Our alarm went off at 4:15AM, and we were off at 5AM after a breakfast consisting of foot-long tootsie rolls, bananas, and oatmeal with raisins.  The sky was dark and cloudy to start, and we didn’t see our shadows until 9AM.

By 10AM, we had logged almost 50 miles which felt great.  Both of us felt comfortable and energized, and we were enjoying the new terrain (flat!).

 We were even able to take advantage of a southerly wind (blowing north) for about 20 miles, which was fantastic!

We reached Toronto, KS at noon and spoke with a woman named Jeanmarie.  Coincidentally, we had heard of  her from a tourer traveling east, while we were at the bike shop in Pittsburg.  She often takes touring cyclists into her home as they pass through.

We shared stories for a bit while resting at a picnic table in town, and then she recommended a lunch spot a few miles ahead called Lizard Lips Grill & Deli. We met her there shortly afterward by coincidence; we both ordered the Monterey special (open-faced taco) and followed those up with a pie plate full of brownies.  The food was great; we highly recommend it to anyone passing through!

By the time we left Lizard Lips, it had started sprinkling cool rain.  We pedaled a bit slower than in the morning but made it into Eureka at 4PM regardless.  The rain never got heavy, so it was perfect for holding off the heat during this section.

In Eureka we worked on several blog posts in the library.  While there, we met Robyn Harvey, who hosts cyclists at a rental property of hers.  By this point, the heat had become oppressive,  so we obliged.  Air conditioning and beds seemed a fitting reward for a good day’s riding!  We enjoyed dinner and dessert with Robyn at her place and then went to bed early, shortly after she left us.  Thank you so much Robyn, for taking us in and cooking us a delicious dinner!

Trip stats, to date (Day 46)

• Walnut, KS to Eureka, KS
• Daily mileage: 95.7mi;  Trip total to date: 2,848.1mi
• Daily riding time: 6hr 52min;  Trip total time: 248hr 22min
• Daily ascent: 1,771ft;  Trip total ascent: 147,815ft
• Flat tires: Rachel – 1; Chris – 0