Thursday, May 5, 2011

Day 12, May 5, 2011, Dalhart, TX to Liberal, KS

112 miles, 300 feet of climbing.  Another challenging day out on the road.  Wind was the primary culprit.  They were 20 – 25 mph and right on our nose the entire way.  We left early (6:45a.m.) knowing that we were going to need a lot of time to cover the distance.  I got in at 4:30 pm and spent 8 hours on the bike, averaging 14 mph.  The road (54E) was straight and slightly rolling.  Looking up and down the road you could see as far as the horizon and to the side it was nothing but pasture land as far as you could see.  We passed from Texas into Oklahoma and at the end of the day entered Kansas.  It is hard to believe we are already close to the middle of the country.  Tomorrow we head to Dodge City, KS.  Weather forecast is for a tail wind and we “only” have to go 84 miles.  I am feeling strong.  They say that, “what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.”  I am definitely getting stronger.  Life is good!!

One more thing. I am feeling good about being a Clydesdale. Those Gazelles have nothing on me. Today I discovered another benefit. I am normally the last rider in at night. When I go to the motel registration desk they normally greet me by saying, "Well, you must be Mr. Crane". (Kind of easy for them to figure out as I am obviously a cyclist and they have a list of names). It kind of reminds me of Norm on "Cheers" or of Brett when he checks in to a Marriott as a platinum club member!!

Entering Oklahoma.  Shelly, Ohio Steve, Ohio Bob, Jay, UK Steve and Daryl.


On Hwy 54E this is a familiar sight.  Every 10 miles there is a small town with silos like these.  When on the road you can see them for a long, long time.  Sometimes it feels as if you will never get to them.  Along side the road is a rail road track.  We saw numerous trains that seemed to go on forever.


Enter Kansas.  Liberal is just up the road.  With a name like that I think I might like it!



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5 comments:

  1. Leisa RoseMay 5, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    After a hard day like today it is nice to look forward to an easier day tomorrow. I can relate. Today I ran, did laundry, balanced the checkbook, paid bills, did grocery shopping, took a dessert to school for Teacher Appreciation Day, baked another dessert for an event tomorrow, got the hot tub repaired, the washer & dryer serviced, fixed the printer on the computer, took Jack to and from soccer practice, made dinner, did dishes, counseled Jack about his best friend moving away, took donations for your ride to Mary P. (twice),& took a package to the post office. After an easy day like today tomorrow has got to be a bitch!
    Leisa

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  2. jaredMay 6, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    hey i remember the first time a hotel staff called me Mr. Crane (it was in Vegas with brett, of course we were platnum members) pretty good feeling :)............it sounds like you are only getting stronger...that is great ....keep up the good work........i wake up excited every morning to read the new blogs!!

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  3. AnonymousMay 6, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    So if the hotel staff keep recognizing you and calling you by name, does that make you a platinum Clydesdale?

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  4. JanelMay 6, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Go Mr. Crane

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  5. UnknownMay 11, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Jay;
    I am really impressed by your detrmination and will. A few of us are planning on completing a 60 mile ride on the Midland rail trail Sunday as a fundraiser for leader dogs for teh blind. Hardly a drop in the bucket compared to waht you are doing. Continued good luck. Dave P

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