Day 35 - June 7 - Mankato, KS to Franklin, NE - Two Old Guys Take On A Continent

June 7, 2023

Day 35 - June 7 - Mankato, KS to Franklin, NE

We’re Not in Kansas Any More, Toto!

Ed’s Story

We woke up at 5:30. It was still dark outside but we knew it was time to get up to hit the road. Since most of the bags were packed the tonight before, we were able to be on the road by 6:40.

I guess it is true that you will find a Tesla charger anywhere. This was found outside the hotel.

On the way out of town, I stopped at the post office to mail the cards to the grandchildren; and that it was back on the road.

As we’re leaving town, I notice a Waste Disposal Ahead sign. Shortly after that, I noticed the cemetery on the left-hand side of the road. I know that’s not what they were referring to, but found it funny myself.

I thought, after the fact, that if I stop to use a restroom along the side of the road that I need to be concerned about snakes. We don’t have poisonous snakes where I’m from.

Another long day of riding was ahead of us. Our first major town, in fact the only town in the first 31 miles, was Smith Center. We found the local coffee shop “2-Cup Coffee.”

When I mentioned to the woman what we were doing, she said “At least there are no hills in Kansas”. She’s obviously not a biker.

If you ride up a mile or two long hill, with a grade of 1 to 2%, you’re on a hill. You feel each mile.

Now this is what you call a wooden bench. This was next-door to the coffee shop.

As I look ahead at the pictures John has already loaded into his portion of the journal, I realize I might as well just quit now since I already took a few of them myself.

After leaving Smith Center, we continued west for about 8 miles, then turned north to the Home on the Range cabin. John said since he found it he gets to discuss it. We had our on the road lunch at this place.

Once we left the home, we had about 16 miles to go to get to Franklin. We came across two touring cyclists heading south on the road we were heading north on. They started in Fort Collins, Colorado and were headed to Washington DC. They did mention that the city park in Arapahoe, where we are spending tomorrow night is a great place.

Since Leisa and Matt are headed in the opposite direction to us, we wish them headwinds along the way (which would be a tailwind for us.)

After a couple more miles of riding, we left Kansas and entered Nebraska. Only 6 miles to go to Franklin.

Hello Nebraska. We will be riding in you for about four days.

When we reached Franklin, we went to our WarmShowers hosts’ house, where we were warmly greeted by Amy. Her husband Mike was still at work. She offered us lemonade, and there were plenty of cut up vegetables for us to eat.

We were able to shower and wash our clothes. Since we still have six days of biking before Fort Collins, heading out with a fresh set of clean clothes is another great start.

We are camping in the living room. John has the couch and I am set up on a cot. I laid on it for a few minutes and I think I will sleep great tonight.

Amy served a great dinner. Stirfry with chicken separate; brown rice; salad; watermelon; and a selection of fresh vegetables and grapes.

Tomorrow we have a 58 mile ride to Arapahoe. As I noted above, I am looking forward to the campsite. Additionally, there is a barbershop about 2 1/2 blocks from our campsite. I may just get a haircut, but I will let you know tomorrow night.

So until next time, happy biking!