What a memorable day! Winds were 25 to 35 mph cross winds, gusting to 45 mph. Most of us have never experienced this, since we usually have a choice and better judgement prevails. This was also century number six for the trip...106 miles and one of the toughest.
The National Weather Service had lots of high wind warnings out and cautioned high profile vehicles...but no caution to bikers, so we went. Many times we all had to hang on the bikes for dear life when a big gust of wind would blow us out into the center of the road. I just slowed down and leaned into the wind. The latter part of the ride my hands were numb from the death grip I had on the handle bar. A few parts of the country road turned down wind for several miles and we flew... hit 40 several times. Some of the road turned into the wind and that was a slow hard grind. We probably would have not made it if the entire ride was into the wind.
No one got hurt, but 14 decided to take a van ride in at various points along the ride. Many got a scare from the high gusts. Temps warmed to mid 80s, and most arrived caked in salt. We also discovered eastern Kansas has many really big hills!
Tomorrow we leave Kansas and go to St Joe. Winds are forecast to be 20 - 30 mph tail winds. Yea!
Stats: 106 miles, century number 6, 16.8 mph avg, 2500' climbing, temps 72 - 85 deg, flat number 8.
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