Atlantic to Pacific Cycling Journey 2011: Day 27 Toronto to Cassoday

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Miles 59.41 Total 1709 Daily Avg 63.30

Avg Speed 16 mph Max sped 26.4 Alt. Gain 1683 ft

Due to the heavy rains last night we got a late start after drying out. We departed the campsite at 9:45 with cloudy skies. Forty-five minutes into the ride it started to rain and the clouds ahead look very threatening. Just in time our trusted support crew comes along. Joey pulls over so Kelly and I put on rain jackets. Within ten minutes of putting the rain jackets on the rain stopped.

We were still getting very wet from the wet roadway and puddles we rode through. Riding in rain can get very uncomfortable. The tires pick up the water and soaks our feet and throws water and mud up unto our back and shorts. The second rider must stay farther back to prevent riding into the water coming off the tires. Once our shorts are wet it adds to the friction and saddle sores. No matter how much Butt'r you use friction from your skin and seat will cause hot spots. Butt'r is a cream cyclist use to minimize friction between the chamois and skin. Chamois is the padding on the seat of our cycling shorts.

Kansas has already become a boring state. It is flat and straight the scenery never changes. You see a water tower in the distance and think the next town is soon within reach. Soon you realize that water tower is still ten miles away. It is like walking on the beach to the fishing pier. The pier appears close until you start walking toward it.

We finished our ride in Cassoday, KS and camped in the city park. When we arrived Joey was catching catfish off the roadway bridge. The city park was quiet with the exception of the busy train tacks with passing trains every ½ hour. Great way to get a good nights sleep. The facilities consisted of a water faucet and outhouse with a 20 inch metal pipe and a toilet seat attached. The city did provide separate men and woman’s outhouses.