We had to get up earlier than usual as we were leaving at 6:30 trying to beat the heat. Things did not go well right from the start when the breakfast server did not make eggs, which we need for protein, but decided on a double order of biscuits and gravy. She was trying to help I know but has no idea what cyclists might need. It is going to be a long day!
Stopped at 20 miles so that we could eat an energy bar but 2 of the group did not have any. Thankfully I always carry spares and on we went. In addition to the distance today we also have the third most elevation gain of any day at 6300'. We also have to battle the crosswinds and headwinds as seemingly we seldom have a favorable wind at our backs. The first SAG is at mile 35 in a little park in White City KS. Quick in and out as we already feel the heat.
Leaving there I can tell you that Kansas is not flat! We head towards the Flint Hills and there are lots of rolling terrain. There is lots of wildlife out today as we have seen a coyote, that the riders from Florida were quite nervous about, guinea hens, wild turkey and buffalo (thankfully behind a fence).
The only other SAG of the day is at mile 71 overlooking a very nice lake. Carol had made some great wraps as it was near lunch time. Any time you get small quantities of real food it is a treat. From there we are off through more rolling terrain in to a headwind. At mile 92 we arrive at Dover KS where there is a left turn but more importantly there is a fantastic pie shop. The woman who ran the place won the "best pie in the United States" a couple of years ago and they had had people from 17 different countries come to this little out of the way place to see how she makes them. She is gone now but the current people still use the same recipes.
We manage to arrive in Topeka at rush hour but thankfully don't have any problem getting to the hotel. Now off to supper and early to bed as another long day tomorrow.
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