As the days roll on, the relentless Kansas heat and humidity have become our constant companions. Biking in this weather isn’t as brutal as it might sound, thanks to the wind, which serves as a natural air conditioner. However, the moment we stop, the heat catches up with us. It’s like an instant sauna, and sweat begins to pour out, taking our sunscreen with it. (I take my sunscreen job very seriously.) I think this humidity has been an unexpected but effective motivator to keep pedaling as fast as possible! 🌬️
Here’s a detailed account of our adventures over the past two days:
DAY 37 🌞🚴♂️
STATS: Ness City, KS -> Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, KS (93.78 miles) 🌄
We started the day with the sun already beating down, casting a golden glow (or “yellow tint” according to Ethan) over the vast Kansas landscape. As we cycled through this flat expanse, our companions were the fields of corn and the curious cows. (We’ve become so accustomed to the smell of the cattle that it’s almost comforting now.) Today, however, was particularly delightful when a playful calf decided to run alongside us for a while. 🐄💨 It’s moments like these that make the long hours on the bike worth it!
For lunch, Will and I shared a wholesome $5 deal meal at McDonald’s! 🍔🍟
Upon reaching the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, we were treated to a breathtaking view of endless fields stretching into the horizon. The sight of the sun dipping below the fields was the perfect end to a demanding day of cycling! Beautiful moments like these after a long day of biking remind me of my goals and the mission of our trip. 🌅
Important info posted at the bike hostel!
Our evening was spent at the Zion Lutheran Church Bike Hostel. The facilities were fantastic, providing a comfortable place to rest and rejuvenate. We whipped up a simple yet satisfying dinner of rice, chicken noodle soup, and macaroni and cheese. 🍚🍜🧀 As we ate, we indulged in watching "The Mole," a ridiculously cheesy reality TV show. 📺😄
DAY 38 🌞🚴♀️
STATS: Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, KS -> Newton, KS (71.19 miles) 🚜
Today marked a bit of a milestone for us as we cycled later into the day than ever before. Let’s just say our departure time ended in pm… ⏰🌞
Our evening lunch was a highlight; we stopped at a gas station where we found another excellent $5 meal deal. The 2 hot dogs, bag of chips, and iced tea was exactly what we needed to power through the rest of our ride. ⛽🌭
The highlight of our journey today was discovering a group of farm animals that perfectly mirrored our own group dynamics. We named the mother cow Kawther, the father horse Hunter, the twin black calves Will and me, the white calf Ethan, and the youngest orange calf Tubb. 🐄🐎👶🏼
Side note, I made it my mission to pet a cow on this trip, though I still haven’t gotten close enough… Mooing at them as we ride is the closest way I can bond with them for now I guess. 🐮💛
As we approached Newton, we stumbled upon a cutesy Christmas in July-themed farmer’s market. 🎄🌽 The festive atmosphere was a welcome surprise, and we couldn’t resist sampling the Grinch lemonade. 🍹 I also bought a handmade bracelet from a little girl, and some of the others picked up adorable crochet animals. 🧸 It was an amazing experience speaking with the community members behind the stands! The market was a charming detour and a reminder of the little joys that punctuate our journey.
Arriving in Newton felt like stepping into a fairytale. We were welcomed by the director of the Newton Public Library, who provided us with a unique and beautiful stay connected to a silo. 🏰🌾 After settling in, we prepared a simple yet delicious pasta dinner. 🍝 The rest of the evening was spent relaxing; I caught up on "The Mole" with Will, and Kawther and I also enjoyed a bit of "The Bear”. 📺🧑🍳
Goodnight, and here’s to many more days of adventure! 🌾🚴♀️
Eva :)
P.S. I think emojis make reading more fun! Comment down below ur fave emojis!! 🤗