FCBA Day 27- Canadian TX to Liberal KS

 

Fair skies and following wind was the order of the day. At first it seemed as if we were heading into weather, and did get a bit of wind carried rain. I’ve seen it rain on the other side of the street in Florida but I’ve never been wet on one side of my body. The wind blew from the south as the day progressed, forecast at 21 mph, with humidity under 40%, temperature reaching the mid 90’s.

We tried an experiment today; we’ve had trouble keeping the group together for the differences in typical riding speed. Landon and I left a half hour after the sweep riders while the wind was calm. We caught the sweeps at 15 miles and slowed, staying with them to the first rest stop at 20. From there I decided to stay with the sweeps for it was a long day and they weren’t certain they would do the entire mileage, while Landon went on ahead. The sweeps stayed strong to 60 miles and it seemed they were good for the 93 mile distance so I broke away to ride the wind. It was a great ride, with prolonged speeds over 30 mph and peaking over 40. It was a powerful following wind. I waited for the sweeps at the 80 mile rest and they were going strong, so I finished the ride ahead, again taking advantage of the wind.  An incredible ride! (stats)

I’ve never been to Kansas before. It’s flat, dry, and windy. I stopped at a store and remarked on the wind, qualifying I wasn’t from around here, and was informed it’s like this year ‘round. That’s fine with me right now, for it is to our backs for most of tomorrow. It’s great riding weather, but the drawback is dehydration can sneak up on me. I’m not reminded to drink because I’m not sweating like I do down South.

Though we typically ride under 8 hours the day is never long enough. We have a lot of personal and group chores to keep this going, then there is this blogging thing and videos to try and put together (my third day not getting that complete). Everyone is exhausted, and thrilled we don’t have to get up until 5! I’ve got my spot picked out between a couple of pews and going to it right now.

We’re about half way across now, and I still think this was a good idea. I don’t know what could change my mind.

                            Headed to whence we came: Canadian, TX, also famous for bacon.

A new State!

                                                Oklahoma! Again! But just crossing the panhandle.