Wray to McCook to Minden

Tuesday was an awesome day, despite a strong headwind which made the ride intense. My dad and I (Mark) rode with Jim Holwerda, Katrina, and Nancy. We acted as the windbreakers, pulling the others along. You really got to see a pace line at work that day. There was such a difference from leading in the front to following in the draft behind. I felt really good that day, must be from that energy-rich oatmeal breakfast, yum yum. So we arrived at camp around 3:30 in Wray, Colorado. Our tent was quickly set up in the park and we went off to explore the town. Turns out that there was a public pool which was free for Sea to Sea cyclists (multiple towns have done this). Well, this wasn't just some ordinary, diving board public pool. This pool had a kid's water park place, and two water slides, a yellow and green one. Now, the yellow water slide was longer, but slower. The green water slide was "wicked" (in the words of Ed) fast, but shorter. So you decide, which one to go down. I went down both and had a super duper time.
Camp supper that night was amazing with mashed potatoes, peas, salad, beans, and cherry cobbler for desert - absolutely delicious. Our cooks really know how to make food or it's just that we'll eat anything after a long hot day of biking.
In addition to all the fun we have been having, there have been some serious accidents. So please pray for the safety of all the Sea to Sea riders. Three cyclists have had to leave the tour - Arnie, Tyler, and Cynthia. We miss each very much. The community really takes a toll when any rider is hurt. Please pray for quick recoveries and comfort.


Wednesday was a not-so-awesome day. The wind was just wild. It was like a huge fan blowing in your face. I don't think that I believe in tailwinds any more. The day was frustrating to me. You wanted to go faster, but the wind held you back. You got saddle sore. The sag wagons and towns just didn't come soon enough. It was just too hot outside. So, as I said, it was a tough day. However, there were good things too. We made it into camp. We got a slushy and Arby's jamocha shake. The sun was shining (even though it was too hot). We got to ride through three states - Colorado, Kansas (a detour off route), and Nebraska. So, I guess it was a good day looking back on it. When you're riding it's tough though, each pedal stroke can be a drag. But, Once you get into camp, your energy is renewed almost like that. A shower freshens you up and you feel as if you could do the whole ride again, or just take a nap in the shade. So, that day we went from Wray, Colorado to McCOOK, Nebraska (our sixth state).


Thursday, today, was an awesome day again. I'd have to say that it was amazing. We woke up at 6:00, packed our tent, ate breakfast, prepared our bikes, and were on the road by 7:30. The was a no wind, such a blessing. Then, as the day progressed, a tailwind grew and grew. Suddenly, instead of just going 18mph we started to go 22mph. Our speed dramatically increased which made the day wonderful. It was nice to move along at a good pace after days of crawling around in a headwind. My dad and I stopped at a gas station for a slushy, cherry and blue raspberry flavored. It's a tradition now to get at least one during the route. In fact, we keep our cup in my bike bag so that we can get refill prices.
My dad and I arrived in town at about 1:30pm. The gear truck was still locked. So we had to tour around town. While meandering the streets, a small boy on a bike shouted out a greeting. He was a salesman, shouting out the good news that just 'round the corner there was a lemonade stand. Only 25 cents was the price. He was so compelling, that we had no choice. My dad and I went to the corner of 2nd and Colorado to find the homemade lemonade stand with beach chairs alongside the road. We drank our fill. Then off we went again. This time in search of "Southfork," a local cafe praised highly by the lemonaders. We found the place eventually and were taken aback by the air conditioning. What a treat. So we just had to split a cheeseburger and basket of fries (their special), along with a chocolate malt and cyclone (ice cream with candy bar). It was great. I wish we could've stayed. They were hiring, but not shifts for the "short time/one day" I was thinking about.
At camp now we're resting up. My dad, Denise Bentum, and I are sitting in the shade. My dad's sleeping, I'm blogging, and Denise is just thrilled that she learned how to make a slide show on her computer. It's pretty hot out now, but we do have the usual iced tea and strawberry-lemonade in large jugs. We're keeping cool.
Well, that's all for now. Sorry, we couldn't keep you updated sooner. The satellite for internet seems to be taking a few days off. Hopefully we can get up some pictures later on.

And, for all who wish to know, we have met Ralph Fledderus. He's a great guy.