What I've heard about Kansas:
- Boring - I think even the people from Kansas agree
- Tornadoes (apparently these offer great tail winds)
- Hail and Thunder Storms
- Head Wind
- Flat, yet with a subtle elevation gain
- There's a town that will ticket you for cycling through (yes, it is on our route)
- Most roads are unpaved
- We will have no shade for most of the way - who needs trees when you have corn?
- the infinite flatness provides amazing sunsets (we will see many of these)
- the people are friendly
- it is God's country, hallelujah
- it only feels like it lasts forever, but actually does end at some point
Keep an open mind ... subtle beauty, perhaps, but beauty abounds nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in the Sunflower State!
Did I not share my love for Kansas? I loved loved loved watching all the storms off in the distance. You could see them forever away. Multiple ones all along the horizon lines and yet we'd just keep on driving in the sunlight, never getting near one. It was Super cool to see!
ReplyDeleteI'll be imagining ya'll on the horizons just chuggin' along.
Fleda
People usually find what they expect to find. Your experiences in Kansas will confirm your negative expectations because of your arrogance and close-mindedness. You will return to your life on the East Coast and tell stories about everything that validates your preconceptions. You won't even realize that you missed the good parts. "Wherever you go, you take yourself with you."
ReplyDeleteAlon and Geoff! You have made it so far, I am so proud! I remember just when you were leaving our apartment.. not so long ago! Aaaand your first stop was Trader Joes, i bet there are no bougey natural foods stores in Kansas! Your blog is awesome I am loving it.. Tell Geoff he was in my dream recently.. He just appeared and I asked him if he was still biking but he didnt really answer... Anyways, you should certainly add Hawaii onto your route. It's totally feasible. I wish you all the best, stay in touch!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Genevieve
KS Resident,
ReplyDeleteYour passion for your state is apparent and already, several hundred miles through Kansas, I am beginning to understand why. The beauty I have found surprised me and exceeded my expectations.
I encourage you to have a sense of humor regarding my post and life in general. Just remember that minds are more easily changed with kind words than with words of anger and hatred, no matter how slighted you feel.
There is no anger or hatred in what I posted. That's your imagination. I was trying to give you some useful (if pointed) advice. And I’ll give it one more try. I have traveled much of the world, some by bicycle touring, and have lived many different places in this country. I have had many disappointing experiences and interactions while visiting famous cities like NYC, SF and Paris. “It's not where you are, it's who you are.” You can still benefit from that realization.
ReplyDeleteKS Resident,
ReplyDeleteThe guys are riding their bikes through the great state of Kansas. Time, energy and attention, that is what matters and it seems they are willing to invest that in the hopes of experiencing Kansas in a meaningful way.
One of the most beautiful gifts of traveling by bicycle is that it allows a person to investigate limiting thoughts and ideas, we quietly ride and learn. Anyone can tell you a story about a discovery they've made. If the discovery comes with an understanding of what was given up, I would suggest that is more of a shared experience. From that perspective others can learn.
Enjoy the ride guys, nice to see it is going so well...... Hard to find a better place than the high plains to center yourself in a healthy way. I plugged Wendell Berry the other month, I'll do it again, "What Are People For" often reads like a beautiful meditation on the understanding of place....... Trucker.
Well, I'm wondering what you thought of Council Grove, and did you do the side-trip to Cottonwood Falls? It looks like you are near Lindsborg, and I see they do have wifi
ReplyDeleteLindsborg, KS 67456. Ph: (785) 227-336. Map The Viking Motel has 24 rooms (some are pet friendly), outdoor pool, continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. ...
Wondering what's happened to Alon and Geoff. Still in Lindsborg?
ReplyDeleteHere's a great link to all things Kansas-Cycling, including bios of local riders ready to head out on tour:
http://www.kansascyclist.com/news/
It is quite fun to read your blog backwards. Who knew that when you said you were looking forward to adding some positive notes about Kansas, a broken left arm would be added to the list?!
ReplyDelete-elan