We started off from Augusta this morning, and even stopped into mcdonalds next door to eat some pancakes. It was filled with older folks, discussing the Fourth of July antics and fireworks and get togethers.
We attempted to take some back roads out of Augusta, but twice these turned out to be gravel roads, pushing us onto a road called Ohio St for a long, smooth stretch out of Augusta, and then down 20th st into the countryside and towards El Dorado in the hopes of reconnecting with 77 north. As we came down 20th, a small but well maintained paved road, we saw tanks in the distance, a number of which had hazard signs with codes for very dangerous chemicals on them. Many of these were owned by Magellan Pipeline Company, which according to its website "is a publicly traded partnership which primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil. It currently has more than 1,300 employees working in 23 states. Its assets include 83 petroleum products terminals, more than 9,000 miles of refined products pipeline, 800 miles of crude oil pipeline and a 1,100-mile ammonia pipeline system." Its petroleum pipelines send products from the Gulf Coast to states in the middle of the U.S. This was definitely a huge hub outside of El Dorado. Looming in the distance like a post-apocolyptic, futuristic cityscape were tanks and stacks and smoke. We did not know with certainty, as we approached ever nearer, what this might be even if it did look intimidating. What we were approaching was the HollyFrontier El Dorado oil refinery. Here is the description from their website: "The El Dorado Refinery is located in El Dorado, Kansas and is one of the largest refineries in the plains states and the Rocky Mountain region with a crude oil capacity of 135,000 barrels per day. The El Dorado Refinery can select from many different types of crude oil because of its direct access to the Cushing, Oklahoma hub, which is connected by pipelines to the Gulf Coast and to Canada. This access, combined with the El Dorado Refinery's complexity, gives it the flexibility to refine a wide variety of crude oils. El Dorado's refined products are marketed primarily in the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountain region, which includes eastern Colorado (including the Denver metropolitan area), eastern Wyoming and the plains states."
From El Dorado we reconnected to 77 and continued north. Kansas has definitely flattened out, even if there are occasional gentle rolling hills. With the wind coming up from the south and going north, we are very lucky to have its help pushing us onwards (for now). As we were pedaling quickly along, I suddenly felt that there was another bike approaching. Before I knew it I heard "on your left" and there was a young man on a sleek road bike wearing fancy bike clothes. With him came two others, in matching gear. Laurel and I have not seen many cyclists and are still surprised when we see some. To be passed by speedy road cyclists was a surprise-- we were also a bit insulted that they did not say hello! Soon after a van passed us, with the same name and colors as their gear. Then two more matching cyclists and one last van. These cyclists were being assisted!! They must have been on a similar tour to us, long distance, but going assisted by vehicles and not having to carry any gear or be out on their own. I snorted. Too easy! But secretly, I could not deny a hint of jealously. Going unassisted is by far tougher, even if their efforts are likely very genuine. We could see them slowly become specs ahead of us. Then we saw them again from a distance, and they had all stopped on the side of the road. They were changing a flat. We slowed as we biked past, unsure if they would initiate any conversation. We thought it might be interesting to talk to them but got only a wave, and so we continued on. We were both happy nonetheless to have caught up so quickly and to (hopefully) show them our mettle. This section of road was so speedy, and smooth, plus the wind. I'm sure it's primarily the wind that is giving us speed, not so much our own strength. But I'll take it!
The towns are spread far apart and ahead of us there was only the small town of Burns. There was not even a gas station here, but there was a bakery/cafe and it was our only option. We went in and were greeted by many older folks and older couples, many with cowboy hats. They were all very friendly and spoke to us. It seemed quite Midwestern! And the waitress even had a bun and long dress. We had some milk and water and cinnamon rolls.
The next section of road was also extremely fast. I began to feel fatigued and a little feverish after biking another 25 miles or so. There were some clouds, but it had become increasingly hot. I really think I need more chances to stop and take a quick drink instead of pedaling hard for sometimes an hour without a chance to drink water. This means that when I do stop, I am very thirsty. During the ride, I was attempting to get in contact with my dad and brother, we had driven down to Kansas to meet up with us for the weekend. About 15 miles out of Herington, I learned that they were headed south and would soon reach Herington. We sped along the last stretch, and I admit I was still feeling a bit achy in the joints and thirsty. We are able to cover quick ground with the wind and the flatter roads, about 15 mph at times, but I think the extremely fast pedaling also wears me out even if it is less noticeable or dramatic than strenuous hills or rough roads (which consequently require more rests, which are helpful).
Only a few miles from the motel, a red van slowly approached us. I was suspicious, and then suddenly recognized it was my dad and little brother. We both waved. They circled back around and passed us again then met us just ahead at the motel. I was so glad to see them. They are crazy to have come met us, and to have taken on such a long trip to us, but spectacular for doing so. We had pizza next door, dropped off our bikes and gear, then my dad offered to take us all to see the nearby grasslands. He wanted a chance to see some of the surrounds. It was strange to sit in a vehicle and cruise along!
The TallGrass Prairie national reserve is about an hour or less from Herington. It is surrounded by beautiful high rolling hills, grass covered with a few specs of trees or lone trees. It is really breathtaking landscape. Kansas can be flat and a bit repetitive, but some sections are just gorgeous. I would never have guessed to see such high waving grasslands in the middle of Kansas! My dad especially enjoyed them. Although secretly (and perhaps apparently) I was very tired and sunburned, we all took the 1 3/4 mile loop to see some of the reserve. It was hot and the sun hard, but the trail was very nice. It is an expansive, beautiful reserve! I love waking and spending time with my dad so much and it was so good to see him and my little brother again after about two weeks of biking. Afterwards we drove back to Herington about 7:00 and ate pizza. now I was so sleepy and barely hungry, but still glad to be in such good company. I had wanted to go to bed already by 7:30. Alas, not to be. I hope I can catch up on sleep sometime! But for now, I will remain behind and be up early again in the morning.
The sunset this evening was a perfect orange globe, an orange circle sitting on the horizon as a glorious ornament before sinking fast away.
Tomorrow we bike to Waterville.
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