July 4, 2015 –Clear, 90 degrees

Miles Today: 43

Miles to Date: 3,588

States to Date: 16

The gods of cycling never let life be easy too long. Today I had 36 miles into the wind and was more exhausted doing that than twice the mileage yesterday. I took a late start and then spun fifteen miles of long but pretty climb up the Pine Ridge. That leveled off into High Plains, though the topography kept climbing and the wind held strong. The only other person working was a sole farmer baling his hay.  The John Deere attachment is like a giant chicken – it collects the hay and then out pops a giant hay egg.

South winds bring moisture, and sure enough by three thunderheads formed. I turned west for the last seven miles, which proved easy riding in the cooling shadow of the massive cloud. I arrived at Hemingford at four, just as the first drops began to fall. Everything was clear by five. Unfortunately my warmshowers host had to work so we didn’t get as much time together as I hoped. Still I was glad for the cozy attic room with a nice fan.