Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - Today was a much nicer day than the last two - a bit longer than yesterday, but cooler, with less wind. There were a few hills, but they didn’t feel too severe. The total for the day was 78.34 miles, 6:53:13 ride time, with an 11.8 average.

Lunch in Zelda was very good - burgers, fruit, and cookies. The fresh pineapple was especially welcome.

I don’t know what the weather holds for tomorrow, but the topo makes it look pretty hilly. Tomorrows the first day we actually end up at a higher elevation than we start.

The knee was hurting quite a bit at the start of the day, but the pain lessened within a few miles, and didn’t bother me much the rest of the day. I doubt that it’s actually better, more likely just dulled by the medication. I did feel some fatigue in the legs today. I think I may have tried to draft off too fast a group mid-morning. Either that or the miles are just catching up to me.

The overnight was in Clearwater, just south of Wichita, and the town offered BAK a great reception, with the main street blocked off, live music, special deals from local merchants, and lots of booths featuring food, desert, and drinks. I had ice cream early, then grilled chicken and blueberry pie later. I had a chance to use a computer at the library, then enjoyed a local bluegrass band performing.

Clearwater offered the best welcome of any town so far.