honor them.
Herb, and all of us took a moment to reflect, salute, and thank these American Heroes.






This is the first house built in White City – in 1872.






Our roads today were quiet and nice to ride – but hilly for the whole 108 miles.
This was a tough day…..









Some hawks circled above this river bed we passed over.











The top of this hill gave us this view. We haven’t seen this much green in a month!
It is also the fist bit of rock ledge we have seen in 5 days….






A few miles later, there was even a lake – Lake Wabaunsee.
I began to wonder if I was still in Kansas…






Just along the lake, we were in search of food and went to a white building that was signed as a restaurant. When we got there, we met Ray. This dude is maybe the coolest cat I ever met in my life. He told me the restaurant was not open, but he got the Rocket & I some H2O. Then we started talking a bit, about the trip, and I told him we rode from Albilene this morning. When I asked him if he had ever been to Albilene, he told me his x-girlfriend was from there and said they broke up (something about him throwing mud at her…..),. Then he was fascinated with our bikes, especially the seats. He asked me if I ever farted on my seat.

Silly little freak!






Today’s pictures do not show the rain – but it did rain mostly from noon on.
Approaching Topeka, we rolled down this road, hoping to get to dinner!

Closing Note:
It is late, and I just got my clothes out of the dryer. I had a couple “free drink: tickets, so, I got my 2nd beer (Boulevard Pale Ale from KC – not bad) from the bartender at 10:30 PM. She already knew I was on the bike trip, so, she got me the beer and said “You better get to bed honey – you have an early day tomorrow.”
So true….
Good night…