i've been everywhere

It started out to be a leisurely 50 mile ride, then it turned epic! It was sunny, but cool this morning so I puttered around the house until 10:00am before I headed out. I figured even going slow I would be home 3:00. The wind was from the west so I started in that direction. I went further west than I had been in over a year. I ended up looking like a straggler on a century ride held by the local bike club, which I had totally forgotten about. Riders were headed back towards town as I plugged away on the other side of the road. I made it into the neighboring county before needing to choose north or south when I ran out of road. I went south and felt like Wellsville would be a good far point to make a loop that would put me over 50 miles.

I had stuffed some snacks in my pocket and ate them in the city park in Wellsville. My approach had been from the north, and I knew there was a road on the east side of town that would take me back to roads I was familiar with and get me headed for home. But, there was construction, and I was advised to not go north on that road. So, I headed south and was going away from where I wanted to end up. Seven miles later I was able to head east on a highway with a good shoulder, but more traffic than I cared for. After about 10 miles I was able to turn to the north on a road I knew. It would get me home, eventually.

Able to refill my bottles at Hillsdale Lake and again at the park in Gardner, and once more at the ball fields in Olathe, I was less than 3 miles from home before my phone rang. My dear wife was just calling to check on me and my 7 hour adventure. It wasn't planned, but I  was glad to get a good ride in that will be as long as all but two days on the Tour de Kota. Two more weeks and I'll be on my way.