Day 16, May 9, 2011, Abilene, KS to Topeka, KS

109 miles and 4900 feet of climbing.  It has been an incredible day.  The terrain in this part of Kansas is nothing short of incredible.  Rolling hills, huge valleys, ponds, lush green and wide open spaces.  The road was a roller coaster from start to finish.  Pavement was perfect and traffic was light.  We still have lots of wheat fields, cattle and even some buffalo and domestic elk herds.  The corn is up in some places and being planted in others.  I left at 7:00 a.m. and arrived at motel at 3:00 p.m.  I was on the bike for 6 ½ hours and averaged approx. 16 mph.  I was able to hold onto a group of 4 of my fellow riders and felt exceptionally strong and comfortable.  The only challenge was the heat that topped 96 degrees.  Now that is hot!!  Every time I had a chance I was filling my water bottles to keep hydrated.

Tomorrow we push on to Cameron, Missouri and leave Kansas behind.  We will cross the ½ point early in the day.  The ride leaders are concerned about our ability to get across the Mississippi River due to the flooding.  Apparently the bad flooding is south of where we cross but the river is backing up.  We are scheduled to cross on a ferry near Kirksville, MO.  I am confident that they will find a way to get us across.  I am very impressed with the ride leaders.

Not a good pic, but we rode past a large herd of buffalo.  There is so much wide open land out here I can see how they avoided the slaughter.

Taking a break on the road.  Daryl, English Bob and Ohio Steve.

Lunch break!!  The staff set out a spread at a predetermined location everyday.  Nothing fancy, but lots of carbs.

10 miles out we were parched and out of water.  Flagged the SAG wagon down.  Filled our bottles and sat in the shade for a few minutes.  (back row) Chad, Ed, Clay, Daryl  (front row) Ohio Steve, English Bob and Jim- The Mechanic.