Day 45 Franklin NE to Arapahoe NE

June 25, 2023

After making my breakfast in the hotel room, I set out on what was for me the most challenging day yet. There was a three quarter to full on headwind the entire day. The first hour was the best before the wind picked up with frequent gusts that threatened to push me into the rumble strips or worse. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to find more shoulders than I anticipated. And the first 10 miles there were no rumble strips. Most of the hills were in the initial 30 miles and were a welcome relief as they helped to block the wind.

Just an old store front I liked in Republican City

I opted not to take the unpaved road on the route today as it looked hilly on the elevation profile and I didn’t know what the surface was. This actually shortened the route by 1 mile. My rear end is always rooting for the shorter route. I passed through the outskirts of Alma. The high school had a nice football field with a beautiful track.

Also in Alma:

After leaving Alma, the highway was back to this silly business:

Is this a measure of State frugality? Why can’t they make the shoulders continuous?

The longest row of hay bales I’ve ever seen

There were a lot more irrigators today

On the way out of Edison:

I was relieved to get to Arapahoe. The wind was with me coming into town from the highway. South Park is a very nice campground; it looks well maintained.

Today was exhausting. I didn’t even notice that Peter cut his hair for the first time this trip. Now about that beard…

The wind forecast for tomorrow is more favorable. Hallelujah!

Today's ride: 59 miles (95 km)
Total: 1,732 miles (2,787 km)

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