More kindness plus crops in Nebraska
Today we rode 47 miles from Chadron to Gordon, Nebraska. We climbed 1,078 feet.
One of the shortest days of the trip, we started promptly at 0900, enjoying a late start due to the low mileage. We had another fire department escort out of town, a nice start to the day as it gets us through traffic lights and onto the main road with minimal hassle. Once again we spent the entire day on glorious U.S. Route 20, riding in the lane with traffic as it is scarce and the drivers are so courteous. We enjoyed clear skies and mild temperatures, but had to deal with headwinds and sidewinds most of the day. We managed to stay together the entire day, a first for this journey. Scenery was pleasant, if not spectacular, and we spent time trying to figure out what crops we saw growing in the fields along the way. We arrived early at our hotel, went through the normal routine of offloading and checking in. In a word, uneventful.
Today we enjoyed the hospitality of two American Legion posts. Henry Davis American Legion Post 161 in Rushville greeted us with the Marines' hymn playing on the local church's bells and then hosted us for a lovely lunch. We met veterans from the Air Force, Navy, and Army. We all enjoyed a home-cooked meal and warm welcome. In Gordon, American Legion Post 34 hosted us for a fabulous "Taco Tuesday" dinner, and we again met veterans who came out to swap stories with us. We walk away from these encounters well-fed and feeling well-supported; they warm our hearts and souls. Thank you.
Tomorrow we will ride from Gordon to Valentine, Nebraska. We will cycle 92 miles and climb 1,889 feet. We will be halfway through the total days of the trip...hard to believe.
Totals to Date
Miles: 1,53
Elevation Gain: 56,090
Flat Tires: 27
States crossed: 4
Centuries: 4
Times Crossing the Continental Divide: 5
