Chasing down the sunset

Was just checking out where the next time zone begins. Not to far away from here. Just in the end of western Kansas. Made it to Beloit tonight. Just before 9 o'clock and another fun 100 mile day. Fortunately the sun was in my favor. It didn't set til almost 9 making me think we were close to wst.



Got another late start today. That's wrong, the day starts when I begin pedaling and that's it. This is a tour, not a race. Left Manhattan just after noon today. Took Rod who cooked us dinner last night and Jeff who hosted us out to breakfast. It was perfect timing. We got to watch some of the opening ceremonies.

After breakfast went over to the bike shop/outfitter they work at called Pathfinder. Another great shop with amazing staff, the service and knowledge is epic and they have everything you could need. Wanted to put my bike in the rack cause I noticed the small chain ring in front looked bent. Well sure enough, one of the two Evans that worked there noticed right away I was missing two bolts. That sucked! But I'm glad they found it there. Then after going threw the gears we found some more problems. My real derailed cable was crimped and causing shifting problems. Then realized the chain had to much play and replaced that as well. Guess the chains they supply with the bike are sub standard. Rich had to replace his in Lexington.

So after Evan spent about two hours on my bike it was time to hit the road. Boy, it was one if those days I just wanted to crawl back into bed so to speak. It was a hot one! With over 90 miles to go I was not feeling it. Ok, 10 miles under my belt. Then 20 miles. Oh yeah, don't forget to eat.

The Garmin(gps) comes in handy once in a while. It has a feature where you can find places to eat. So I hit it and nothing for ten miles. That spot is a pizza place too. Been trying to eat somewhat healthy. So far I've burned over 200,000 calories this trip. Anyways, get to Gambinos pizza in this small town and get the best lunch deal I've gotten thus far. All you can eat and this kid Micah that worked there hooked me up for $3.80. They were just wrapping up so they gave me a good deal. Got to talking to him about his band and how he's from San Diego. Then chatted with the other lady that worked there and ready to hit the road.

Today I was on my game. Made all the right stops at the right time. Stopped at a super market about another 12 miles down the road to get some fruit and baby powder. After that it was nothing til here in Beloit. Almost 60 miles with no services. You really have to be on your game or your in jeapordy.

After about 25 more miles I was out of water. Didn't see anybody outside their houses that I could ask for water. Then there was this fueling/pump station. Where big gas trucks go to fill up. The gate was open so I leaned my bike and walked up to the office. Keep in mind, haven't seen a soul except for cars whizzing by and dudes out in fields in tractors.

Proceed to knock on the office door and see this guy with his back to me on his cell phone. Could only imagine what he's thinking. He gives me this look like, "what does this guy want and why is he hear?". So I show him my water bottle and mouth to say can I fill up my bottles. He peers his head over and sees my bike out there. He comes walking out still on the phone talking to one of his buddies. So I say, "nice...1986 Toyota tercel.". He then repeats to his buddy threw the phone what I just told him. So after being weirded out by me we get to talking and he's off the phone.



Theres a car parked there and it's an 86' tercel. One of the best cars I've ever owned. So we hit off right away and Kris is his name tells me he has 4 of them. Tells me how he just bought this one. Super clean and he got a smoking deal. Hooks me up with some bottled water and we keep on talking. We spent almost the next hour together just shooting the shit.

He's a big time outdoorsman. His website is www.predatorman.com. He also owns a 1980 TA that he's the original owner of. Only my favorite ride in the whole world. Then we were talking about which route I'm going to take and we start checking all that out by atlas wiki mapia which is a great site. Just an awesome interaction between two strangers. Told him about "Breaking Bad.". That's the car that Jessie drives in the show. Still need to catch last weeks episode. Some kid almost ruined it for me today while I was waiting for my bike. Took a walk and this kid was working at this shop and watching "it's always sunny in Philadelphia.". So we we're talking about different shows and stopped him just in time. Kind of have an idea of what happens.

Just can't say enough about how pleasant Kansas has been. Ever since we stepped foot into Nicks mom's house we've been treated so well. Thanks again for the mid-western hospitality. Even tonight walked into the super 8 we're staying at and sparked up a conversation with this family that is staying here going to a championship football game tomorrow between Kansas colleges. Believe it's an all stars game. Just great folks spent almost a half hour or so talking too. We were just cracking up. Granted after a long day I'm a bit delerious but in a good mood. Bill the outlaw of the family, a rodeo/cowboy legend...I could barely understand a word he was saying. It was cracking me up. This guy was Kansas through and through. He just got beat up by a cow who kicked a fence into his head. Broke his glasses, bruised his eye and put a bunch of stitches in his head. But he's a tough solid dude. That was a great way to end the night. Wished em luck in the game and promoted my blog while I was at it.



Love to hear everyone tell me they enjoy following along. Tomorrow headed for Damar, KS. Meeting up with Rod again and staying at his folks place. How sweet and random is that. Just under an 80 mile day. I'm hoping he works on Sunday. Gonna try and put a days work in with him. I've never worked on a farm before. Rod told me they were harvesting wheat. He also told me his dad would let me drive the equipment. If that's the case I truly am excited. Kind of a farm boy at heart.


Kansas is something special. People were warning me how flat and boring it was going to be, how wrong they were. Just biking along and watching the wheat get blown to and fro is such a spectacular sight. It's just like the waves if the ocean the way it moves. But it also changes colors as it's moving like art work. Sure do feel lucky to be having such a close look at the rest of America.


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Manhattan day 33

Well it was day two biking through hilly Kansas. Another great day of about 100 miles. Tomorrow looks like it's going to be close to a 90 mile day. But we'll see where we end up. We're shooting for this town called Beloite.

Rich and I regrouped tonight here in Manhattan, KS. Found a great place to stay through the site, www.warmshowers.org. I hit this kid Eric up who is actually biking across country right now himself. He connected me with Jeff, one of his nine roomates. Jeff was like "bring it!". So Rich and I met up at their house here in town.

Then we rolled through town to one of Jeff co-workers places for some grub. Rod and Jeff work at the local bike shop here in town. So it was fun to just hang out with some nice folks eat some food and just shoot the breeze. There were a few other folks there hanging out including another guy named Dusty who works at the shop. He's also a nutritionist. Which is someone who I would love to have on this trip with us. Someone to guide you through the day to help you get maximum performance. After that we hopped back on the bikes for a tour of the university and some more of the town.




Got another late start today. Didn't get on the road til about 11:30. Instead of back tracking the two miles back into the town of Lawrence I just headed west. Hoping to see a place to stop for breakfast. Nothing! Got through one town and didn't stop at the supermarket which I had mind to do. Then it was over ten miles til I saw anything else. Then that anything else I passed up as well. Was looking for the perfect spot. Then it was 40 miles before I finally found anything. Ended up at this small cafe in the middle of no where. Had coffee and oj in the morning. Then a cliff bar a little while later. Have to learn not to be so picky. Anyways I'm glad I made it. Also need to always have some reserve food and water with me.

After lunch got another 10 miles down the road and found another of Kansas's great community pools. This one cost three bucks and only had one slide and diving board. But totally refreshing after a long sweaty day.


My feet look so funny. My riding sandals leave these great tan lines. It's looks like I have gills on my feet. Will definitely maintain a sweet tan the rest of the summer.



Thanks again for reading along. Things are still hauling along just fine. The bike and my body are holding up. My mantra for the trip is, "have fun dude!". Really looking forward to the rockies and the west coast but trying to enjoy every minute along the way. Super greatful for all the support along the way so far!

Thank you!

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Who said Kansas is flat?

Another amazing couple of days of the journey. Still super greatful to be on the road happy and healthy. Right now laying in bed at the Holiday inn holidome in Lawrence, KS. Got a great deal through my priceline negotiator app. Such a cool app you have to check out. I'm watching David Letterman and catching up with my current events.

Today started in Kansas City and was supposed to wind up in Topeka. I texted my buddy Kansas in NYC and he told me Topeka is a "shithole.". I heeded his advice and stopped in Lawrence a great college town with a vibrant energy. The main street through town is called Michigan street. Everything you could want in shops, restaurants and bars in one town. They even had the coolest outfitters shop I've been to thus far. Great layout with all the best in gear you could want. Didn't need anything but still fun to browse around. Great layout in an old brick building.

Then after that it was time to figure where I was going to stay. That's one of the best parts of this trip. Almost never know where I'll be the following day. Even when I plan on being somewhere anything can get in the way. Going the wrong way or a mechanical failure. Even the route I'm going to take is a moment by moment experience.





Like today for instance. Google maps you got me again. Should have known something was up when the paved road ended and the gravel alley began. Then I passed into the university of Kansas's horticultural property. It said to take this access road. That road ended with locked gates. Oops...time turn around and figure out a new route. That fence was too high and dangerous to try and attempt to hop. Even if I did who knows what would have been next.





The cool part of that detour was the tornado shelter I got to check out. There were signs leading up to it on the access road and then it was in the woods. Something I wouldn't have come across if that detour didn't happen. Have to try and remain positive when those things happen. Especially when the back tracking is all up hill.

Got over 40 mph today. Been a few states since that has happened. Hence who said Kansas is flat. Especially this town. Biked through the whole campus here. It's a really hilly campus that is dope. Love the layout and the architecture. There are private homes and cool artwork/sculptures spreadout amongst all the college buildings. It's also at the highest point in Lawrence so everywhere you turn you get a great view.





The past two days were spent in a beautiful home in Leawood, KS. Nicks mom was kind enough to host us for two nights. Even cooler to loan us her car to go into Kansas City to explore. She lives about 20 miles south of the city.

The first night we ened up eating BBQ. We went big that night, too much food. The portions in KC are huge. But it was all good. Then we ened up driving around to some different spots but the city was dead. Nick and Rich were drinking so I drove home. Thankfully the leawood police were kind enough to pull me over. Come on dude! I asked why he pulled me over. I've been driving for 20 years now. Yup, I'm old'. The cop told me he pulled me over because i went into the left lane before making my right hand turn. Caught a bit of an attitude with him. It's like come on bro, you've been tailing me for a few blocks. Not too many cars on the road and your looking for drunk drivers or some action. Really wanted to say show me video proof. How would you even ticket it me for that. Can he really prove that I went into the left hand lane? We showed him Nick's mom INS cars and my license and everything checked out. He let me go with a warning.

Then yesterday was a day off. Nick actually left to go to Austin. His mom still let us stay with her which was sweet. We didn't have to worry about finding another place and we could stay off the saddle. It was also raining all day. We got some shopping and errands done, had lunch and went to the movies.

This was the coolest theater I've ever been to. You purchase your ticket at the kiosk and pick your own seat. Not only was it super high tech but clean and beautifully designed. Rich was super excited about beer they served in actual pint glasses. After the flick I was taking some pix and found out they have the $25 option. You not only get to pick your own seat that is ultra plush but $15 to spend towards concessions. The art of entertainment is changing. Best sound system I've ever experienced as well. The only downer is the movie started 20 minutes late. Not cool! But the movie was a laugh a minute. Get him to the greek.

Then after that it was time for the Lakers game. Found a great sports bar and hung til haltime. Then back to leawood with no coppers.

Thanks for reading along. I'll post some pix with me in them. There has been speculation that this trip has been contrived and I'm in my apartment.



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Ryan 4.2

Can you believe it has been 30 days already? I'm ready for a day off in Kansas City. Been riding for the past straight 8 days. One of them was a half day, but that day was hilly. I'm not complaining just need to rest.

Having a great day of riding so far today. Sitting in a gas station charging my phone and gps so I have some juice. Last night there were noboutlets at the campground we stayed at. It was the Missouri state fair grounds. Looks like a fun time when it's going on.

There were a couple of other bikers there as well. A dude we met a couple of dats ago that was just riding the Katy trail. Then three other dudes riding from San Fran to NYC in 35 days. They were on day 18 yesterday with just over 1900 miles. That is a sick ride. Century after century after century. They are on road bikes and light on the gear. They all have a schedule to keep as well. It was good to hear about their trip thus far.

Im glad to have a little more liesure time. Trying to muscle through the whole trip would be a fun challange but take away from the experience for me. There also all about 25 years old. Read my palm if you know how.





Got a real late start yesterday. Didn't get on the road til just about 2pm with almost 70 miles of trail riding to go. Not a fun day for me. Fortunately even though the naked hippee wasn't helpful. The next morning someone in the campground who lives on a houseboat there loanede their car to go into town. The bike shops didn't open til noon. Columbia is a pretty big college town about 13 miles away from the campground. That was super nice of then to do that. Filled up their tank and bought them a pie for the gesture. Then while I was in town Rich called and asked me to pick up some inner tubes for someone who just ed in with a flat.



About 40 miles to go to KC. Looking forward to having a day off and exploring the city. Also going to meet up with Nick who is there visiting his mom. Time to hit the road. Thanks for all the comments and reading along. Gets lonely out here on the open road.


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Skinny dipping

Right now I'm laying in a hammock at Coopers Landing campsite in Easly, Mo. Been another long strange hot and exciting day on the road. Planned on being another 20 miles down the road. But you know when you plan God smiles.





Just as we were passing this campground we heard a fun shot. That was my back tire exploding. Luckily we were near the end of the day, biking together and near this sweet campground right on the river. So we rolled vack into camp to survey the situation. Had a full on blow out and a punctured tire. So much for the indestructible expensive Schwalbe tires.





We decided to kick it hear for the night. They had live music, a warm shower, food and a beautiful sunset. Rich befriended this guy named Rick that was overly friendly. I was content with dealing with my tire in the morning. Either trying to make it down the trail the 16 miles to the next bike shop or try and get a ride. This guy wanted to help in a big way. He invited us to come up to his house where he had a few bikes and old rims laying around. He wanted to get it done tonight.

So as the live music was finishing up, the sun was set, people were starting to take off. At first Rich didn't want to take the ride but changed his mind. I'm glad he did. Rick said his good byes to another couple he was hanging with and we hopped in thier mini van with my rim and tire and headed up to there house. We were with Ricks wife Debbie.

As we were going up to the house he was telling us about his 20 acres. We pull up, get out and his wife dissapears. Rick proceeds on offering us drinks and takes on a tour of the property. He built the house back in 1977 as a bachelor. Since them there has been a lot of additions. He's an architect/engineer.

On and on and on he goes about the property and the weddings he's had there. How the realtors love his house and so forth. He did say let's hang for a little while then we'll get to the tire. We walk around the perimeter of the house which has a deck that goes all the way around. We can see one of his two daughters watching tv with his wife as we walk around. We both have our coal miner head lamps on as we're doing the tour. Who knows what's going on in anyones mind at that point.

Thought we were coming up here to look at some other tires. Next thing you know we're in the back part of his property where he built a little town. There's a bank, jail, outhouse and some other stuff. He's like this is where I keep the mower. This is where I keep some other stuff. In my mind next is this is where I keep the bodies. We keep meandering around the property. He asked if we want to get high. Telll him no thanks. He proceeds to embibe. Then he's like, let's go for a swim. Let me back up. Not to long before that he did mention he was going to build a sweat lodge. Rich and I told him we built one a few years ago. At the time I didn't pay no mind to the fact that he said, "ya know it will be nice to do for a weekend. Just get the guys up here and get naked.". Now we went and grabbed three towels from the changing house and heard to the pool. I'm at this guys house and he takes off his clothes and jumps in the pool. Wife and daughter right there in the house next to us. It's dark out without the headlamp so we follow suit. Three grown men skinny dipping at night.

Anyways, he goes on to tell us how he walks around the property all the time naked. I'm still wondering what his wife and daughter are thinking. We all get out if the pool and are just hanging out. Him literally just walking around his garden still yammering away. Don't get me wrong, super nice guy and all. Great house, but dude...we don't even know each other. As we're sitting there drying off this amazing electrical storm is happening over head.



Got dressed and headed back towards the garage. Well some of us got dressed. He was walking around in his scivvies and a shirt. Oh my god, that reminds me. He did have a water tower in his town that had "free bird" written on it. All the signs were clearly illuminated. You just had to read between the lines.

Lo and behold back to the business at hand. We do another tour of the property looking for that tire. We walk behind a shed and there's just a few rims, no tires. Then he ends up giving me some residential sticky on one side big patch thing. So I cut a piece and put it on the inside of my tire. We'll see how that plays out tomorrow. That was after he gave me a schwinn pacth kit from the 1970's where the patches were dried out and also offered me some type of roofing material.

A little bit awkward but definitely interesting. We got back in the mini van after chatting for a spell and headed back to camp. He was driving slow. Think he was glad to have some company of men.

This campground is great though. I love being right on the river. Made some more friends earlier with Rob & Tonya who boated over here to eat at the thai restaurant in the trailer attached to the campgrounds facility.



Other than that it was just over a 60 mile slow hot day. I do like being on the trail for many aspects, but it is a lot slower than the roads. Thanks for reading along.

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Blew out my flip flop

Another great couple days in a new city. Saint Louis is a fantastic town. It has a ton of charm. From the city to the surrounding areas. I love the architecture. The Arch is super impressive.

Last night was even better than the night before. The first night we stayed at the youth hostel in Slouard. Which is a fun artsy part of town. Heard the second largest Mardis Gras takes place there. The hostel was a hostel. Bunk beds and just a place to crash. The buildings it inhabited were really cool.





We met this awesome German girl there that lives here in the states now. Her 13 year old brother Alex was visiting her. So we all hung out the past couple of days. Last night we ended up at the city museum to go check out Fishbone. They rocked the house! A super high energy show with a great mosh pit. That's where I blew out my flip flop. Not a good ideas to mosh in flip flops. But hella fun none the less. I really felt alive last night. Hanging in the mosh pit with a couple of buddies is the place to be. Sorry to say, I was sore this morning. I'm not as young and nimble as I once was.

The city museum is one of a kind. Take a trip to Saint Louis if you haven't been. This museum is the most unique dangerous mind blowing place I have ever been too. An adult wonderland and playground. People have told me about it before, but you have to experience it for yourself.





After the museum we had a late night. Ended up in a neighborhood called CWE and weren't digging it so moved on. Ended up at this kareoke bar that I think used to be a strip club. Over a 100 disco balls on the mirrored ceiling. I'll just say the night life in stl is interesting.

We stayed at our buddy Nicks dads house last night. So we did get a half day of riding in yesterday. He lives just over 30 miles west of the city. Just happens Nick was passing through at the same time on his move to Austin. We'll see him in a few days in Kansas city as well.

Now we're back on the trail. Another rail trail that goes almost all the way to Kansas city. Rail trails are old railroad trails that are now bike trails. Great flat safe trails with plenty of wild life.

Now we're sitting at Twin Gables in Martgasville MO. A little hunky tonk local joint. We got a late start today. Rich got the first flat of the trip today. Had my first mishap yesterday. Broke a spoke and had it fixed at a great shop in the STL. They also replaced my riding shoes that had ripped the other night on my long ride from the wear and tear. Literally busted them at the seems. The manufacture said he would give them credit. So that was sweet.

So much more to tell. Have to eat and get back on the trail. Maybe I'll double dip with the blogs if I get service later.

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Location:Marthasville,United States

The crossroads

It has definitely been the most difficult part of the trip thus far. It's been about there days since I've been able to blog. Made it into Saint Louis today. Just left the Cardinals game at Busch stadium where they defeated the Reds.





Yesterday was a momentus day for me. That's what made today so tuff. Got a real late start yesterday. Didn't leave Metropolis til noon. Yes Metropolis, Supermans hometown.





Just like the big rock in the center of this town painted green like kryptonite. I have several of my own kryptonites. This was 50 miles from the lake house we spent the weekend at. Harrahs riverboat casino was right there in town. Should have never walked in. Ended up playing craps and getting a "free" room. Not a good visit. Fianally got out of there at noon the next day.

Totally threw me off my game, mentally and physically. But I'm glad to say I'm back on track. Southern illinois is the pits. It's litterally swamp land. Never would have known unless I took this trip. Just a few miles down the road I ran into a couple touring. Helped to put me back into the frame of mind I needed to be in.





Dave and Carol were getting back to the trans am trail after going to a wedding in New Orleans. She was a bit chatty and would have talked to me all day. I was already 20 miles behind Rich due to my poor decision the day before. So I said my good byes and hit the road. It was a scorcher too yesterday. About 90 degrees and muggy in swamp land. Told them I had a 94 mile day ahead of me. They were doing about 50 miles a day.

Long story short, bad cell phone coverage and a bad mind frame I took a road I thought was going north, south 25 miles in the wrong direction. Ended up in Cairo, Il on the Missouri border. Very far south when I was supposed to be way north.

Hot day, bad night at the casino, already trying to make up the 20 mile deficit and now this. That's a 50 mile mistake. 50 miles on a bike in that weather is no joke. I literally stood there in the blazing sun in this crossroad extremely discouraged. My mind was going bonkers.

This guy in a big truck pulls up to see if I'm ok. Told him about my mistake. He gave me some directional advice and took off. This is the only time during the trip I wanted to put my thumb out. A big white sweaty guy with a big touring bike getting a lift, good luck!

After looking at the map I realized I was close to Memphis. Totally thought about switching up my route. Then I said, time to nut up. Mustered the bravado to go back north and get as far as I could.

Rich was texting me and trying to find out where I was at. Having spotty service and embarresed about the days events I didn't respond. He ended up in Chester which was our destination for the day.





Once I was on the right road I was determined. Sunset is right around 8 and it gets dark after that. There's no street lights out here. Kept peddling and peddling and didn't pass a thing for hours. Finally saw a budweiser sign and tucked away was a bar. Got in there right after sunset with just about 93 miles on the gps.

Watched the cardinals game and had salad with chicken. Talked to some of the locals and was hoping someone said, "Chester, that's 40 miles down the road...let me give u a ride.". Also thought about paying someone to take me. That didn't happen.

Put my Petzl headlamp on and my little red lite for the back of my seat. It was off to Chester. Pitch black and magical. Passed over the Big Muddy and kept going. My face was like the front of a tractor trailer. The bugs were dive bombing my face going toward the headlamp.

Deer scurrying in the bushes along with other critters. The frogs croaking and every other sound you hear on the swamp at night. The amazing part was the 100's of thousands fireflies all around me. Pitch black out trying to follow the white line and this electric light show of nature all around me. Truly sober trippy experience. Sensory deprivation at it's best. Not a lot of traffic on that back country road thankfully. But again, was hoping someone would have stopped to offer me a ride. Granted I would have stopped and camped if there was a suitable spot. Saw to signs for campgrounds but I didn't know how far off the 3 they were. So kept on trucking.

It was tuff! My body was exhausted and there are 0 services. Didn't pass a gas station or anything for over 40 miles. Out of water and energy. Pulled over and ate to packs of honey roasted peanuts I had with me. Was looking at peoples homes for a garden hose. Didn't see a thing and then finally made it to Chester. Great! Got to Chester and it was time to climb again. Over 130 miles finally get there and it's all up hill. Get almost to the top and see another budweiser sign. It was the local legion hall. Went in there had a root beer and filled my water bottles. Talked to the locals and off to the campground.

138 miles and just after midnight, made it! When I got to the location in the middle of this town there were about 15 or so other tents and bikes. Adventure cycling has an organized group that is riding the trams am trail and was staying there.

It was cool to see that. Woke up about 9 and missed all but one of them. They paid $4200 for the trip. The group was 16 deep and they supply meals. Pretty cool but I'm glad to do as I like.

Rich was up and ready to go. He was surprised to see me. Told him about my crazy day. Said he was going to go to Farmington. Another town on the trail about 50 miles away. Told him I was still planning on St Louis. He didn't want to get off trail again. So I said good bye thinking we were going to split up. Then I got a text from him. He didn't realize how close St Louis was and said he was in. So we're still rolling together and in St Louie tonight.

One of our buddies Nick is moving to Austin. He's actually in town visiting his dad. So we all met up tonight had dinner and went to the ball game. A really good end to a couple of shitty days with a couple of bad decisions.






Thats way too much and not enough. For now good night and sweet dreams. Also burnt over 11000 calories yesterday, kind of insane.

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Location:Saint Louis, MO