Stage 22 - Larned KS, 96mi (155km)

It was a perfect morning for cycling: quite warm at 7.30AM but with a south wind today. 

The route had flattened out but I knew from the moment Norma and I left the Motel, it going to be a harder pedaling than the previous two days. After approximately 4mi a huge tractor passed us and I tried to drift behind and put all my efforts in my pedals to get behind it. It was a blast and I scooted behind with 25mph (40 km/h) instead of my usual 13 -15mph. I was surprised about my strength in my legs, but the last three weeks have left behind a legacy of muscle power…I am of course very glad to know, that I am ready for the big Mountains ahead in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. However, I had followed the tractor for about 10mi until he turned left and off my route. I knew, Norma would not catch me anymore for today and I decided to go my own pace for today. In Nickerson I made a brief stop to eat something and drink a cold soda as for the last 58mi to get to Larned there was no service station to stop. The wind got stronger from the south but I kept pedaling my higher gears to keep the speed. My route was due west almost the whole way, so I got a bit of speed bonus. There was very little traffic. Apart from a few turns at the start and finish, the route was entirely on the one straight road, whose name changed periodically. 


It passed through the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge where I took the panorama shot above. Big Salt Marsh is on the right hand side.

Freedom....

Cows taking a bath

This is the end of week three, in which I cycled 614mi (988km), bringing my total for the trip so far to a satisfactory 1’733mi (2’789km) or 79mi (127km) per day. A statistic number, which might be for interest for my readers, is the total elevation gain until Eureka (stage 20) of 78'931feet (= 24'058 Hoehenmeter). This number signifies what it says in the books, that the Appalachians and Ozark Mountains are well known as hard climbs.