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Corn, Wheat & Wind: Kansas Marks our 8000th Mile

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We reached the end of the Western Express route in Pueblo, Co and joined the TransAm – leaving the mountains behind and heading on to the plains of Eastern Colorado and Kansas.

There may not be the same spectacular scenery in Kansas, but the vast fields of corn and wheat are impressive in themselves. So many friendly locals have offered help and board along the way. In addition, the excellent network of town parks which allows free camping and even swimming pools to cool off in make accommodation easy and cheap.

The strong winds which whistle across the large open plains are the downside to flat riding. They have mainly been sidewinds from the south so far, which could be worse. Those moments when it moves round to a tailwind are a welcome break and help us rocket along past the mile upon mile of cornfields.

The mercury is rising, with forecasts next week approaching 100F (38C). We are trying to bring the days riding forward, starting at dawn and reaching camp shortly after midday to avoid the worst of the heat and strong afternoon winds. But this can be tough when trying to put in some big mileage days.

With 8000 miles behind us and the Missouri border in sight ahead we’re enjoying a day off in Chanute and feeling good about the rest of the ride to come.