7/17-Lightening the Load

Today was a relatively short day, especially after yesterday’s endurance challenge. In route miles, I think it was only about 38. 

I left the Our Heritage Guest Ranch at about 6:15. With there being no water at Toadsuck (I mean Toadstool), this place is an awesome option. 

I didn’t take many photos today, but here’s a few. 

The road was more washboarded in this section. Probably more traffic. 

This train tooted the horn, and the engineer waved at me!

Some weird mounds…probably similar to the Toadstools

And, another train. I saw or heard 4 trains today!

Looks like the land dropped

I took my time getting up ahead because I thought I would just have to wait for the train to pass, but the road turned at the tracks. 

The route said if you needed supplies, go off route to Crawford. The gps even routed it that way (but not all the way into Crawford). I opted to take the detour. I stopped at a place called Dairy Sweet and had second breakfast. 

As I had been riding, actually for a couple of days now, I was thinking about how I really didn’t need my leg warmers and arm warmers. I also didn’t really envision needing my puffy jacket. So, in Crawford, after second breakfast, I rode to the post office. I dug those things and my water proof gloves out of my bags, and mailed them home. I think lightening the load, even if it’s not that much, does wonders mentally. 

Instead of going back to the route, I just stayed on Hwy 20 to Chadron. It was 23 miles with a good shoulder. There were even a couple of shady spots to stop in. Yes, it is still quite hot. I keep hearing the temps are supposed to be dropping a bit soon. 

Nice shoulder!

Vivian and Ken are also at the same hotel in Chadron. They will stay an extra day to put a new tire on Ken’s bike. Speaking of tires, I ordered a new Terravail Sparwood tire to replace Wanda’s rear tire. It will be sent to the Norfolk, NE post office. There’s a bike shop in Norfolk. I called and they will be able to mount the tire, and set it up tubeless. Now, I just have to ride 335 more miles, and take at least 6 days to get there. No need to do 80+ mile days.

I’ve really been enjoying spending time in the towns with Vivian and Ken. They are fun to hang out with.