Day 18 (6/9/09)

Today was another sprint to the East Coast. We left Eads, Co., and directly into the rising sun. We started with no wind and so were able to make good time, so much time that we entered the Central Time Zone (kinda like the Twilight Zone, but not as spooky). The last 40 miles of roads in Colorado were old concrete roads, covered with asphalt. Every few feet, every body part connected to the bike, whether covered in padded Spandex or not, were jarred by the expansion joints. Upon entering Kansas the road surface became a lot smoother. But with the good, came the bad. The closer we got to our day's destination, Scott City, Ks., the truck traffic picked-up. Although most of the trucks gave us a wide berth, it only took a few blowing by at well above the posted 65 mph speed limit to unnerve us. Most of the trucks were cattle trucks that reeked of cow dung; wide berth or not their passing essence lingered. Scott City was 103 miles from Eads. If the winds were optimal we were going to try to make the next town, 23 miles further. However, the winds picked up and began blowing out of the north-east, slowing our pace and will to endure. Despite the increasing wind, we were able to average 20.7 mph for the 103 miles. (At one point we had an average of 22 mph!). About 20 miles from Scott City, we encountered a west bound truck hauling hay, hell bent on passing a car. We were riding the fog line, as it swung into our east bound lane, both stacks belching smoke. We certainly saw it coming, but we don't know if he/she ever saw us as he/she passed the car and us going, in my professional opinion, at a speed well in excess of good judgement and prudence. The blast from the bow wave of air as the truck went by us severely buffeted us, but fortunately we all, having been steeled by the mountains, held our line. But, we were rattled and decided time to get off the road while the getting was good. As we got closer to Scott City, we encountered huge cattle operations on either side of the road. The stink was different, yet the same as the Glatfelter paper mill. We assume the locals think cow poop smells like money too.

Again, we passed several cyclists heading west bound, all loaded down; we passed none going our way.

The weather was good today, comfortable, not too hot or cold, and no threat of rain or the dreaded tornadoes. The local paper said the cooler than normal temperatures and wetter weather has delayed the winter wheat harvest for another week or two. So far so good for cycling, if not harvesting.