Kansas hasn't exactly been the smooth sailing we thought it would be. It is the state that most people look forward to for raking in the miles and easy riding. If you're behind on your average, there is always Kansas so no need to worry. Well that hasn't exactly been the case for us. We have had a rough time getting in any sort of rhythm in Kansas. First we had headwinds that turned 60 miles on flat terrain into an all day event. We were expecting to do 80 miles easily on most days. When we left Scott City the winds were finally starting to come straight out of the south rather than the southeast. That makes a world of difference. We arrived in Ness City at a decent hour and we were deciding rather to continue on while it was still early to some unappealing areas or stay in Ness City to experience their county fair and free camping, then take advantage of the better wind patterns the next day. Then it would be our time to shine and really start getting into our rhythm. About that time another curve ball hit us.
Before going to the fair we were going to take advantage of the city pool to cool off. Little did we know there would be some obstacles between us and relaxing in the cold water. There was a very steep sidewalk leading to the pool area. On top of that, a swarm of monstrous looking hornets. Under these circumstances, Natalee decided the best thing to do would be to run through the swarm of hornets with her bike. Within less than a minute of this decision, the sidewalk was covered in a decent amount of blood. The weight of the loaded down bike made it roll much faster than expected and the teeth of the chainring essentially ended up puncturing her ankle. Luckily it happened only a few feet from lots of bored lifeguards. Connie was the pool manager and she and her lifeguards were very nice and caring. We didn't know at the time how much of a set back this would end up being.
After cleaning up the mess we set up camp alongside and interesting group of people, not that it was a surprise or anything this far into the trip. They were a group of all natural nomadic Christians, some of who have been traveling since 1979. Interesting right? They were following the TransAm but we slowly realized that it wasn't just a summer thing for them, it was there life. They were incredibly nice and cooked us dinner and breakfast. Natalee some how even fell into a strange reflexology foot massage due to her injury that began growing more and more tender.
After dinner we hit the fair. It was free entry and all the rides were about a dollar. Natalee was also a living legend by that time. Many people were saying they had heard what happened and wanted to make sure that she was okay. News travels fast in a small town. The fair was full of rides that make you want to vomit. Perfect. The Vagabonds are always really happy to be able to get the full experience from any town that they stop in.
The next morning looked like it might become an unexpected day off when Israel had to piggyback Natalee from the tent to use the restroom. It then seemed like receiving medical attention in Ness City was going to be impossible! The first clinical was full, the second clinic would not take out of state BCBS so I guess you're not supposed to get sick or hurt outside your home state. The hunt ended when the ER took her right in. The only thing was that the nurse had to go down the list of doctors until she could find out who was on call that day. Don't ever have a real emergency in Ness City if you want to live. One X-ray, 4 stitches, a tetanus shot and an antibiotic later we were ready to get things back on the road. We decided that this would be the best time to test out night riding, like so many cycle tourists do through Kansas to avoid the heat and winds.
We napped the rest of the day and were ready to set out around 9pm. Just in time for the big thunderstorms to roll in. We made it a mile down the road before taking shelter in a strange hotel lobby. Another curve ball. We thought we could wait it out, but waiting and waiting and waiting with no letting up turned into us splitting a $40 room.
There was an indoor pool in the main lobby, rotary dial telephones next to the toilets, the fragrance of old cigarettes and perfume in the room and Jerry Springer on TV. Totally worth the money. After a few failed attempts we would be back on the road in the morning and Kansas would slow us down no more!
The morning started of fine. By the time Israel and Nick stopped for lunch they found out that Natalee was stranded with a swollen foot and could go no further and Jordan was also way back because he was sleeping off an oncoming cold. We have yet to worry so now was not the time to start. Israel and Nick's waitress at Papa's in Albert had offered to give them a ride to her hometown Ellinwood for the big fair they were having. We have taken a liking to random festivals in these small towns. All it took was some gas money for Tonya to drive out of the way to pick up Jordan and Natalee. She was quite the lifesaver. She even did us one better by letting us camp out in her yard.
We met Tonya's whole lively family and they showed us a fun night. 9 year old Cody was very excited to have us and was an excellent host. He even set up his tent right next to ours in the back yard. A good rest was needed for some decision making in the morning. We would ideally be covering a lot of ground right now but we are dealing with our first injury of the trip. There also aren't many places around that are appealing to rest up in for a couple of days. Tonya insisted on taking us to the next town over so we allowed her to. We are resting in McPherson today and we will see where or adventure takes us next. Wish us luck for the rest of Kansas!
Babe watch to the rescue!
Cycling nomads for The Lord !
Tawnia and Cody to the rescue
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