Day 10 Wed. Sept. 24,2008

I got up this morning at 5:50 to prepare for the day’s journey. I reflected on the reasons I made a decision to ride my bike to CA rather than the other way around. Even though there is hardship by way of wind and hazardous, shoulderless roads to be taken, my faith, though stirred by near or anticipated danger still tugs at the cause I have undertaken. I trust in my God and in the many friends who whisper my name in their prayer as do I. It is an unbelievable source of confidence that shatters all doubts, all fears and every negative attitude.

Now back to my ride and today’s log. I took my luggage to the van, had breakfast and was on my way. The crisp morning wind in my face kept me in check. I was always aware of everything around me. My traveling instructions (directions) were provided for me by my charming wife! She altered Mapquest, or one of the many pages we (she) prepared back home in Bloomington. Not knowing exactly where to begin each journey, from which motel in each city.

From the Super 8 in Selina, I rode west on Schilling Rd to Virginia Rd, to Centennial Rd, finally to West Crawford, then on to Old Highway 40/KS140 for another 30 miles. The old highway was well paved with a very good shoulder and the supply of hostile traffic was absent.

The wind was slight and calm. The highway was embellished by large shady trees, and hillsides that perhaps barricaded any avalanche of wind attempting to occupy the narrow ribbon of highway. As I proceeded miles away from Salina and the sun increased its ascent in the eastern sky. I felt my bones delivering sweat and the hills began to show signs of familiarity, which reminds me that I am still in Kansas. Nevertheless, I took advantage of the soft wind and make it to Ellsworth at 11:30 am.

I met Pam at the Crossroads Restaurant, where for the first time I ordered a hamburger and a cup of tea. The journey changes from here on moving in a southwesterly direction for 38 miles. Everything was gradually on the uprise. The sun glaring over my left shoulder, but mostly on my back, and the wind increasing its velocity, but the road remained native to Kansas, a consistent roller coaster.

As the miles grew and the temperature increased, my speed decreased from 15 mph to 10 mph. Experience has taught me to take it easy and smell the wide open fields.

I spoke to a cowboy who was in the process of training his horse. He works at night in a salt mine. This was a real surprise! Did you know there was a salt mine in Kansas? His wife is a nurse and was at work. He offered me water, but I was good. I thanked him and handed him my card and rode off, heading west. I arrived at Great Bend with salt on my face and arms. The time was just past 4:00. There were adequate shoulders and a fair amount of hills strewn along the way.

Winging their way along their journey were Monarch butterflies. They seem to flutter,
slicing through the wind as they travel anywhere from 10 to 12 feet high, just high enough to avoid the huge semis that suck them into their demise.

Luckily, Kansas highways in these parts show less indication of damaged goods. Finally, after a long 4 hours the Baltzell Motel in Great Bend is in view on 10th Street. We had a homemade dinner, watched TV, read lots of email, showered and listened to the President’s appeal to remove seven billion dollars from taxes to boost the country’s economy. I’ll not sleep too well with such a thought in mind. Good night, Charlie. God bless you and save America from itself.