Day 23: McPherson to Abilene, KS

Three traits I've heard or read to be associated with Kansans are practicality, straightforwardness, and trustworthiness.  I think I see these same traits reflected in their roads, at least the ones on which we've traveled.  A straightforward road with no surprises or change in the scenery is also both practical and trustworthy.  These are the roads we rode on to Abilene, Kansas today.

It had stormed hard the evening before, and the humidity had decreased from 88% to 48% overnight, so we were breathing a little easier today.  The temperature when we departed for Abilene was in the low 70Fs with favorable SSW winds.

Our first 22 miles were again east along US 56.  If you've forgotten what this road looks like,
this photo is a representative sample.  Now, think about adding in a quartering tailwind and
you'll have an idea of how quickly we rode those 22 miles.

New concrete grain elevator being constructed along US 56E.

Historical Marker along US 56E  ("YOU ARE HERE" bottom center of map) just west of
the Chisolm Trail -- the trail used by cattle ranchers in the late 1800s to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas
where the cattle would be sold and shipped.

At Mile 22, we made a left turn onto SR 15N.  This road is signed the Eisenhower Memorial Highway because of its route through Abilene, the location of the boyhood home of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.  We would ride the next 40 miles on this road to Abilene for a total of 62 miles for the day.  Unfortunately, the winds had picked up and had become more WNW, ensuring we would have a headwind vector while riding on SR 15N.  Rolling hills became more frequent as well thus our speed was diminished relative to that maintained earlier in the ride.

Roadside blooms along Eisenhower Memorial Highway

Much like Eisenhower the President, the road is not flashy,
but quietly and unceremoniously guides you ........

 

.........to your destination.

CrossRoads Day 23 Google Earth image and Elevation Profile
McPherson to Abilene, KS

Progress Map
(Black = progress-to-date; Blue = planned route; Red Star = halfway point)

And because the next day is a Rest Day (i.e no scheduled riding) in Abilene,  we opted to rehydrate
and recover at Ike's Place Bar & Grill, a Dwight D. Eisenhower-themed watering hole.

Even Squeak had a thirst  big enough for a  32 oz. Shock Top.

Day 24 is our Rest Day in Abilene.  On Day 25 (Jun 4), we ride 106 miles to Topeka with an expected 6000 feet of climbing.