Two Wheels to Topeka and Four Wheels Home

May 27, 2019

Today was back to Topeka and then a drive back home to Iowa. The gym lights were turned on at 5 a.m, encouraging everyone to rise and shine and be on the road before 7 a.m. Joining the groggy group, I had my gear loaded on the truck by 5:45 and set off with Kitty and her friend Carol in search of coffee and breakfast at a little café up the road. We almost missed it, but Carol spotted blinking bike lights leaning against a small building set back from the highway. We arrived with the first wave of cyclists and I soon had hot coffee, toast and oatmeal.

I didn't know that my oatmeal with blueberries would be purple! Tasty, though

The route back down to Topeka was not the same as our way out – primarily following US 56. Although it was a national highway, it was a lightly traveled road and the passing cars usually gave us a wide berth. The day was cool and cloudy, the hills a bit flatter, and the pace more relaxed. We stopped infrequently, and then only for a few minutes at sag stops where I exchanged contract information with new cycling friends. We arrived back at the parking lot a little after 1 pm. I changed of my bike shorts, bid farewell to Kitty and Carol, and set off for the 5 hr ride home.

Overall, the weekend was a big hit. I anticipated that I would enjoy the riding – and I did. I found a certain beauty in the rolling hills and open prairie – not spectacular, but a topography and landscape that was lush and serene. The warmth and generosity of the people I met – the organizers, cyclists and townfolks – elevated the experience, something I almost always find to be true while cycling.

Image not found :( — Carol has done an organized tour in 46 of the 50 US states!

The sparse traffic and relaxed pace allowed plenty of time for friendly conversation.

Linda and Barb, two volunteer/riders from the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club that sponsored the Cottonwood 200

Looking back on a great Memorial Day Weekend

Now, I am back in Iowa filling in some details for my next European tour this fall. In the meantime, I’ll be doing a couple of State bike rides and Hall-of-Fame rail trails. If it warms up and stops raining, it will be a great summer!

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Today's ride: 70 miles (113 km)
Total: 338 miles (544 km)

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