We’ve just returned from our bicycling trip across the state of Kansas. In eight days we rode our bikes from the western border of Kansas and Colorado to the eastern border with Missouri. Along with our 800 friends on the Biking Across Kansas (www.bak.org) trip, we were up to the challenges that Mother Nature dealt to us, along with the not-so-flat countryside of northern Kansas. The 500+ mile trip was a test of our stamina as we battled the winds that blew incessantly almost every day on our trip; from the 40 mph headwind we encountered north of Oakley to the 25 mph side winds near the Colorado border. Smiles broke out whenever the winds were blowing favorably at our backs. We biked through the summer heat in the 90’s, were refreshed by the cooler mornings in the higher elevations of western Kansas, were “evacuated” from our tents when a severe thunder and rainstorm was bearing down on us one evening, and we appreciated the cloud cover that kept us cooler on one of our longer days. We enjoyed the golden sunshine that caused the acres of wheat fields to glow, and we watched as they marched across the horizon as the wind blew through the fields. We rode through the small towns that grace the rural landscape across Kansas, both the thriving towns and those that are barely getting by. The people along the route welcomed us with open arms, excited to share their stories, their history, and their pride in their towns. The community of riders renewed friendships and formed new ones. We laughed after we rode through a dust storm that caused our faces and skin to turn brown as the dust clung to our sweat and sunscreen. We swore at the early hills that grace “flat” Kansas, yet we learned to challenge those hills — to ride with abandon on the downhill side, and know that once you climbed the uphill ahead you’d probably find yet another set of hills on the vista before you. It was a wonderful week of learning new things about myself and about my original home state of Kansas.
Author: lindastaatsphoto
On the road
We were recently in western Wisconsin on a gray and dreary evening. The weather had threatened rain all afternoon and as dusk was approaching the skies became even darker and gloomier. I was wandering the countryside which is dotted with dairy farms. I had expected this area to be flat but the landscape was filled with rolling hills that gave an interesting depth to the vistas. I turned the corner onto this road and loved the view ahead. Here was a recently paved county road that undulated up and down as it slowly rose to the gray horizon ahead. Seeing the elevation change and all those ups and downs reminded me that eastern Kansas is not as flat as many people presume, and soon we will be bicycling on rolling hills similar to this one. My hope is that all the training miles we’ve put in will pay off in a delightful and rewarding bike ride through all the variety of landscapes that Kansas offers up to us.
Kilian Donahue clematis
We have had an unusually wet spring with over nine inches of rain during the month of May alone. Although that has been a challenge in trying to schedule training miles for our upcoming bicycle ride, one of the wonderful benefits of all the moisture is that our vegetation and yards are gorgeously green and verdant. We’re fortunate to have a large variety of clematis gracing our yard, and this has to be one of the very best years to enjoy their beautiful blooms. Our Kilian Donahue clematis is in full bloom – lush with blossoms. The blooms of this particular clematis actually change colors from a light pink to a deep fuchsia to a pale lavender. It is a treat to be in the yard and see all the clematis colors, from the pinks to the purples, the reds, the whites, and the palest of lavenders.
Back on the bike
I’m pleased to say that with rest and medication my back is strong again. But after having taken a week to recuperate I was worried about the loss of training for our long bicycle ride that’s fast approaching. I did a test ride a few days ago and things seemed fine, so this weekend we were “cramming” our rides: 30 miles on Saturday, 40 miles on Sunday, and 50 miles today. I’m happy to say we succeeded (and we’re still standing too!). But our weekend brought a little bit of everything. The last half of our Saturday ride was finished in a torrential downpour. Although we waited out the thunder and lightning in a Subway store, we couldn’t wait out the rain and we arrived home looking like the proverbial “drowned rats”. Sunday’s ride was in 90 degree temps with high humidity and a 25 mph headwind. And today’s ride started with a 10 mph headwind and temps in the 70’s, but we turned the headwind into a great tailwind on the return. We’re fortunate to have access to some wonderful bicycling trails here in Minnesota. Sunday we rode on a segment of the Gateway Trail which originates in Saint Paul. Today we started our ride in Faribault and rode the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail through the woods and pasture-lands of the central area of the Minnesota. This area was once part of the “Big Woods” of the state and provided some welcome shade and beautiful surroundings. Being able to experience the landscape and surroundings on a bicycle is one of the best ways to see an area, and this week we’ve seen a lot!
On the road
This weekend called for a trip south to the Kansas City area to attend my nephew’s high school graduation. That was the planned part; the unplanned part was that I strained my lower back a day before we were to leave. Trying to maneuver in and out of a car was quite the test of endurance. But….we persevered and arrived pretty much on schedule. What I didn’t realize was that my back would continue to get worse over the next couple of days. Try as I might, I was flat on my back in bed the day of the graduation. My family members represented me at the ceremony, and I was lucky to see some cell-phone photos of the event. The return trip home on I-35 North was uneventful, and was the extent of my photographic adventures this weekend. For those of you that thought Iowa was flat, I have photographic proof that’s not the case. The hillsides and pastures are all green from the recent rains, and many of the agricultural crops are starting to peek through the soil. My back is mending, but it’s still not 100%. To my “driver” – thanks! And to my nephew Tanner – congrats on all your accomplishments! We couldn’t be more proud, and we look forward to your future endeavors.
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