Yesterday we set off at around 10 having had a quite superb nights sleep after riding 108 miles the previous day. We cycled from Mcpherson to a very small town (population less than 30 me thinks), which was a total of 95 miles. However the winds had shifted in our favour so although not quite a tail wind, it certainly didnt hinder our progress like the previous day. Just before lunch Will broke another spoke (what else would it be!?). Luckily enough there was a bike shop where we had lunch, so we visited yet another bike shop. We have become more and more adept at fixing our own problems, so without the help of a mechanic Will fixed his spoke and we both did a little service on each of our bikes. Now we can do basic mechanics on the bikes, it saves us a minimum of $15 every time we get a problem on the bikes. Will and I were completly unaware that spokes could cause us this much issue. Never ever had a problem with them before the trip, so a slight shock to the system. I think that we can conclude that, in fact, although the bikes as a whole are good bikes; Evans cycles(who we bought the bikes from), were slightly cheeky. They had obviously changed a few bits and bobs on the bikes before they sold them to us to save them a few! So they must have changed the spokes that were originally made with the bike and replaced them with far less sturdy ones(we think they did this with the hub and pedals' as well). Anyway with the spoke fixed we forged on and reached our destination at around 8:30. We set up camp on a very small park area, which was a really nice spot. We got a couple of beers and drank tham as the sun set whilst listening to some music....great end to the day. 30 mins later as we settled down to bed the weather took a turn for the worse, the wind really picked up and heavy rain started. The tent didnt like the wind at all, so we were forced, in the dark and in the rain, to move the tent next to a building for some wind shelter. An 'interesting experience' i will say. In the process of moving the tent we also ripped the bottom of it, only a small tear, but annoying nonetheless.
Today we set out for scott city, 88 miles away. To be honest there isnt really much news from today, as we saw very little apart from fields of corn and lots of flat land for miles around. People warned us that there isnt much to see out here, and they were right. It would be a lie to say it is boring but there is hint of monotony about kansas. Towns are at least 30 miles apart and often there are very little services in them. A few times today it did feel as though we were on the of the edge of the earth, as in front of us we could only see flat road, as far as the eye can see. However it is very peaceful out here, which is a nice change from busy roads, no more than 30 cars an hour pass us. Tonight we are residing with some friends of Tony and Stacey, who we stayed with in Kansas city. Tomorrow we may just get into Colorado, but it depends on the winds. We have 215 miles to pueblo where we will have a rest day. This might be two long days or three shortish ones, but we will see.
No comments:
Post a Comment