Livin' on a Prairie

Sometime in the last 24 hours we crossed the threshold into open grassland. Kansas is not entirely flat and there is always a good wind blowing from somewhere, but we are making good time and yesterday was our first century ride. The blistering heat isn't quite what it was last week and we were able to get a nice cool night's sleep last night. Today we go 88 miles to Nickerson, KS and we may go into the larger town of Hutchinson to set up the info booth and spread the good word about our trip. This morning we awoke to the sizzle of bacon and sausage at 4:45 am and it catapulted the group 38 miles to our current location in Newton. We are no longer staying together as a group for the rides and people are making their own schedule based on what works for them in terms of food, water, rest, and pace- seems to be working well. Kansas is one of the nicest places on Earth, and we appreciate every wave, smile, and well wish we get. Also thanks to the great people in Pittsburg/Frontenac and Chanute for organizing meals and events for us in their town- these are the highlights of the trip and the things we remember most when its all said and done. We even helped facilitate the organization of an MS support group in Chanute, so good luck to them! Also be sure to check out the video of the epic battle between the "Demyelinator" and the "MS Avenger" that we set up for Chase, a 10 year old fan of WWE Wrestling and a very young MS patient. Back out to the prairie for now- thanks Newton KS for the R&R.