Hi blog…it’s Tubb. We’re doing our best to get the blog caught up, so I’ll fill you in on our 65 mile ride from Emporia, KS to Topeka, KS from last week.
Mid-ride flick
After a Super 8 hotel breakfast helped us expedite our morning routine, we were ready to roll around 10. Unfortunately, so were the clouds…so roll in they did, bringing the strongest rain we’ve biked through yet. On the whole, I’m grateful for the dry-ish weather we’ve mostly encountered so far on this trip, but the gradual descent out of Emporia through the stinging rain was an amazing and new start to the day.
Rainy bike maintenence
After some bicycle mishaps and repair, the rain let up, which meant that (unusually late in the state for eastward Kansas bikers) we finally had a tailwind! Gradual uphills became much easier and flats felt practically effortless. It was a much needed break from the constant crosswind of the days prior.
Riding the crosswind through small Kansas towns >>>
The beginnings of a delicious dinner
Before we knew it, we were in West Topeka, with our amazing hosts Tom and Belinda. We shared an amazing spaghetti dinner, each found a comfy nook of their beautiful home, and talked with them about everything from Catholicism to tandem cycling to finding your life passion. I was especially impressed by the time, money, and effort they’d put into both their biking trips and, more importantly, the five foreign exchange students they’d hosted in the previous years. Thank you so much Tom and Belinda!
The crew pre-departure!