Today we want to honor veteran CPT Ryan Timoney and thank him for not only his service to our country but for his sacrifice as well. Thank you CPT Timoney. You are a hero! Please check out his story and consider making a donation to HFOT.
We left Monarch and I was a bit sad to say goodbye to the mountains. We were heading toward Canon City when we passed a loaded cyclist so we pulled over to give him a Powerade. His name is Matt and is traveling to Massachusetts. We made a stop at the Royal Gorge Bridge on our way to KS. It is so cool to stand in the middle of the bridge and look 956 ft down at the Arkansas River. Okay, truth be told, I was scared to death because of my little fear of heights. Add swaying in the wind on a suspension bridge and my heart rate was going up. I did it though and took it all in. Kelly said in one of her Facebook post, “The depth and beauty of some areas seems too hard to capture through the lens. The Royal Gorge was one of those for me. Such a different form of majesty as opposed to canyons and mountains. The sway of the bridge under my feet as the strong winds howled caused me to feel as though I was taking a little bit of a risk on trusting those who built such an amazing structure to span the Gorge: My adventure side wished there was a trail that would lead me tot he raging river below, but realistically rappelling would be the only option. Colorado has such diversity in its landscape. One could tour the state alone for months and not tire of its ever changing scenery.” Well said, sis.
I am sad to leave Colorado. It’s been good to me and I will miss the mountains. I am looking forward to seeing what Kansas has to offer. We got close to the board of KS and I’m just amazed at the change in scenery. It went from gradually undulating to super flat just like that. Puff no more hills or mountains anywhere. There were no more curvy roads, just straight as far as the eye could see. It’s flatter, hotter, drier, and the wind could literally blow you over! We met Matt today on our drive. He is riding to Massachusetts. Good luck to you Matt and may the tailwinds be your friend.
My first ride in Kansas was super short. I started at 7pm. I was going to ride about 2 hours which would be through sunset. I was perfectly fine with riding in the night because of how hot it was and it was super FLAT and no traffic. I could do this. Kelly was going to go on to Scott City which was 60 miles away and check us in and then turn around and pick me up whenever that might have been. I was pumped and ready to do my first ride at sunset and beyond. She took some photos of me at the boarder sign and we parted ways. First few miles I found my grove and was really enjoying it. I had winds coming at me from the left and just ever so slightly nudging me to the side of the road. Then they got stronger and stronger. I was having a difficult time staying on the road. Twice strong gust blow me off the road. The side winds became headwinds. I felt like I was biking in a wind tunnel and making no progress. I saw a huge storm cell up ahead and new I was going to hit it within a short time. I pulled over to call Kelly because I literally thought I was going to become Dorthy of Wizard of Oz right here in Kansas on my first day. No cell phone service was available. I got back on my bike and kept heading straight into the storm. It was getting darker and darker and the wind was coming from every direction now. A semi passed me and it knocked me off the road. That was it! I was so mad. I prayed that Kelly would turn around and come and get me. Within a minute she pulled up and asked if I needed a ride. She said she got 5 miles down the road and hit some really bad rain and turned around to come and get me! Love her! I will try this ridding in KS thing tomorrow!
We drove on to Scott’s City for the night and stopped at the la Fiesta Mexican Restuarant for some food. Thanks Terri Overpeck. Our room at the Best Western is very nice and I’m ready to plan my ride for tomorrow. Weather looks much better. Hot, but better.
Thanks again for all who have supported us through your prayers, encouraging texts, and your donations throughout our journey. You’re the best! We appreciate you so much! Thank you also to those who have supported HFOT. Your donations to them help disabled vets, like CPT Ryan Timoney, get a chance at reclaiming some of their personal freedoms in a new home. Many thanks!
Night, Stay Blessed