We Are Half Way !

jprines76
Jun 28, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Feb 19, 2020

June 28 Day 27 64 miles

We had a beautiful day of smooth riding with no headwind or hills. It doesn't get much better. We started in Mcpherson at 7:30, with the weather already warming. We migrated our way to smaller roads as the day progressed. Small enough that we even found a variety store, which was a thrill for all. We enjoyed Cokes and ice cream before setting off again. The cold things were especially welcome as the temperature reached 100 degrees by the afternoon.

We had some entertainment midday after finding the road collapsed by recent heavy rains. Bicycles were passed down and carried over to the intact road on the other side. Cyclists each found their own way across.

We have ended up in Abilene, KS, the boyhood home of Dwight Eisenhower. It has a charming downtown and the presidential library. The museum there was closed, but displays were in place in the library temporarily, and I enjoyed learning about a president I hardly knew.

We start down familiar roads. As the day wore on, there we more trees and windrows dividing up the fields. The variety provide a needed change.

It was interesting seeing these pumps, I presume for oil, plunked down in the middle of the agricultural fields, steadily grinding away.

It has not been a good growing season, but the wheat harvest has begun. There was plenty of farm equipment to get the job done. My, do these farmers like their machines.

Half way at last! This was cause for celebration and we were introduced to the tradition of serving half a cookie to the riders in recognition of the day. I'm wondering if we will get the other half in Portsmouth.

We ignored several 'road closed ' signs, with a confidence that the tour staff would steer us straight. This led to this road collapse that Mark is helping us to navigate.