10 May 2011 Fast America Day 17 HALFWAY!

Topeka, KS to Cameron, MO

Mileage:                     124.52 miles

Riding Time:              8:04     Riding Speed 15.4 mph

Total Time:                 9:45

Climbing:                    5008 ft.

Flats:                           1

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/84851771

http://app.strava.com/rides/545593

Missouri cycling is all that it is cracked up to be. We crossed the swollen Missouri about 57 miles into the ride and after that it was up-down-up-down-up-down for 70 miles. Before entering Missouri, my average speed was about 18 mph; after it was about 13 mph; I think that the smoothing algorithm on the Garmin and Strava displays makes it hard to see what it is really like. Also, nearly 100 F. My foot was OK until about 20 miles to go. Again, I just took it easy and said: I’ll be in the motel soon.

Entering Cameron, I hit the world’s biggest pothole and broke my record for flatless days. I now have 12, and there are two riders with 10 – Ohio Bob had five today (and two ruined tires).

I am going to have to make this very short tonight; I have work to do to get ready for tomorrow and the Internet is REAL SLOW. Tomorrow is the real Missouri test 7,000 or 8,000 ft. of climbing 50 feet at a time. It includes a bridge that is out that we may have to detour around.

I’ll do a better report tomorrow.