Great Bend to McPherson, Kansas

64 miles, 3:45 riding time, 469 feet of climbing, 3,335 Calories.

According to Wikipedia, Kansas is "named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa tribe, who inhabited the area. The tribe's name (natively kką:ze) is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south wind". The wind was howling out of the south today, giving credance to "people of the south wind." Luckily, we were headed east and the wind was from the side, but it was still a nuisance. Nonetheless, we made good time for a short day, only 64 miles.

I think the route sheet best describes our ride today: "no services for 20.5 miles" and "no services for 28.4 miles." US 56 is a long, lonesome road. About ten miles east of Great Bend, is the little town of Ellinwood. In its heyday, Ellinwood had an underground mall under the businesses on main street. The older basements and coal chutes were connected and stores were set up in the empty spaces. Much of the underground passages have been filled in with sand, but some still remain and tours are available by appointment. They were not open on Sunday.

Kansas is the friendliest state we've been in so far. At least, Kansas has the most curious citizens - "Where are you going?" "Boston." long pause "On your bicycle?" "Yes." You can see them think, "this man is nuts, but I'm too polite to say so." Nice people.

Factoids:

McPherson was recently ranked 3rd by Progressive Farm Magazine in its Best Places to Live in America.

Terry Nichols bought the one ton of ammonium nitrate used in the Oklahoma City bombing, in McPherson.

The first basketball team to represent the United States in the Olympics featured six McPherson residents of 13 total players. This team went on to defeat Canada 19-8 in the Gold Medal game at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

There was an opera house in McPherson. The building is being restored.

This is too good not to include: Denny posted a comment on Al's blog:

"Another little-known fact. During the McCarthy era, college professors were suspect. They were required to sign "loyalty oaths." The president of McPherson College, a Church of the Brethren school, said their religion forbade them from oaths, so they said they'd write their own statement. It said that they were against any overthrow of a government using force, including the overthrow of the British government in America in the Revolutionary War. Not exactly what McCarthy was looking for!"

Pictures for today, Peter showing off. At the SAG stop, left to right, Peter, Chris, Willie, Al, yours truly, and Fred. These are the thoroughbreds - the first ones into the hotel each day.

Rider of the day: Mike is a Brit, who works freelance as a computer programmer. He wants to become an author and writes very well. His blog is much more entertaining than mine. After finishing the ride to Boston, Mike is going to strike out on his own and ride south to his home in Florida.