Day 58 - Wednesday 29th June 2011

Mount Sterling to Salyersville     81 miles     DFP 3380

It was time to leave and get back on the road.  Large breakfast provided and I was off about 9.30.  Wandered about the town centre a bit being a little reluctant to leave but it had to be done.  Had decided on Highway 460 and it turned out to be a good choice.  Although there isn't much of a hard shoulder, there was little traffic.  The road winds about and has easy gradients.  The countryside is mainly small hills which are either farmed or wooded with both deciduous and coniferous trees.  Also lots of little creeks/gullies. There's also plenty of houses with the huge lawns with the folks out in their small tractors doing the mowing.  Super cycle which helped balance the sadness of leaving good and true friends.

On reaching Salyersville I was fortunate enough to come across Burning Fork Community Church where the kids/adults were just tidying up following an outdoor event in the grounds.  Pastor Eddie Dennison very happily allowed me to camp in the grounds overnight and we ended up chatting until almost midnight.

To Eddie, "Thank you".  Word of my passing through the town had also spread and Eddie received a call, asking if I'd be happy to give an interview with the local cable TV news channel.  More of that tomorrow.

Updated:  Perstonsburg, Kentucky (library).

Day 49 - Day 57 (Monday 20th - Tuesday 28th 2011)

Didn't do any cycling over this period but there's a few things worth recording. 

On Friday 24th I was asked to spend an overnight at the Episcopalian camp location 'Catherdral Domain' about 40 miles south of Mount Sterling.  It's currently being used as a summer camp for children and not just those with connection to that particular church.  Gave a couple of 45 minute talks to 2 groups but due to the ages involved, kept them focused on the trip and without mentioning much about dementia.  Instead I took the bike and all my gear and set everything up as though I was camping out for the night.  Seemed to go down OK.

Also gave a couple of talks to the congregation of The Church of Ascension in Mount Sterling.  Could I please take this opportunity to again thank everyone for the very generous donations to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND.

I'd also like to thank Bill Skidmore and Ollie McCormick for their donations.

Finally, to Bill, his wife Brenda and their friends Mark and Kim, thanks for the lovely afternoon and the chance of a swim in the pool.

Finally to Cindy and Gordon, thanks for everything.  I don't think there was a moment I didn't have some form of food in my hand.  Take care.

Day 48 - Sunday 19th June 2011

Bardstown to Mount Sterling     107 miles     DFP 3299

Hoped to get to Mount Sterling today so was up fairly early.  Just got things packed away before the first of several storms came over.  Usual routine of thunder, lightning and heavy rain.  Was still in the park so I used a shelter.  Hit the road when it dried about an hour later but was just on the outskirts of town when an even heavier storm hit and I had to resort to yesterday's tactic of cape and hunkering down at the base of a tree.  At Chaplin, called in at Miss Denise's Diner and was made very welcome despite my appearance.  Managed 5 pancakes and sausage as I desperately need a sugar rush.  To Denise, "Thanks for making up the pancakes specially and might I suggest you read a little about 'early onset' to give yourself some idea of what you'll be dealing with.  Your friend will need the support".

Continued east on Highway 62 passing through Lawrenceburg and picked up highway 60 at Versailes.  This took me right through the centre of Lexington and the 30 miles further to Mount Sterling.  Will spend a week or so here with Cindy and Gordon as the vacation part of my trip.  This will be a fattening up period and I probably won't bother including these days in the blog.

Updated:  Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Day 47 - Saturday 18th June 2011

Hartford to Bardstown     105 miles     DFP 3192

Set off really early at 5.30 on the basis if it rained later I'd still get in a good mileage.  Dry for a hour but then another thunder/lightning/rain storm arrived.  It's just not possible to cycle in these conditions and I pulled off the road, put on my old ex-army cape and hunkered down beneath a tree.  This lost me about an hour and a half but eventually I was on the road again and in need of a sugar rush.  Called in at a little diner in Leitchfield and ordered pancakes and syrup.  Whilst munching, I noticed from the map there was a time zone change a few miles ahead and turned to a family sitting next to me to ask them about it.  We had a nice chat including my trip and on them leaving and without mentioning, they paid for my breakfast.  So to Mr Wallace Anderson, his wife and daughter, "Thank you very much.  Although there was no need, it was appreciated".

Continued east on Highway 62 and on entering Hardin County crossed from Central to Eastern Time which meant I lost another hour. Sadly again, there's no actual sign.

On approaching Elizabethtown I encountered a little critter on the roadway.  Now I'm that type of person who stops and moves such critters but on this occasion I nearly did so at a cost.  Whilst this sort of looks like a small turtle, it's got a serious attitude problem. Its head is fast (very fast), has a beak or what passes for a beak and was very ungrateful when I moved it to a safer area.  Thankfully my fingers were faster than its head.  I'm told it is a snapping turtle which I'm sure I've seen on TV.  Ended up I had to use my foot to shove it to the side and my trainer ended up taking the 'snaps'.  It also has a neat trick when its on its back and despite being encase in a hard shell with its 4 feet, tail and neck/head off the ground, it is somehow able to flick itself upright again.

Finished the day by camping in Bardstown next to a State Park.

Updated:  Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Day 46 - Friday 17th June 2011

Equality to Hartford     101 miles     DFP 3087

Continued east on 13 stopping at Shawneetown for breakfast before crossing the Ohio River into the state of Kentucky.  Sadly there's no welcome sign. 

I then picked up 56 going roughly eastwards into Morganfield.  Called in at library but various emails prevented me from updating the blog. It was then back onto 56 passing through Tilden, Poole and Sebree.  At Beech grove picked up road 136.

Up until now I'd had various people asking me how I was coping with all the rain and they appeared sceptical with my reply of, "Haven't had any.  Sunny all the time".   Things were about to change.  At one little town I asked a couple of girls if they would be kind enough to fill my water bottles.  Wasn't a problem and at the same time they mentioned a storm was due in the area at 4.30 and it was 4.15.  There was a few clouds in to sky but otherwise things seemed fine.  Resumed cycling and about 10 minutes later the wind got up but as it was from behind I just thought of the mileage I'd cover.  Then I saw some people running about and noticed the sky was almost black.  Then seconds later the rain started.  I didn't even have time to shelter.  Ended up going into a culvert under the road. 

Thunder, lightning, storm force winds and torrential rain.  Just as well it was warm.  Still, it only lasted an hour and I continued on 136 to highway 231 and stopped for the night at Hartford.

Updated:  Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Day 45 - Thursday 16th June 2011

Johnson Creek Recreation Area to Equality     82 miles     DFP 2986

On setting off this morning discovered I'd lost the 'Lion Rampant' flag and its little stick which had been a feature on a the rear carrier.  I was not however going to retrace yesterday's mileage to try and find it.  Continued south on route 3 which was flat as it followed the Mississippi flood plain.  Things changed when I turned east on 149 to Murphysboro as I encountered ups and downs again.  The rest of the day was flat. Quick call at library then followed 13 east to Carbondale for another library visit.  Sent a message to the bike shop in Columbia thanking them for the quality service and to say I'd had no further problems with the rear tyre.  That was a mistake, as I obviously tempted fate and continuing east on 13 the new rear tyre was punctured by a small piece of silver backed mirror glass. On cycling through Marion and Harrisburg the skies changed.  This morning it was cloudless and very hot but later the clouds appeared and became very threatening.  I could only described them as being 'horror movie' like.  Camped near Equality where I had to use the tick remover a couple of more times.

Updated:  Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Day 44 - Wednesday 15th June 2011

Washington State Park to Johnson Creek Recreation Area     100 miles     DFP 2904

Being really pleasant in Washington State Park, I hung about a bit and didn't leave until 9.30.  Took road 21 to De Soto, then 110, Highway 47 and locals JJ, T and TT to Highway 61 which I followed to Sainte Genevieve. This gave me a more accurate impression of the roads in Missouri.  Just think rollercoaster.  The topography is generally flat but undulating (if that makes sense) so the roads go up and down almost continuously and the gradients are fairly steep.  It maked for a tough ride and probably involved more effort than being in certain areas of the Rocky Mountains, which although are much higher, have more gradual climbs and long periods on the flat.

About 5 miles beyond Sainte Genevieve I realised there was a ferry over the Mississippi. On a trip, ferry crossings are a must.  Backtracked to the town and luckily called in at the tourist office for maps, when I was told the ferry wasn't sailing due to the huge amount of water flowing down the river due to the weeks of exceptionally heavy rainfall, all of which I'd somehow managed to avoid.  Was a bit disappointed but at least a 20 mile backtrack was reduced to 10.

Continued back on original plan and picked up local H from 51 and crossed the Mississippi and into the State of Illinois at Chester, the home to the author of Popeye, who was apparently based on a well known character who lived locally, at the end of the 1800s.

Finished the day by going south on 3 and camping at the Johnson Creek recreation area.

This has been a tough day with lots of steep climbs. Was a bit easier when I got nearer to the Mississippi.

This folks is my half way day, time wise.

Update:  Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Day 43 - Tuesday 14th June 2011

Portland to Washinton State Park     95 miles     DFP 2804

Continued east on KATY and luckily had stopped at a picnic/toilet area with a shelter in Rhineland when a downpour arrived, so managed to stay dry.  A headwind did get up just after but this had little noticeable effect due to the tree shelter on KATY.  Stopped to speak to some State Park employees and learned a Missourri cycling event was commencing at the weekend in Clinton and would cover the whole of the trail over a week.  A similar thing to BAK but almost totally off road.

Decided to leave KATY at Dutzow and head south by road but made a slight de-tour to take in Daniel Boone's grave.  Could hardly miss that when it was only a mile away.

 

Then crossed back over the Missouri River and into Washington for a later lunch before heading south on route 47 and taking in a short section of the old Route 66 in Saint Clair.

Camped in Washington State Park. Had a lovely chat with Jan and Bob Dierberg who are acting as the 'campground hosts' for a month.  They move from park to park over the summer fulfilling the same function.  Then spend the winter in Florida doing voluntary work. 

Since leaving Ottawa on the 10th, it's been more changeable with fairly frequent thunderstorms but very luckily I've never been out in them.  It's also much more overcast, so pleasanter for cycling as it's not so hot.

Found my first tick with it's head embedded in my leg when I'd settled down to eat having made a late evening meal.  Luckily, a very thoughtful person had gifted me a pack of O'tom Tick Twister removers (http://www.otom.com/), which did  the necessary and the little blighter's head was extricated.  It hadn't even waited for me start eating  before it buried its head in the trough.

Updated:  Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Day 42 - Monday 13th June 2011

Columbia to Portland     78 miles     DFP 2709

Up early as I wanted to be in Columbia before the shops opened.  I was in the dry but going by the lightning, thunder and clouds, Columbia was being dumped on.  Cycled the MKT link trail the Columbia and found Walt's Bicycle shop (http://www.waltsbikeshop.com/).  Comprehensive stock and very professional staff who proveded a first rate service.   Decided to take no chances and bought another new tyre.  A Schwalbe Marathon Plus.  It was 54 dollars but I considered that worth it, being one of the best tyres money can buy.  Mark Bendal (manager) kindly fitted the new tyre and gave the bike a quick check over, at no extra cost.  Fantastic service.  Luckly, I was in the shop when another thunderstorm dumped another load of rain but the sun was out before I left.  Also fitted in a quick library visit and lunch before heading back along the link trail to KATY. 

Met a couple (lady's mum from Glasgow, if I remember correctly) who have just set out from St Louis to follow the Lewis and Clark, Corp of Discovery Trail.  A close on 5000 mile bike/car/walking journey which they're splitting into two parts.  That's a fair trip but will be very interesting from many aspects, including historical, geographical and environmental.

Called in at a little pub/diner in Mokane for dinner before camping at Portland by the Missouri River.

Now that the tyre issue is resolved, I'm now really beginning to appreciate just how wonderful an asset the KATY trail is for wildlife and people. Being a Missouri State Park also adds status.

Only added 55 miles to the DFP due to de-tour to Columbia.

Updated: Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Day 41 - Sunday 12th June 2011

Sedalia to Columbia     74 miles     DFP 2654

Backtracked to Walmart in Sedalia and bought a couple of new inner tubes and on fitting one notice rubber was peeling away from the edge of the new rear tyre I'd got in Scott City the previous Saturday.  As this might be the problem, I fitted my emergency folding tyre and was off.  Things were fine and I'd maybe find a bike shop on the trail even although it was a Sunday. Cycled through Beaman, Clifton City, Pilot Grove and Boonville where I crossed the Missouri River and from now on the trail is never far away from it. 

It was then onto New Franklin and Rocheport, which has a bike shop which was open but unfortunately, no suitable tyre.  That meant I'd need to detour into Columbia in the morning.  Went a little further and camped at the MKT link trail to the city.

Bumped into a young couple, Andrew MacGregor and Stephanie Robertson for the second time today.We'd originally met at Clinton. As is fairly apparent, they both have Scottish ancestors and knowledge of our history.  They are cycling the KATY trail and maintaining a blog at Shoot Film, Ride Steel.

I've only added 60 miles to the DFP due to the backtrack to Sedalia.

Updated: Carbondale, Illinois (library).

Day 40 - Saturday 11th June 2011

Urich to Sedalia     62 miles     DFP 2594

Was up and away before any of the household, so didn't see anyone.  "Thanks very much for allowing the use of your yard, it was appreciated".  Got down state 7 to Clinton before any heavy traffic and located the KATY Trail where I got chatting with Joan and Jim Groff who gave a donation to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND.  Joan is recovering from hip fracture procedure and is just getting back to cycling.  Joan, "Take things easily and don't overdo it.  And to you both, thanks for your contribution".

I now know that cicada (known locally as the locusts) are the cause of the constant noise from the trees and fields.  This not so small insect has a 7 year life cycle and all are synchronised to reproduce during the same year.  Now is that time and the noise is deafening.  The adults climb up anything they find, vibrate their wings (hence the noise), mate, the eggs are laid and all the adults die.  So for 6 years at this time, there's utter silence but on the 7 year there's a bit of a din.

On approaching Sedalia became aware of a rear tyre problem and I'd punctured.  Not a problem, take bags off, quick repair and I'll be back on the road.  Didn't work that way, as I puncture again shortly afterwards.  And again.  Also couldn't find the cause of the problem and there didn't appear to be any thorn/glass in the tyre. Time to camp for the night and I'll look at things afresh in the morning, seems like a plan.

Updated:  Carbondale, Illinois (library)

Day 39 - Friday 10th June 2011

Ottawa to Urich     83 miles     DFP 2532

So there's me, just up and outside the tent having a  yawn, stretch and scratch.  You know, just what all guys do first thing.     GULP - the tree right next to the one I'm under has a rather large branch (limb would be a better word) lying on the grass directly below it and I can't remember seeing it there last night when I arrived.  Had a look and sure enough, it obviously came down during the night.  Glad I hadn't picked that tree.

Quick trip to the library to update blog and check mail, then eastwards on State 68 calling in at the visitor centre for Missouri maps.  This side of Kansas is far more undulating and has many more trees.  More like home.  Also been hearing this very loud buzzing noise from the trees and fields but can't work out what's causing it.  Bought lunch at Louisburg and on leaving Price Choppers a guy asked me about my trip and gave me 10 dollars for ALZHEIMERS SCOTLAND.  Very much appreciated.   Another quick trip to the library.

Crossed over into Missouri shortly after and used State 2 to reach the combined Highway 71/State 7.  What a shock.  The first 70 limit since I started trip and the hard shoulder is very poor with lots of debris and potholes.  It's busy and very fast.  This is a big change from all the previous states.

 

I'm heading for Clinton, which is a change of plan.  All the people I spoke to in BAK recommended I use the KATY trail to St Louis.  It's all off road and uses old railway lines.  Stopped at a Casey's in Urich and a guy offered his garden as a camping spot.  So it was along to Eighth Street where I spent a pleasant few hours chatting to the family and numerous dogs and cats before settling down for the night. 

Updated: Murphysboro, Illinois (library)

Day 38 - Thursday 9th June 2011

Emporia to Ottawa     114 miles     DPF 2491

Up early and decided to back track to the place I might have lost the vest.  So on my way to almost Cottonwood, I past all the BAK riders going in the opposite direction. Obviously, there was a lot of waves, shouts of support and some mention of me going in the wrong direction.  Search was in vain so it was back to Emporia for a bite to eat and use of the library.  Then north on 99 and met Leroy Hershberger, who I'd met several times over the previous days,  coming south and way off the BAK route.  Turned out he'd been invited to take his craft of storytelling to a group of children at the library in Admire.  So it was a final, final farewell and I was back on my way and heading east on 170.  The little town of Reading seemed a little run down but there was obvious construction work ongoing.  Was stopped a few miles later by a chap who gave me a bottle of ice cool water and who mentioned the town had been hit by a tornado a few weeks ago, resulting in 1 loss of life and 3 million dollars worth of damage.

Reached Ottawa, which has some really good cycling/walking facilities and camped in the local Forest Public Park.  Really nice evening, kids at the outdoor pool, baseball diamond in use and lots of families wandering about.  As it started to get dark, there was a lightning storm somewhere just to the south.  Also saw my first 'fire flies'.  Then the wind got up and up and up and up.  Ehhhhhh, think I might need some more lines and pegs.  The panniers also ended up inside the tent to keep things down and I was holding onto the single pole hoping it wouldn't break.  There was no rain, just what must have been at least gale force winds.  Strongest I've ever encountered in a tent.  Several hours later and all was peaceful again.  Got a slight surprise in the morning.

As I backtracked for 42(ish) miles this morning, I've only added 72 miles to the DFP.

Updated: Windsor, Missouri (library)

Day 37 - Wednesday 8th June 2011

McPherson to Emporia     90 miles     DFP 2377

Definitely leaving BAK event today but as it turned out our respective routes were identical for most of the day.  Headed east on Highway 56 before taking the minor road through Hillsboro for the library, then onto Marion.  At Elmdale on Highway 50 the BAK event headed east on a minor road to Cottonwood Falls whereas I continued on to Emporia.  When I left their route I really felt sad but I needed to press on with the coast to coast.  Little did I know I'd see most of them again tomorrow.

On reaching Emporia I noticed my high-vis vest had become detached`from a pannier strap and must be somewhere along today's route.  Just one of those things.  Called in at a house just north of Emporia on State 99 and the lady was happy for me to set up the tent in her garden.  To her, "Thank you very much and the cold water was much appreciated. Take care".

I should mention that since Sunday the temperatures throughout the state of Kansas and probably further afield have been in the high 90s and low 100s.  Trust me when I say, "That's pretty warm when pedalling the fully loaded Dawes".   Didn't know I could swallow so much of fluid.

Updated: Louisburg, Kansas (library)

Day 36 - Tuesday 7th June 2011

Hoisington to McPherson     78 miles     DFP 2287

I had intended breaking away from BAK today but a problem with the wheels, particularly the front one, convinced me to tag along for another day and have Ruth check them at McPherson.  Might be a buckle.  Followed state 4 east through Claflin and Geneseo before heading south through Marquette and minor back roads to McPherson. I'm told it's the Scottish capital of Kansas. Very strong headwinds on the southward stretches.

Wheels were checked and I was informed the tyres hadn't been 'seated' correctly when I changed them on Sunday, hence what I'm now told is 'bobbing'.  Very good description of the effects.  So the 5 dollars to put them right was very worth while.  And here's me thinking I could change tyres.  Ruth has now shown me 'how it should be done'!!!!

Updated: Ottawa, Kansas (library)

Day 35 - Monday 6th June 2011

Ness City to Hoisington     71 miles     DFP 2209

Again, due to the continuing warm reception from everyone I met, decided to continue as part of the BAK event as it travelled east along State 96 before turning north on Highway 183.  At La Crosse I called in at the library and propped my bike against the cycle rack outside.  This rack has just recently been sited there in memory of a couple, whose daughter was by chance in the library having travelled some considerable distance to see and photograph the new rack in-situ and by chance I happen to pass by just at the same time and make use of it.  So I was happy to oblige and pose with bike for a couple of photographs.  There is an alzheimer connection in that the lady's father had a diagnosis.  It was then on to the overnight stop at Hoisington and more bicycle talk with loads of other enthusiasts.

Updated: Hillsboro, Kansas (library)

Day 34 - Sunday 5th June 2011

Scott City to Ness City     65 miles     DFP 2138

Had initially thought of just continuing on with my trip but due to the very warm and generous welcome I'd received, decided to tag along with the Biking Across Kansas event.  How could I ignore being part of such a major cycling event.  And so many people had asked me to join them.  So I had a very pleasant 65 mile cycle, with loads of people coming alongside and chatting.  It was super.  Was also invited to join them at the lunch stop at Beeler.  Most of the people in this little town had organised/prepared lunch for approximately 800.  What an effort.   It's difficult to put into words how cooperative and enthusiastic everyone is and their friendliness is so open.  Camped in Ness City.

Each evening there is a meeting allowing the organisers to provide information to the participants/helpers and this evening I welcomed the invitation to give a small talk to the several hundred gathered in the auditorium about my trip from Pacific to Atlantic and the reasons behind it.   I followed on from Don 'Rhino' Lobmeyer Jr, a young Kansas Army National Guard, who gave a similar talk about a 10,000 mile cycle he will shortly complete in aid of various charities.   Could I please take this opportunity to thank all those present for giving me the chance to talk about a few of the issues surrounding dementia, especially as it relates to younger people. Raising awareness of the condition is obviously one of the aims of my journey.  Again, "Thank you to all".

Updated: Hillsboro, Kansas (library).

Day 33 - Saturday 4th June 2011

Goodland to Scott City     105 miles     DFP 2073

What a day today's been.  Left Goodland, continuing south on Route 27 and reached Sharon Springs which showed on my odometer as being 2000 miles from the Pacific, which by my guesstimate is the mid point (mileage wise) of the trip.  And what is the town emblem?  A 'wildcat".  How's that for a coincidence, as well as being very appropriate. 

Sat and had lunch and realised I'd returned to Mountain time the previous day.  Asked some locals how they cope with it.  With a shrug they comment, it's just how things are.  When mentioning time however, it's always qualified with, "your time or mine", or if arranging a meeting they simply say "in an hour", or whatever.

Continued south to Tribune where I had lunch and noticed some signs mentioning 'Biking Across Kansas' (BAK) but didn't have any idea what that was. Turned left onto Route 96 and will now be  heading basically due east to  the Atlantic, with a few minor deviations along the way to visit folks.  A few miles along the road I finally left Mountain time for good.  It's now Central time for a while.  Also past Selkirk but it's a blink and you miss it sort of place.  Few houses by the railway line and a huge cereal silo.  Then on through Leoti, Coronado and Modoc and was considering where to stop for the night.  Pulled off the road onto the side grass to look at the map.  Now has anyone heard of 'goatheads' or 'sandburrs'.  Certainly not me.  Well I have now!!!!  Two seconds after pulling away and I've two very flat tyres.  Give them a check and I pull out 50(ish) little thorns.  The tyres are obviously ruined, as are the inner tubes.  This is 8pm on a Saturday evening, about 3 miles east of Scott City.  I'm going to loose serious time here as there's no where nearby which will have comprehensive bicycle shops. This is a problem, or so I thought. I called in at the nearest house to see if I can camp in the garden and I speak to Flossie and Steve Kough and there son Scott who enlightened me about the thorny problem of goatheads and the effect on tyres.  But more importantly they tell me the 'Biking Across Kansas' event started today and the first overnight stop is 3 miles away in Scott City .  Not only that but the event includes a mobile bike shop.  HAPPY DAYS.  Steve very kindly took me and all my stuff into town.  My two new tyres and inner tubes were bought from Bicycle Pedaler (http://www.bicyclerpedaler.com/) run by Ruth and her husband 'Doc' and I settled in at the campsite in the local park along with several hundred other happy campers.  But none as happy as me, as a rather tricky situation with punctures has been resolved in half an hour.  So to Flossie, Steve and Scott, can I please extend a huge "Thank you" for all your assistance.  It's very much appreciated.  So I'm now part of the 'Biking Across Kansas'  (http://www.bak./org) event along with some 800 very friendly participants in addition to maybe 100 organisers/helpers.  Is this luck, fate or something else.  Who knows but I was one relieved and happy little Scotsman.

Updated: La Crosse, Kansas (library).

Day 32 - Friday 3rd June 2011

Wray to Goodland     81 miles     DFP 1968

I must start with an apology here.  I've not watched television for about 5 weeks and so I'm a bit out of touch.  Last night at Dewey's I watched a weather programme and found out about the tornadoes in Missouri where thousands of people have lost everything and around 200 have perished.  And here's me bitching about the winds I had on my cycle.  I should know better.  As I'm still on the road and progressing things can't have been that bad.  A breeze in fact, compared to some places in Missouri.  Again, sorry for complaining.

After breakfast I continued east from Wray and within 10 miles I'd left Colorado and entered Nebraska a State I'd not planned to be in. So I'll now be passing through 11 and not 10.

But it was only for a brief period as once I got to Haigler I turned south on Route 27, left Nebraska and entered Kansas.  Three States in about an hour.  Not only that but I also went from Mountain to Central time.  I'm now getting confused. 

Had lunch in St Francis which is about 40 miles from Wray and someone in the restaurant knew 'Dewey'.  Small world out here.  Went along Highway 36 before again turning south on Route 27 but didn't realise that about 15 miles down the road I returned to Mountain time.  Stopped at WalMart in Goodland and watched a nice lightning storm from the doorway.  Made me decide to camp locally in the Mid American Camp Inn at a reasonable 23 dollars.

Updated:   La Crosse, Kansas (library)

Day 31 - Thursday 2nd June 2011

Brush to Wray     84 miles      DFP 1887

Had planned to head south today on State 71 but due to the strength of the wind decided to follow Highway 34 east instead.  That way I'd have a crosswind into my right side. Went through Akron, Otis, Yuma, Eckley and reached Wray.  As with most of Colorado I've cycled through, the land is generally flat with some undulations.  There's practically no trees, shrubs or hedges.  The ones that are here, generally surround houses.  At Wray I exchanges "hellos" with a guy sitting on his door step having a small drink.  As a consequence I got chatting to Dallas Whomble but known by all as 'Dewey' (Probably due to the fact he likes to mix Mountain Dew, a soft drink, with his preferred Canadian whiskey). Ended up sticking the tent next to his house but not before he told me of his life including the navy, his construction work, gold panning (he showed me a little phial with some gold dust) and family stuff.  He also stays in the smallest house in town.  And yes, it's small, even by our standards.

If the wind allows, I'm hoping to head south through Kansas tomorrow and get on to my planned route of State 96 heading east.

Updated: St Francis, Kansas (library).

Day 30 - Wednesday 1st June 2011

Pierce to Brush     90 miles     DFP 1803

Was up and on the road early so didn't see Joe and Melisa.  The children had gone to stay with their gran. A big "thank you" to them all again including the two goats who kept me company overnight.

Went east on State 90, then State 14 for 60 miles to just after Stoneham where I turned south on State 71 to Brush.  Didn't notice anywhere along the whole of today's 90 miles where I could buy provisions, so was low on fluid.  Rectified this situation then headed for the library.  When checking out the camp site, noticed the outdoor swimming pool which provided a very pleasant evening swim.  There must have been a hundred kids there who were all having a ball.   After the tent was up, sat and cooked an evening meal at the picnic bench just as it was getting dark.  Very pleasant, although something was starting to bite! First so far on my trip, although I couldn't see the little blighters.

By 11 o'clock I was crawling out the tent trying to get extra cords and pegs set up, as the tent wanted to go and play with the wind. Also had to go in search of some washing I'd left out to dry. Just unbelievable.  Still, if it's started now, it'll have died down by morning.  WRONG!

Updated: Akron, Colorado (library)

Day 29 - Tuesday 31st May 2011

Curt Gowdy State Park to Pierce     74 miles     DFP 1713

Cycling by 6 o'clock as I wanted to check out the bike shops in Cheyenne before they opened. There's 2 apparently.  Was outside Rock on Wheels (http://www.rockonwheels.com/) at 8 and Alex, one of the young mechanics was already there, although the shop didn't open till 10. That's dedication and therefore this was the place for me.  Cycled back into the town centre for breakfast (suggested by Alex) and other stuff and was back at the shop just after 10.  George, the owner,  took the bracket out, which I think it's fair to say, was mangled.  New one fitted, a few other adjustments done and things were running smoothly again.  Also bought another bracket as an insurance policy, just in case. I can only describe the service at the shop as 'First Class'.  Obviously 2 guys who love their work and want to give top class customer service.  I'd also like to thank the lady customer who gave me a 20 dollar donation for ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND.  Remarkable. 

Blog was updated at the library.  Had a Mexican late lunch then headed south on Highway 85.  After a couple of miles I'm out of Wyoming and entering Colorado.  Another State gone. 

About 40 miles down the road I call into Pierce to buy bread and ask about camping.  One of the customers who initially suggested a possible location, stopped me shortly after and suggested I use his yard.  As such, I was introduced to Joe Mascarenas, his wife Melisa and their great kids Alexandria, Kira, Noah, Isaac and Jeremiah.  What a super family.   "And yes kids, I'll have a photo added to this as soon as I can. It might not be until I reach Kentucky but it will be added.  You all please take care".

Updated: Brush, Colorado (library).

Day 28 - Monday 30th May 2011

Medicine Bow to Curt Gowdy State Park     93 miles     DFP 1639

Up and cycling by 6 o'clock to try and get some miles in before the wind got up.  It arrived just before 8.  Went through Medicine Bow (bit run down) and shortly after stopped to read the following information boards. 

It was then on to Rock River.  Bosler is almost dead.  The wind was just relentless but thankfully was coming more into my right hand side and not straight on.  Thought after Rock River it might be more from behind but I was wrong.  Going into Laramie it was almost impossible to cycle and at one point I had to get off for a couple of hundred yards.  Just to dangerous a crosswind, pushing me into the carriageway. Did notice there were seagulls here.  The wind they could cope with but I think they were wondering were the ocean had gone. The 2 bike shops were closed for Memorial Monday so just got some provision and ate.  Decided to continue on towards Cheyenne and hope I'd get bike shops there on Tuesday.  Followed Highway 30 out of town but then had to go back onto Interstate 80 for about 5 miles.  To it's highest point in to whole land.  Thankfully the wind was directly behind, as at this point the Freeway cuts through a high gully.  The overhead displays were indicating 'Winds up to 55 mph' and I believed it.  Got off at junction 323 and went to the 'rest area'.  Was almost exhausted.  Just sat there for 15 minutes.  Then time to eat and drink.  The 'rest area' and related buildings are super.  Lots of information boards about Wyoming, its wildlife, history, transportation etc.  Also a nice statute of Abraham Lincoln.  

People were also speaking of the snow round Denver and that snowploughs were being deployed.   

Funny how an hour of rest can change things.  Decided to camp at the Curtis Gowdy State Park which meant I had to follow 210 (Happy Jack Road - and so it was).  The wind was directly on my back and I hardly had to pedal, saving the bottom bracket, which by now was seriously noisy.  I got to over 40 mph on one downhill bit of free wheeling.  The state park was just right and I managed to find a bit out of the wind.  

Sorry to Wyoming but does the wind never cease here?  Today was just unbelievable.

Update: Brush, Colorado (library)

Day 27 - Sunday 29th May 2011

Rawlins to Medicine Bow     66 miles     DFP 1546

Left early and although it wasn't raining, it was a bit misty.  As it's Memorial weekend, I presumed lots of places will be closed.  My route should have been towards Encampment, then south over the mountain passes to the west of Denver.  Or that was the plan when I set out.  Just before reaching Sinclair, the bottom bracket bearings unit, which first started playing-up on my rehearsal trip to Skye and had given me periodic problems since, finally became seriously unwell and probably need changed.  A look at the map indicated no major towns on my planned route and as such it was unlikely there'd be any bike shops with comprehensive stock/knowledge.  A route change would provide big towns and also take me through places, whose names were very much part of my youth.   Medicine Bow, Laramie and Cheyenne were never off the TV screens and cinema.  Also, as the mountain forecast was for heavy snow,  maybe the lower and more northerly route was better.  Just a case of nursing the bottom bracket for a 100 odd miles.  First slight problem was the need to use the hard shoulder of Interstate 80 for about 14 miles, so I could pick up Highway 287.  Nobody seemed to mind.  287 was pretty quite but the headwind was fierce.  Just a constant struggle.  Had to deviate a mile or so to pick up provisions at Hanna.  Still it got me out of the wind for half an hour.  Bite to eat and I was back into the saddle (that's me thinking of all those cowboy programmes again).  Managed to get a spot to camp just before Medicine Bow.  Stopped about 6 o'clock due to the wind and yes, just after I erected the tent, the wind dropped.

Saw this little critter on the road.

Update: Brush, Colorado (library).