Dorothy: [has just arrived in Oz, looking around and awed at the beauty and splendor] Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.
Dorothy: [after a pause] We must be over the rainbow!
[a bubble appears in the sky and gets closer and closer. It finally lands, then turns into Glinda the Good Witch wearing a spectacular white dress and crown, holding a wand]
Dorothy: [to Toto] Now I… I know we’re not in Kansas!

Wizard of Oz: Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

Hello Everyone,

Today’s ride from Guymon Oklahoma to Liberal Kansas was only 40 odd miles. I think most of us treated it as an active rest day and took our time about getting from place to place.  We even had a 2 hour delay for starting. We actually had the same the day prior but we crossed from Mountain to Central time so we lost an hour and that was an almost 100 mile ride. One of the aspects about riding cross country and putting in an average of 80 miles is that it is like a full time job in many respects. Your day revolves around getting ready to ride, riding / sight-seeing, eating and sleeping.

A typical day for me is as follows:

1. 5;15 amWake up and pack up some of the things from the night before in my two bags.
2. 6:00 amBreakfast and catch up on news.
3. 6:30 amReturn to room, dress for ride, brush teeth, check e-mails (if possible), pack up, bring bags to truck and pump up bike tires.
4. 7:30 ride an average of 80 miles, take photos, eat a LOT, drink continuously, don’t fall off bike…
5. 1:00 -3:00 finish ride, check into hotel, get something to eat, restock supplies, shower, take nap (if possible), do laundry (as needed)
6. 5:30 Route Wrap
7. 5:45 Head to dinner
8. 7:00 return to room, do blogs and e-mail, maybe watch a little TV
9. 10:00 bed

As you all know, a typical day often has emergencies or special things we like to do so time management is of essence. Often the internet doesn’t work or is spotty. These shorter ride days and off ride days are relished by us because we can relax the schedule and do a few more fun things or just sleep in…..

WE crossed another state line today and had the ritual photographs and sand tossing. One of the last towns in Oklahoma is Hooker and we had our SAG there today. The store sells t-shirts and other merchandise that utilize the name “Hooker” as a double entendre (i.e. support your local hookers”). Some of us went to lunch at a pancake house, some went to the air museum and at lest one person wet to the Wizard of Oz museum, Ian. Ian, from the UK is riding for a charity called “Dorthy’s House” and this was the message he sent to all of us today. I’ll include his photos as well.”

I went to see Dorothy’s House today as one of the charities I am riding for is a hospice called Dorothy House.

I turned up in my Dorothy House charity t-shirt and received a VIP welcome. I was taken to see the curator of the museum and we spent time talking about my charity and she was very interested in creating a link with my charity in the UK. I was also introduced to Toto and had my photograph taken with Dorothy.

Afterwards I got chatting to an elderly gentleman who turned out to be none other than Jim Rice, the son of the original owner of Dorothy’s House. He told me the house was built in 1906 but when the movie ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was filmed, the original flat roof was removed and a new pitched roof installed. He lived in the house for 45 years after his parents moved on.
To end a interesting afternoon I also received a nice donation for my charity :-).

We were on our own for dinner and it seems that the group divided into several smaller groups. I went with Russ (who is riding 1/3 of the route as his final part of the cross country ride) and Lou to an Italian restaurant. This was the third time that I have been there but decided to order a taco pizza. The building is an old railroad terminal, the food is delicious and the folks very hospitable!

Tomorrow on to Dodge City and possible rain / storms.

Thanks for reading.

~Chuck