"We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz…"
Today was a recovery ride, very short (less than forty miles) and easy (essentially flat, with gentle winds). We are now riding between huge expanses of irrigated fields - I think they are wheat fields; it would be nice if they would put up a sign or two for the ignorant, city folk who get lost and drive these roads.
We passed through Hooker, a small town that capitalizes on it's name. Bumper stickers and t-shirts are for sale with slogans, such as, "I'm not your typical Hooker." The local baseball team is named the Horny Toads; you can buy a shirt with "I could've been a prince, but it's more fun being a Horny Toad." Great gift ideas for Aunt Ethyl back home…or not.
We crossed another state line into Kansas (where did Oklahoma go)? This is Dorothy and Toto country. US Highway 54 in Kansas is the official "yellow brick road," even though it isn't brick and it isn't yellow. Liberal is home to the Wizard of Oz Museum, Dorothy's house, a large air museum, and the Coronado Museum. No, we didn't see any tornados, heartless tin men, cowardly lions, brainless scarecrows, munchkins, or witches; but we are in Kansas and will be for several days.
Is there a Conservative, Oklahoma? Yes, turn right at Liberal…
Rider of the day:
George is from Missouri; he's a retired physician. We are now calling him, "Brave Heart." Day before yesterday, George was on the road, riding alone, from Tucumcari to Dalhart, into the wind, for twelve hours! He arrived in Dalhart as the rest of us were eating dinner. George said, "I would look ahead and see a tree. I told myself, I can ride that far. When I got to that point, I would look ahead for another tree…" It was truly a hard day's riding and a huge effort on his part.
Wow, three days, three states. I can hardly wait until you leave Kansas. The line then should be: Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore! Hope you get some tailwinds soon. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi Jim,
ReplyDeleteI take this from today's post....the way to the white house is in Oklahoma...well you have the town of Hooker, Liberal and Conservative just wait for a tornado and 'poof' your at the white house.
Jaime
Beach Bike Trek Update.
ReplyDeleteSadly, despite many hours of in-class work and educational videos, the domestiques have failed to grasp the concept of pace line.
Fortunately, this morning when we set out we, too, had an easy ride - no head wind, nice smooth pavement, few distractions, and only one incident of public urination. It was a good day.
Beach Bike Trek: NEWSFLASH!
ReplyDeleteA fifth rider has joined our group! She hails from Torrance, California. Like the fourth rider, she is a little height-challenged, but her youth and vitality more than make up for what she lacks in stature. She has been shadowing our trek and training in preparation for joining the group. We welcome the "K-Dog" and wish her well.
Hope you get to see Susan's parents in Ks, but I don't know where they live and she's at the Scuba Show. She said it's a big thing when the riders come through town, coverage in the newspaper for weeks, headlines, a parade, homemade goodies.... you'll be famous, almost!
ReplyDeleteBack on my bike today. I'm trying to ride as far as you go in one day in a week - hey, everybody has to start somewhere. I can relate to the tree guy!
Tree Woman, B