June 24, 2023
Day 44 Lebanon Ks to Franklin NE
I woke up at 5:30 as usual and rushed to get ready. I opened an oatmeal packet and poured it in Henry’s bowl. Oh boy, this is not a good sign. Luckily his bowl was clean but I did change bowls before proceeding. After the usual slathering of sunblock, I pumped up my tires, did my goodbyes and was on the road by about 7:15. Later than I wish but ok as I have a shorter day. Still trying to acclimate my butt to the saddle.
I love riding in the early morning; it’s so peaceful and I love the lighting.
Cycling through Kansas has been an unexpected pleasure. There’s enough undulation in the road to prevent outright boredom, especially traveling alone, although as mentioned previously, the hills have become gentle but long. Sometimes I feel like I’m on the road to nowhere.
| Heart | 3 | Comment | 1 | Link |
11 months ago
In addition, the roads I traveled through Kansas were in excellent condition and frequently had adequate shoulders. And Kansas drivers and people in general have been very courteous if not downright friendly.
I stopped in the parking lot of a Church in Smith Center to have a snack then noticed there was a park next door. I checked it out as I knew there was nothing between Smith Center and Franklin, over 30 miles. The bathroom (pit toilet) was immaculate. It looked like you could tent camp there. There are water spigots and picnic benches. A very nice little spot.
After turning north on SR 8, there were several more long slightly steeper climbs with some impressive vistas. My iPhone doesn’t really capture it.
Finally entered Nebraska and what do I see? Rumble strips, totally unnecessary rumble strips. And head winds. And steeper grades, which wouldn’t bother me if they had adequate, continuous shoulders. What they did was install a broad shoulder going up hills but discontinue it NEAR the top of the hill. And to get on and off the shoulder you’re bound to hit the rumble strip. Who designs these things anyway? I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 2 | Link |
I beat Peter and Henry to Franklin. We’re staying in the motel here as the RV park is filled with construction workers. Not looking forward to the ride to Arapahoe tomorrow as it involves a lot of steeper hills with no shoulder and of course the mandatory rumble strip. Why don’t they put those in the middle of the road instead of on the sides, especially when the road is just traversing a bunch of fields?
On a more uplifting note,I’ve been noticing these flowering plants along the roadways and fields . It turns out it’s yellow sweet clover, a nitrogen-fixing legume. And I thought it was just a weed.
Time to hit the sack so I can get going tomorrow before the headwind becomes a gale.
Today's ride: 46 miles (74 km)
Total: 1,673 miles (2,692 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 5 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 2 |
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