RecumBum

Tuesday, June 10, 2008 – 58.03 miles, 04:19:17, 13.43 MPH average

It was another calm night, but with the weather forecast calling for stiff winds from the south — the direction we were heading — we got an early start in an attempt to get in some miles before the wind got cranked up, since they’re usually stronger later in the day.

There were no food opportunities on our way out of town, so we ate on the run. Our strategy ended up working perfectly, as the wind didn’t pick up until we turned east. We had a gusty crosswind the rest of the day, but that was far better than a headwind.

Riding under Threatening Skies

Lunch was in Downs, followed by a quick tour of the town.

Old Train Depot in Downs, Kansas

After exploring Downs, we head back onto US-24 and on to Cawker City and the world-famous Ball of Twine, with a circumference of over 40 feet, a weight nearing 18,000 pounds and using over 7 million feet of sisal twine.

World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City

Following twine town, we traveled along the northern shore of Waconda Lake, which was whipped into whitecaps by the strong wind. The small town of Glen Elder, situated near the lake’s dam, was the next stop for exploration before continuing on down the road.

Waconda Lake

The terrain in the last segment wasn’t too difficult, but the relentless wind made it a bit of a slog, and we were happy to reach Beloit a little after noon.

Beloit, Kansas Water Tower

Clean-up, exploration, food, and drink took up the rest of the day, followed by an early bed-time. The next day was due to be our longest, at 84 miles, and the weather looked foreboding, with event stronger and gustier winds predicted, as well as the threat of severe weather later in the day.