Jim's Ride Across America: Day 30 Toronto, KS to Newton, KS

Yorktown, VA to Newton, KS Completed 1,758 miles

Biking Detail Toronto, KS to Newton, KS

Day 30 Wednesday, June 10

Up at 5:00 and out the door early to make the 18 mile drive back to Toronto to reconnect with the trail where I left off yesterday. Started biking back to Toronto just after sunrise. First 18 miles back were not that bad. Had breakfast at the bowling alley diner in Eureka. It was good and recommend the place. The winds picked up after breakfast.

Winds much stronger today! HWY 54 from Eureka to Rosalia (20 miles) was very hard, averaging 7-8 mph uphill into the wind. Wind straight on into my face, much stronger than yesterday. Even in granny gear on the declines! Felt like it was the toughest 20 miles on the trail so far. Lots of traffic as well which makes it even worse. Took it slow so as not to blow out my legs. Goal was 95 miles today to get to Newton. It would be a long day without the headwinds.

As we got to Rosalia road, the course direction changed and we headed north, getting a helpful sidewind. It was pleasant riding again for about 20 miles. On the stretch between Rosalia and Cassoday met up with a foursome going W to E, with a starting point in San Francisco. Barb Aldrich and Dorothy Smith riding full way, and Leon Panos and Lavern Grooms part time riders and sharing support duties in their mini-van. They were stopped looking at some cowboys herd cattle. See pics. So much fun touching base. They too are motelers. Made it to Cassody about 12:30 pm. One gas station/mini mart (Country Store) in town. Had bananas and green apples, two Starbucks cold drinks from the cooler and an orange soda, plus water. They had fried chicken but it didn't appeal to me. Enjoyed that for lunch. More ice for the ice chest, gas, iced tea for Margie and we were off again.

This time on the straight 38 mile stretch of County Road to Newton. Had to put some tunes in my ears to break the monotony although the green fields, hay rolls, cattle and occasional horses were pleasant to look at. Loved whistling at and waving to the cattle. I think the cows really enjoy having someone pay attention to them. They all turn around and look when I whistle and say "hello cows".

The field of horses photo (below) was a wild mustang ranch! Never seen such a long STRAIGHT road before, can see a mile ahead and behind!!! Met a second set of bikers, Alex and Megan, going W to E about 20 miles before Newton. Solo riders that met on the trail. Megan is from Witchita and Alex from England. Alex started in San Diego and on day 34. Expect we will be meeting up with more W to E bikers now that we are approaching half way! Almost all have been coming from CA.

Staying at Comfort Inn in Newton. Carriage House in Eureka for $45 pretty bad so stepped up a notch. Indoor swimming pool was enticing when Margie booked the room. Full hot breakfast and guest laundry so Margie can catch up on that. One less night of hand washing the biking clothes! Long, very hot and windy day. Started at 6:15 am and got to Newton at 4:45 pm. A 93 mile day after 103 yesterday. Shows how anxious I am to be through with the Kansas heat and wind....and a few tornado warnings on the news! Colorado has got to be better.