Best Bike Day so far

Finally a Tailwind!

Yesterday was the best weather conditions of the ride.  It started off in the mid 60's and quickly went up to the 70's then 80's.  By the end of the ride it was probably close to 90.  We had a slight tailwind and most of the ride was flat.  This allowed me to cruise at about 16 mph.  Quite a difference from the 10 mph of yesterday.

The further we get into Kansas heading to Missouri the more civilization we encounter.  Similarly there are more and more Santa Fe Trail sites to stop and visit.  Today in Kinsley (about 40 miles into the ride) we stop at a Sod House Museum.  The site is run by the County and all of the residents have donated historical artifacts.to view.  

There was a bike from 1910 that was driven from New York City to Kinsley.

There was a early hair curling device for woman (not very portable)

And some washer machines that I could swear my mom had when I was really little.

And there was a house made out of sod that showed how people lived on the prairie.  Pretty interesting place - not to mention the free cookies and juice they provided us (they knew we were coming). 

At about 70 miles into the ride we were able to visit Fort Lared that was a fort that was built on the Santa Fe Trail to protect the settlers from the Indians.  The original fort was built out of sod and mud but in the early 1800's the fort was rebuilt using Limestone.  All the different building have been restored and furniture of the time has been put in most of the building.

There was a short film that talked about the fort but it was clear that the "Fed thought police" have not watched the firm as it talked about how the "black" cavalry (sent there after the Civil War) were called the Buffalo Troops because there hair was like that of the Buffalo (according to the Indians).  But as the film said "The Buffalo Troop were loved by both the "White and Red men".  "Red", not native american.

From Fort Lared it was a quick cruise into town.  It looks like we are staying in a park in the middle of town.  Seems to be the local rec area but the pool is closed for the season.  The showers were supposed to be open - but as of right now they are locked.  Not sure what has to happen to open them or where the hell we are eating tonight.  

We shall see.  Tomorrow is another 65 miler and hoping the weather is the same.