at wizard of oz museum

Words of encouragement on THE WALL

Another view of THE WALL as taken by Mike’s wife Diane

This appeared around the turn a few days ago

Supposed to go to Liberal – Chuck went thataway

I now own a small town!

Toto I don’t think we are in Oklahoma anymore

Hello everyone,

This was supposed to be an easy day. Since the ride w

at the Wizard of Oz museum in Liberal KS

as only 40 miles and relatively flat, it was almost supposed to be like a day off. With that in mind and the fact that the new hotel would not have rooms ready early we left about 2 hours after our “normal” starting time and there were no early departures.

Unfortunately, we had a 20 mph headwind that about cut our speed in half. I was riding with one of the slower groups early on but Mike F and John P went up front to break the wind so after about 10 miles I told the group that i was going to ride ahead and get down on the aero bars. We ask had a little climbing early on. I felt better when I picked up the pace and I will say the Zipp 303 wheels really seemed to make a difference. The first and only SAG was in Hooker OK about 20 miles into the ride. I noticed a sign for a town called “Hardesty” so i took a couple of pictures. I lingered a little too long in the SAG and everyone had already departed.

Coming out of the SAg it seems the wind got worse but there was very little climbing and I got down on the aero bars and hammered pretty hard and caught most of the riders. Mike F and I crossed into Kansas and we took a couple of photos and did the ritual sand sprinkling. Three states in 3 days but Kansas will take a few to cross so I can put the sand away.

We got into Liberal and Darrell and I went out for lunch and to visit Walgreens- I head heard that Aquaphor was great remedy for saddle sores and at this point anything sounds good. Aftr lunch Darrel and i went to the Wizard of Oz museum in Liberal and I took a few photos. They have a “yellow brick road” with yellow stones engraved by many citizens. There was a brick for Nancy and Ronald Reagan, Nancy Kassebaum and Lisa Minnelli. Darrell and I paid $7.00 and took the tour. I took a few photos which I will try to post the better ones.

Went to dinner with Ed and Julie, Larry (roommate), Pat, Cindi, and Jeff and Roberta. It was a very nice Italian restaurant that Ed found and we had a lively conversation and tossed back a few.

ONe unfortunate incident from today is that John F took a tumble from his bike and seems to have broken or severely bruised a rib. We all pray that John can ride tomorrow. He is the youngest of our group (48) and is also a very good rower. I don’t think that he has used his small )front) chainring yet. That is amazing considering that we have ridden on 12% grades. He told me that he will be giving it a shot tomorrow regardless….

Funny, we seem to really be coming together as a group. These are amazing and caring people and it is a motivation to be around them. When we came into the hotel lobby tonight, we saw our Cross roads Map of the USA on a pedestal with our progress to date. Pat said “Look how far we have come – it os amazing!”.  Even though we still have a little less than 2/3rds remaining, it is certainly inspiring for the team to see our progress to date.

It would be remiss of me to not say a word of thanks to our crew who have supported us through this (Tracey, Tom, Rick, Larry, Craig, Robin, Carol) who are always lending a helping hand. Also to our friends and family for their encouragement, kind words and prayers. Even perfect strangers approach us and urge us on. Makes me proud to be part of this great country and to see it from my bicycle is magnificent.

Many thanks

Chuck