Today we had a friendship visit with the Arrowhead group in Pratt for lunch. I had a great time. It was the first friendship visit so far when a woman asked me if I had a girlfriend. I do, but no matter what in that situation you always answer yes, because often times the follow up is will you be my boyfriend.
For dinner we went to an archery club outside of town. This was by far the best meal of the trip. We had smoked steaks and got to shoot archery. It was a great place to relax and enjoy a nice evening in the country. The people here in Kansas really are nice.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day 33: Garden City to Dodge City
Today was only a fifty mile day, but it was the first humid day of the trip. I’m sure it is the first of many to come. We are staying at Dodge City Community College (DCCC), and we ate at the DCCC cafeteria today. It really brought me back to living in the dorms at Truman. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to shower before going to our friendship visit at 1:00, so I felt pretty dirt most the day.
Our friendship visit was at a place called Arrowhead, which was a sheltered workshop for people with disabilities. Most of them were highly functional, but had some sort of mental or developmental disability. I met the guy who was in charge of recruiting for the Special Olympics, and he was really proud about that job. I spent most the friendship visit running the miniature golf game, and I had a good time with it. To be honest though, I was really tired, and it wasn’t my finest performance at a friendship visit.
After the visit, we drove back to DCCC and jumped in the shower very quickly. It was nice being clean and not covered in a thin layer of salt from sweating all day. For dinner we headed over to Dan Wallace’s grandma’s house. It was a nice BBQ, and we were able to watch the two news stations’ stories on us. They were pretty good, but after the segment on one station the anchor made a joke about why anyone would go to Washington D.C. through Pratt KS (our destination for tomorrow).
Like I said, I’m exhausted, so while the rest of the team watches batman begins, I’m going to bed.
Our friendship visit was at a place called Arrowhead, which was a sheltered workshop for people with disabilities. Most of them were highly functional, but had some sort of mental or developmental disability. I met the guy who was in charge of recruiting for the Special Olympics, and he was really proud about that job. I spent most the friendship visit running the miniature golf game, and I had a good time with it. To be honest though, I was really tired, and it wasn’t my finest performance at a friendship visit.
After the visit, we drove back to DCCC and jumped in the shower very quickly. It was nice being clean and not covered in a thin layer of salt from sweating all day. For dinner we headed over to Dan Wallace’s grandma’s house. It was a nice BBQ, and we were able to watch the two news stations’ stories on us. They were pretty good, but after the segment on one station the anchor made a joke about why anyone would go to Washington D.C. through Pratt KS (our destination for tomorrow).
Like I said, I’m exhausted, so while the rest of the team watches batman begins, I’m going to bed.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Day 32: Lamar to Garden City
Today we headed to Kansas….and it was a 100 mile trip.
Overall, the cycling today was pretty good for a century day. We woke up at 5:00, but since we crossed over into central time, we lost an hour. Normally on our longer days we don’t have anywhere to be before dinner, but today we had an arrival at one of the largest pools in the nation at 3:00. The team pushed it all day, even though for about half of it we had a head wind, and the entire team made it without having to be racked. I was pretty impressed with the team as a whole. One interesting thing about Kansas is how many birds are on the road as roadkill. I would never have thought that birds would be dead on the side of the road, but we’ve seen everything from hawks to small birds.
After the arrival at the pool, we swam a bit and really enjoyed the water slides. Tonight we are staying at the nicest comfort inn in the nation. It’s like going to the best pi kapp chapter (that’s how many awards this place has). I’m looking forward to the continental breakfast tomorrow.
For dinner we went to Golden Corral. The dinner was sponsored by two alumni from the Kansas State pi kapp chapter. It’s really nice that alumni are continually sponsoring our meals, but to be honest, I’m ready to start having some more friendship visits.
Overall, the cycling today was pretty good for a century day. We woke up at 5:00, but since we crossed over into central time, we lost an hour. Normally on our longer days we don’t have anywhere to be before dinner, but today we had an arrival at one of the largest pools in the nation at 3:00. The team pushed it all day, even though for about half of it we had a head wind, and the entire team made it without having to be racked. I was pretty impressed with the team as a whole. One interesting thing about Kansas is how many birds are on the road as roadkill. I would never have thought that birds would be dead on the side of the road, but we’ve seen everything from hawks to small birds.
After the arrival at the pool, we swam a bit and really enjoyed the water slides. Tonight we are staying at the nicest comfort inn in the nation. It’s like going to the best pi kapp chapter (that’s how many awards this place has). I’m looking forward to the continental breakfast tomorrow.
For dinner we went to Golden Corral. The dinner was sponsored by two alumni from the Kansas State pi kapp chapter. It’s really nice that alumni are continually sponsoring our meals, but to be honest, I’m ready to start having some more friendship visits.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Day 31: La junta to Lamar
The team had grown quite attached to La Junta, and we were a bit sad to leave for Lamar. Especially after the great biscuits and gravy breakfast that was cooked for us by a few locals the team had met last year. This was a real treat too, because it was surprise, since they didn’t contact nationals they just saw us in the newspaper and decided to come by again and cook for us.
Today’s ride looked like it would be tough because of a strong headwind, but the team was in the groove, and we were able to crank out the 55 miles to Lamar in pretty good time. I went to lunch at sonic and a few of the guys who went with us had never been there before, so that was sort of cool.
For dinner we went to a lady’s house. She cooked us burritos and chile. It was pretty good. Afterwards we went to the local pool for some free night swim. It was fun, but a bit cold, so I left a little early so I could update this blog.
Today’s ride looked like it would be tough because of a strong headwind, but the team was in the groove, and we were able to crank out the 55 miles to Lamar in pretty good time. I went to lunch at sonic and a few of the guys who went with us had never been there before, so that was sort of cool.
For dinner we went to a lady’s house. She cooked us burritos and chile. It was pretty good. Afterwards we went to the local pool for some free night swim. It was fun, but a bit cold, so I left a little early so I could update this blog.
Day 30: Pueblo to La Junta
Since we had a short day (65 miles) Jay let us sleep in today until 7:00. It was great. After a delicious breakfast provided by none other than our crew chiefs Jesse, we started cycling towards La Junta. The ride was great, and we had a tailwind the entire day.
It has constantly amazed me this trip at how people will open up their homes or give of their time to make our trip a little more comfortable. Today was a rather hot day, and a disabled veteran saw us as we were riding by and invited us to her house (which was on the highway) for some shade and fresh fruit. It was really a great treat on the road.
Today we are staying in the first school gym for a while, and it’s not air conditioned. I might just be sleeping outside tonight provided it doesn’t rain. Our dinner was sponsored by the local lions club, and was another example of people giving of themselves so we can do this trip. It was actually pretty cool, because instead of just asking us to introduce ourselves, we also told them a favorite memory from the trip. I know the lions enjoyed it, and it was cool to hear all of the team’s favorite moments from the road or friendship visits.
Tonight, the guy who owns the local Laundromat, opened up his place for us to wash our laundry. That’s where I am now, getting me some internet and washing clothes.
It has constantly amazed me this trip at how people will open up their homes or give of their time to make our trip a little more comfortable. Today was a rather hot day, and a disabled veteran saw us as we were riding by and invited us to her house (which was on the highway) for some shade and fresh fruit. It was really a great treat on the road.
Today we are staying in the first school gym for a while, and it’s not air conditioned. I might just be sleeping outside tonight provided it doesn’t rain. Our dinner was sponsored by the local lions club, and was another example of people giving of themselves so we can do this trip. It was actually pretty cool, because instead of just asking us to introduce ourselves, we also told them a favorite memory from the trip. I know the lions enjoyed it, and it was cool to hear all of the team’s favorite moments from the road or friendship visits.
Tonight, the guy who owns the local Laundromat, opened up his place for us to wash our laundry. That’s where I am now, getting me some internet and washing clothes.
Day 29: Colorado Springs to Pueblo
Today we woke up to some very sad news. The mother of Carl Hiediman, one of our teammates lost her battle with cancer. He had already left the team, and we dedicated today’s ride to his mom. I hope everyone who is reading this will keep his family in your prayers.
After a great breakfast sponsored by Cameron’s parents we left Colorado College for Pueblo. Although we are still in Colorado, today’s scenery is much more like Kansas than the picturesque Colorado we had come to enjoy. Overall the ride was good, and we had a great time. I rode with Wulf and Jason today, and they were cracking me up the entire time.
Lunch was sponsored by the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and everyone got a little goodie bag with some buttons and pins from Pueblo. We ate at the Gold Dust Saloon and it was great. Our lodging was at the Guesthouse Inn, and at first I got thrown in a room without air conditioning, but we eventually got our room changed. It was fun.
For dinner we went to a place called Cinfully Delicious. This was another dinner that was supposed to be a friendship visit, but in the end was just the team eating. The food was great though, and the real tamales were awesome. After dinner we went down to the river walk on the Arkansas river, and then went to some local “establishments” for a little bit of relaxation before sleeping in our comfy beds for the night.
After a great breakfast sponsored by Cameron’s parents we left Colorado College for Pueblo. Although we are still in Colorado, today’s scenery is much more like Kansas than the picturesque Colorado we had come to enjoy. Overall the ride was good, and we had a great time. I rode with Wulf and Jason today, and they were cracking me up the entire time.
Lunch was sponsored by the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and everyone got a little goodie bag with some buttons and pins from Pueblo. We ate at the Gold Dust Saloon and it was great. Our lodging was at the Guesthouse Inn, and at first I got thrown in a room without air conditioning, but we eventually got our room changed. It was fun.
For dinner we went to a place called Cinfully Delicious. This was another dinner that was supposed to be a friendship visit, but in the end was just the team eating. The food was great though, and the real tamales were awesome. After dinner we went down to the river walk on the Arkansas river, and then went to some local “establishments” for a little bit of relaxation before sleeping in our comfy beds for the night.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Day 28: Denver to Colorado Springs
Today is the last day in the so called front range megalopolis. We were riding with a number of pi alphas (guys who have done a Summer event before) and some guys from KRG capital. One of the guys we rode with was Bruce Rogers, who in 1987 rode his bike by himself across the United States for Push America. His trip evolved into the Journey of Hope. Bruce is somewhat of a legend, and I was excited that he rode in my paceline.
The team had made this guy out to be a living god, but he was really cool, and a great guy to ride with. It was pretty awesome when he told me I had a good pull, and we were able to joke around with him all day and talk to him about the first time he cycled across the U.S.
There was a massive headwind today, and for the second time this Summer, we were not able to make it to arrival on time, so we racked the bikes to the Colorado Olympic Training Facility. Bruce said it was the strongest headwind he had seen in twenty years of riding with Journey of Hope teams. I’m not sure if he was serious or just trying to make us feel better, but either way, it was nice to hear.
We took a tour of the Olympic Training facility and had lunch there. It was really cool to see where some of the best athletes in the world train. At lunch I met a guy from Truman State who graduated in 2005 who was training for weightlifting. I was pretty surprised to see someone from Truman, but I think my team members were even more surprised and kept joking that I’m not really the only person who goes there.
After the tour we went to Colorado College where we are staying for the evening. The dean had us over dinner at his house and it was great. I met a guy who just got his masters degree at University of Alabama, and he had some good things to say about their graduate programs. He also recommended a restraint called City Café in Northport. I also talked to the dean about Truman State. Apparently he had been there before was familiar with Kirksville. Considering I haven’t met a single person this trip who had even heard of Truman, I was pretty excited to talk to two people about it today.
We have a 5:30 wake up tomorrow. It’s a half hour early than it was supposed to be because we were late getting out of lodging today. The team wasn’t very happy about this, but I guess it just means we’ll get to Pueblo a little faster tomorrow.
The team had made this guy out to be a living god, but he was really cool, and a great guy to ride with. It was pretty awesome when he told me I had a good pull, and we were able to joke around with him all day and talk to him about the first time he cycled across the U.S.
There was a massive headwind today, and for the second time this Summer, we were not able to make it to arrival on time, so we racked the bikes to the Colorado Olympic Training Facility. Bruce said it was the strongest headwind he had seen in twenty years of riding with Journey of Hope teams. I’m not sure if he was serious or just trying to make us feel better, but either way, it was nice to hear.
We took a tour of the Olympic Training facility and had lunch there. It was really cool to see where some of the best athletes in the world train. At lunch I met a guy from Truman State who graduated in 2005 who was training for weightlifting. I was pretty surprised to see someone from Truman, but I think my team members were even more surprised and kept joking that I’m not really the only person who goes there.
After the tour we went to Colorado College where we are staying for the evening. The dean had us over dinner at his house and it was great. I met a guy who just got his masters degree at University of Alabama, and he had some good things to say about their graduate programs. He also recommended a restraint called City Café in Northport. I also talked to the dean about Truman State. Apparently he had been there before was familiar with Kirksville. Considering I haven’t met a single person this trip who had even heard of Truman, I was pretty excited to talk to two people about it today.
We have a 5:30 wake up tomorrow. It’s a half hour early than it was supposed to be because we were late getting out of lodging today. The team wasn’t very happy about this, but I guess it just means we’ll get to Pueblo a little faster tomorrow.
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