Today was my best day in the saddle yet. Temp was in 70’s, cloudy so no direct sun, a nice breeze that kept me cool. Without the headwind, the rollers weren’t all that bad – still not my favorite but I didn’t have to drop to granny gear just to get up the slope, or down! And I was able to average 10+mph.
What a great town. Patty and Wayne, owners of The Buckshot Inn, greeted me with encouragement and excitement for my trip They are enthusiastic supporters of my fund-raising endeavors, especially for veterans. She has become my Kansas, and beyond, marketing guru.
So far, the best place to eat along US 36 is Sweden Creme Cafe on the east side of Mankato, KS. What a fantastic diner style menu and hometown atmosphere.
With a good day like today, my spirits are high for tomorrow’s ride and its completion. Diane will be meeting me in Washington, Kansas for a bit of R&R (even Tour-de-France riders take a day off now and then) and to re-stock important items such as Go-Go Squeeze applesauce.
Tomorrow’s ride: Mankato to Washington, Kansas