The day started with a bang. Around 1:30 am the wind picked up, the sky was lite up by lightening, thunder surrounded, and the rain started. Those who slept in the pavilion got tossed around, maybe a little wet, and definitely felt the winds. Those of us in tents were dry and sheltered. Once the storm passed it was time for the raccoons to come out. They were snooping around the pavilion area and Greg chased them off twice. After the raccoons we were treated to a symphony of coyotes howling away in the near distance. Finally when dawn arrived it was time for those of us in the tents to quickly get packed and get under the pavilion because another storm was on the way. Of course, after all these interruptions there was another. For some reason a Parks employee thought it would be wise for him to cut the grass next to where we were sleeping. It was 6:50 am when he started. Clearly he did not have to start right next to us but he did. The next storm that arrived did not have the thunder and lightening but it rained and it rained steady for over 2 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We didn\u2019t get going until 10:30 am. However before going too far we had to make a lunch stop at the Leaping Lizard gas station and grill. They have the best sandwiches. Once fed it was time to get on the bikes and ride. As normal, Sue and I took the lead. After 23 miles we were in Eureka, KS and waited, and waited and waited for Greg, Bill and Paul to arrive. As we were getting ready to leave town they showed up. Almost immediately upon their arrival Greg said that he could not keep the pace up and he encouraged Sue and I to continue. We said good bye to Bill and Greg and wished good luck to Paul since he was going to Witchita and Salt Lake City. Greg and Bill were going to spend the rest of the day in Eureka and then travel to Newton the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was now 2:30 pm and we needed to do an additional 70 miles to reach Newton, KS. The ride was pleasant with some hills but favorable winds. Around 6 pm we made it to Cassoday and stopped at the Country Store and saw Vanessa, Dennis and Maui. Maui is their dog that rides in the back of Vanessa\u2019s bike. After chatting with them for a bit it was now 6:40 and we still had 38 miles to go to make it to Newton. We went fast and did the final 38 miles in less than 2 1\/2 hours. We arrived just before dark and found a place to stay and eat. It was another long day but worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s stats: 97.34 miles, average speed 13.0, total elevation gained 1932 feet, elevation descent 1427 feet, maximum speed 24.9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The day started with a bang. Around 1:30 am the wind picked up, the sky was lite up by lightening, thunder surrounded, and the rain started. Those who slept in the pavilion got tossed around, maybe a little wet, and definitely felt the winds. Those of us in tents were dry and sheltered. Once the … <\/p>\n

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