I wanted to get an early start today to try to beat any strong winds and potential rain that might come up in the afternoon. The wind has calmed down this morning, but not completely gone. It is still a light headwind. Well, I have to make Sterling no matter what the weather brings.
The pedaling was going well this morning. The headwind was pretty light but there none-the-less. I stopped briefly in a town, New Raymer for some drinks and a candy bar for some pedaling fuel! (Anything counts as pedaling fuel at this point).
The miles kept ticking off at a regular interval despite the mild headwind. The weather seemed to be remaining steady so I was hoping that the winds would remain slight and not pick up to gale force like yesterday.
I met another cyclist in the morning. His name was Miles from Minneapolis. He was riding to Boulder, CO and he was a wealth of information for me. He even gave me his ragged, taped up map of Nebraska which I will be needing tomorrow. He also gave me some route suggestions to coïncider as I work my way across Nebraska and Iowa. We did not talk for long though. He had a tailwind and was going to make a big push for Ft Collins today and wanted to get going to take full advantage of it.
So far, the Plains are not boring to me. Not yet anyway.
You might have a different opinion about that. I tend to avoid boredom as I seem to be continually caught up with my thoughts. They range from one moment thinking about global politics and a moment later to why are pants called a “pair” when there is only one? As I often say, “it is not easy being me!”
I made it to Sterling at 1:30. Unfortunately, the first bike shop I called when I got there turned out to be a “vroom vroom” bike shop. The second was closed today and will open in the morning. Since I really need to get some things, I am staying in Sterling today. 63 miles is enough and the wind is still blowing and I would have to do a minimum of 30 more miles to get anywhere near another large enough town. Yes, 63 is enough and the weather is beginning to look like late afternoon rain. So not only am I staying in Sterling, but I am getting a cheap motel room as well. I wonder what is on TV tonight?
One interesting thing about Sterling. The elevation is 3925. I really cannot remember the last time I was below 4,000 ft. I wonder if I will get above 4,000 ft again? Something else to contemplate as I cross the heartland of the country.