Out of Scott City this morning there was the strange sight of pro-life billboards proclaiming, 'Life is Sacred, Choose Life' while every few minutes one of these evil looking trucks came hurtling past taking another load of cattle from the many feed yards to slaughter. Some life more sacred than others? And, no, I'm not a vege. But when I tuck into that next steak I'll think twice about where it came from. It's going to take a lot of Kansas wind to get the stench of those feed yards and cattle trucks out of my nostrils.
You know how hard the wind blows across Kansas when even the trees in the road signs are leaning over!
The infamous west wind blew in our faces today. Plus we had to contend with cattle trucks and a couple of huge tractors.
One of the many old timber railway bridges on the line heading west.
New York Bob enjoying the flat road. Although it seems flat, the route from east to west Kansas is a long gentle climb.
The bizarre Kansas phenomenon of oil rigs amongst the crops. Just when you're pedaling along enjoying the fresh country air, you get a lungfull of sulphury gas and yukky oil.
The tranquill city park where we were going to spend the night, until a severe storm and tornado warning was issued. The police organised that the grade school a couple of blocks away be opened for us to take shelter in. We did get some of the big storm but not the tornado.
I could be touring through the Free State! Wagons, maize, co-ops even Van Buuren St. Except there's wheat here too and the trains still run.
Hey, look who I found wondering around in Buhler, Kansas.
Recumbent Ron cruising with the tail wind.
We stopped at this cool store for a lunch break. This handsome rooster was keeping a beady on Tom's peanut butter sandwich.
The high open prairie of the Flint Hills left no place to hide from the wind. It felt like 09 Argus all over again! This is Tom passing me while I took a break. Luckily the route turned and the wind shifted so we had a sweet 30 mile run home with the wind at our backs.
Had to get an early start to get through some of the 75 miles today to avoid spending too much time in the afternoon heat.
Unlike in Europe where church spires mark the next town, the rural American skyline is dominated by water towers. This old one is at the town of Toronto where we had coffee after riding through rain for a couple hours. It was sunny from here to our overnight destination of Eureka. The Kansas winds were favourable today and blew at our backs...sweet.
It's no problem if you miss a turn in Kansas. The Kansas maps look like a city grid, so it's really easy to get back on route. Today was the first day I didn't use 1st gear!
I don't think Kansas wants us here, the headwind tried to blow us back to Missouri. We were meant to be camping but with a severe storm warning out I'm glad we were booked into a motel.
Halfway through today's 69 mile ride the landscape changed. The Missouri roller coaster ended and the flat corn fields started. It feels like being home riding through the Free State, but with Durban's humidity.
Cooky's Cafe in Golden City (actually a klein dorpie) has been renowned for their pie since the 1940's. They all looked so yummy it wasn't easy deciding. I eventually chose the Dutch blueberry pie and ice cream, mmmm.
The last few afternoons have followed the same pattern: after the midday heat and humidity the storm clouds start gathering. The final 10 miles or so each day invariably turn into a race to the finish to beat the looming thunderstorms. I feel like a cyclist on the Tour who is in a lone breakaway with an angry peleton in persuit.
