Day 21 - Liberal, KS to Dodge City, KS - 83 miles - No climbing - 5:00 hours in the saddle

The chatter among the riders at dinner last night and breakfast this morning was the high probability of rain.  Fortunately the rain did not materialize today.  We rolled out from Liberal this morning under cool overcast skies with an initial crosswind.  As the day progressed, the route took a turn and the wind changed to a partial headwind.  But the last 20 miles had a full sweet tailwind.

Here are some typical Southwest Kansas scenery shots of wheat and sorghum fields and more wind turbines.  Some of the fields seem to go all the way to the horizon.  It is definitely getting greener as we head east.  Aided by massive irrigation, the fields take a circular shape when viewed from above.

And of course the ever present grain elevators!

At Mile 40 we had SAG at the notorious Dalton Gang’s hideout.  The Daltons were bank and train robbers for several years in the early 1890’s.

After another 20 miles of crosswinds, the route turned north and we had a tailwind and smooth roads for the last 20 miles into our destination of Dodge City.  I have spent many an hour watching Gunsmoke episodes!  So I tried to imagine Marshall Matt Dillon walking these streets. 

Last night in Liberal, the group became enamoured with the Braum’s Ice Cream shop next to the hotel.  Several of us enjoyed a Braun’s shake or lunch when we arrived in town and then about 15 of us partook in another ice cream treat after dinner.  Ah, the benefits of burning so many calories on the bike!

We will continue to ride through Memorial Day weekend to complete this 9 day stretch of riding before our next rest day on Tuesday in Emporia, KS.

Savor the Journey // Achieve the Goal