McCoy in McCook

Good evening from McCook, NE.

"The journey not the arrival matters" T.S. Eliot

This was a marvelous day to ride. Comfortable sunshine and a favorable breeze worked together and allowed for an early arrival in McCook. For whatever reason the "ups and downs" on Highway 6 always seemed to be in my favor. You crested a hill in speed 9 or 10, and before you knew it the bike was going downhill in speed 23, at about twenty-five miles per hour. That's fun don't you think?

Just east of Arapahoe, I saw a magnificent vista of three large deer bolting up from a valley. It reminded me of a high quality video taken from a helicopter. The deer were moving quickly and in unison. As they jumped a fence, I paused to take in their incredible beauty.
This wasn't the same as seeing three deer on the Minnetonka trail back home. Instead, I had a snapshot view of nature in motion. Where were they going? As the deer climbed the hillside wrapped around the valley. Once they reached their apogee they were over the hill and gone.
That's the type of experience you feel and see on a bike tour.

Earlier today, at Holdrege I mentioned how pronounced the senses are when you bicycle at 12 miles per hour. However, I failed to mention the sense of taste. You can relax knowing that it's not only food that triggers your taste buds. It's also the sand grit (somewhat salty), and fresh rain water that has a unique flavor. Also triggering your sense of taste are the little bugs and now grass hoppers that seem to be everywhere.

We are now in the High Plains region of Nebraska. The horizon goes on forever and you sense that something big is just ahead. (Might it be the Colorado Rockies?) Large farms have given way to full scale ranching and beautiful spreads of golden land. You know what, Nebraska is indeed a beautiful place.

At lunch, I chatted with Troy, who is a State Farm insurance adjuster covering a large expanse of territory. After playing college basketball he traveled to Australia and played professional basketball there for two years. He, his wife and daughter enjoy life in Nebraska, and I'm certain they will have a prosperous future. Troy mentioned how neat my trip was, and wished he could do a similar tour someday. Hold on to those dreams Troy, the future is closer than you realize.

I have a nice motel tonight (The Chief Motel), and with this post almost finished it will be time for a shower and dinner. Good news, the restaurant is just outside from the hotel parking lot. Tomorrow will be another long day, and hopefully our calm winds will remain just the same.
We plan to ride from McCook, to near Haigler, NE. (about 76 miles)

PS: The bicycle is handling well and other than a daily chain lube hasn't required any special care. My body has adjusted to a new daily routine. Lot's of food and plenty of fluids and restful sleep.

Note to Duane: Food has been basic but plentiful. No exotic menus in this part of the country.
Subway whole grain sandwiches with lots of veggies are my favorite lunch.

John Dean, are you reading this blog?

Experiencing Small Town America (Today's route is Holdrege to McCook)

Good morning everyone!

"Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions" Peter Hoeg

We have a beautiful morning here in Holdrege, and I'm right back at the library.
Sue and Brenda (library staff) are smiling, and I have a feeling this will be a great day.
Currently, bright sunshine and about 50 degrees. Forecast is sunny and a high of 74. Perfect.

A couple of days ago, I learned about a gentleman who a few years ago walked across the U.S. on Highway 6. He actually stayed at the same motel where I stayed last night. Can you believe anyone could walk across the entire country. That's a wow in my book.

When you come to Holdrege stay at the Plains Motel, owned and operated by John and Jan Konzack. It's really superb. Jan and Karen even upgraded me to a "King Size Bed". Everything was clean and perfectly maintained. Thanks ladies.

When I checked in at the hotel Jan gave me a ticket to attend a Spaghetti Fundraising Dinner for the family of Tim Brown. Tim, recently had died of cancer and left several young children.
Well, this dinner was sponsored by the Masonic Jachin Lodge # 146, and it really was an interesting event. I was fortunate to be seated with Harley and Mae, who were so gracious and we had a enjoyable conversation. I learned more about Harley's Masonic Lodge and also gained information about Holdrege. Harley retired after 52 years in the newspaper business, and he and Mae were married about seventeen years ago. (Both had lost their spouses)

As I waited for the library to open I happened upon Phillip, who is married to Pam, the Director of this fine library. Thanks, Phillip for your kind words today.

Since all of you reading this blog are in fact participating in a journey, you might want to know what goes on in your head as you pedal mile after mile. Quite simply, everything you see, hear, and smell resonates with a specific part of your mind. The sense of smell is so powerful, especially as you take in fresh scents of wild flowers and moist farm fields. Vistas are notable and change by the second. Whether it's God's pallet of cloud paintings or a fast approaching train. And by the way, there are many trains passing along this route. I enjoy waving to engineers and hearing the train horns. They signal that commerce is alive and well in rural Nebraska.

I must admit this trip has taken on an intense degree of spirituality. You have lots of time to think about life and what your purpose may be. We can talk more about this later in the trip.
Suffice to say, bicycle touring opens doors that most people will never see. That my friends is a shame. Today, do something differently, and change your routine by even a minute. Take ten seconds to learn something about the clerk at your local convenience store. You may be pleasantly surprised by their response.

73 miles are on tap for today so it's time to head on out. You all enjoy a super day.