Challenging the headwinds of Nebraska (McCook to Benkelman)

Good afternoon!

"Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen." Benjamin Disraeli

Can you believe that I started early today and actually arrived at a destination
before 5:00 pm ? A magnificent morning greeted me as I departed McCook. Bright sunshine and just 47 degrees. What perfect riding conditions, and did I mention no wind? It was a quick fifty minutes to Culbertson and then all of a sudden a character building south wind at 15 to 25 mph appeared. Heading in a southwesterly direction this wind took control, and finally I capitulated to "slow speed" mode.

Let's step back to last evening when I met Randy, and Peggy, just outside the McCook library.
They are both marathon runners and Randy had just finished an amazing feat in Utah.
He completed a 100 mile run in thirty hours. That's simply amazing but underscores his dedication to running and physical fitness. Peggy has completed several marathons while Randy has finished more than thirty. Congratulations to two outstanding athletes who are still running in their fifties.

Just a little bit of information about McCook, NE. It's claim to fame relates to U.S. Senator George Norris, who lived here and now has the main street named in his honor. Senator Norris probably is most famous for creating the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Most of my Ohio and Kentucky friends are familiar with Norris Lake & Dam in Tennessee. It's a beautiful place to visit. (Duane, I think Julia visited this lake a few months ago.)

While visting an historical roadside marker, I stopped to chat with Jeff, who works for the Nebraska Department of Highways. He travels a large area of the state working on data collection. He is the person that might be involved with putting a counter hose across the highway, as well as working with electronic data collection systems. Interesting work, Jeff, and you sure see a lot of neat places and people. He also is quite the photographer. His pictures of "birds of prey" were fantastic. Enjoy the ride home Jeff.

Have you ever wondered about life on a rural farm? Well, earlier this afternoon I stopped and chatted with Jim and Ted who were preparing to harvest a corn crop. Two friendly souls who took time to talk to me. Looking at the size of their corn field, I imagine it would be a long days work. I chatted for several minutes and left them to their important task. Note: Corn, wheat, and bean crops are in good shape here. Farmers are pleased with their higher crop revenue but I'm certain their costs of doing business also must be escalating.

I had a feeling that this was going to happen. You think about when and where it may occur, however you just put it in the back of your mind. Then out of the clear blue sky it happened to me! What you ask? Well, it was my first encounter with two other long distance bicyclists.
(You were thinking I was talking about some mechanical failure, or maybe a slow speed crash on loose gravel. Ha-ha.)

Nick and Bryan, two freshly minted college graduates were out to see America. I believe it was Nick, who had a degree in Meteorology, and Bryan, a degree in Electrical Engineering.
These two bikers had a full compliment of gear on their Trek 550's. Talk about loaded down and ready to tour...
It was exciting talking to other riders who were essentially on a similar trip. We shared a few stories, and then wished each other safe riding and a fun time. Wow, I can't believe they were planning to ride 160 miles today. That's simply awesome and properly reflects the athletic capabilities of two guys in their early twenties. Oh, to be twenty-three again...
They decided to complete a cross country tour prior to embarking on careers and all other associated life responsibilities. Good call Gentlemen, and I'm sure you will never regret the time and effort spent to complete your journey. You will have a unique perspective on life and on America. (They flew to California, and left Santa Cruz, near San Francisco, and plan to take eight weeks to cross the U.S. and arrive in New York City in mid October.)

Nana is the local librarian here. This particular Dundy County library has been open for more than fifty years. Thanks Nana for allowing me to use the computer.
I'm heading to a nearby motel for a much needed shower. Current local temperature is 86 degrees and the sky is clear blue.

Note: The next three days will be in sparsely populated eastern Colorado. It appears that some route adjustment will be required so that I end each day in a town with services. That of course, may translate into no public library. Also, you may wonder about all the photos taken each day. Once I arrive in Denver, there will be Sprint PCS digital services, and all the images will be uploaded. Until then just use your imagination.

Enjoy your evening.

PS: Thanks for the phone message Cathy. I love you and miss you so much.