We made our way from the city in temperatures- dare I say almost chilly? For the past few days there has been a flag waving NNE wind that cooled us all day. I don’t know what today’s high was but all were delighted by the weather, remarking this was probably the most pleasant ride we’ve had on this trip. Every day I’m in Oklahoma I like it more. That is contrary to my anticipation of this trip, for I was dreading this portion. I can’t forget that the first day in this state was over 100 degrees, but since then it has just been getting more pleasant.
We traveled historic U.S. Route 66, made famous by song and television. Much of the highway has been replaced by interstate, but the sections that remain here are still in very good condition and frequented by tourists. It goes through El Reno, and past my Mother’s home. Kert was kind enough to accompany me in a short visit with Mom, who was pleasantly surprised by another visitor.
We went on, catching up with Alex and Doug, the sweeps, continuing on into the western hills of Oklahoma. Long rolling hills where the sky is getting bigger bordered by grain as far as can be seen. My maximum downhill speed was over 40 mph; I kill the downhill with what I like to think is my perfection of human aerodynamics maximizing my surface-area-to-mass ratio. That doesn’t do me any good uphill though, where Kert’s muscle mass to mass ratio (ok, he’s more nimble) puts him in front for me to chase. Working together we get it done. No hurry is necessary, for as stated, it was a perfect day for riding.
Here in Weatherford’s South West Oklahoma State University we are spending the night in dorms, once again in real beds! I haven’t slept on the floor in days, and we all have private rooms. We provided our own dinner tonight; quinoa, sautéed vegetables with teriyaki marinated chicken with sliced tomatoes, peppers and onions on the side. We are all assigned a chore crew, and this week team Alex has trailer packing in the morning, van cleanup after the day, and dinner if necessary. Afterward a number of us went to Braum’s for ice cream. I’m losing weight as can be expected and am forced to such extremes as banana-splits quite frequently. Mission work requires sacrifice.
The sun sets over windmill farms we will pass in our near future. The wind is constant on the prairie. We have a late breakfast tomorrow; 06:30 so we’ll be sleeping in way past our usual 4am wake-up. Elk City is just less than 50 miles, WSW and if the wind stays the same it will be another banner day.
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