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?