Garrett and Matt's adventures.

Today, I woke up on the banks of the Mississippi river; a place I felt peaceful sleeping until a train would blare it's horn 50 ft. from my sleepy eyes. I am enjoying Garrett's company on this section of the country. We are attempting to cross Illinois in 2 days in order to make the 550 mi. ride to Coshocton, OH in 5 days; just in time for the fourth of July.
We are both feeling healthy, perhaps the recent visits to food buffets have helped with that, we are addicted to eating. The key for getting 100+ mi a day has been taking a break every 10mi and having a good lunch; on top of early morning starts and late evening rides. The first three days we rode together after meeting in Abilene, KS consisted of night rides. We weighed the danger of night riding with the 100 degree heat, and decided to ride at night.
Both of us are talking to everybody we see in order to find our local information about camping, routes, eating, weather and inform them about the reason we ride, and hopefully inspire them to ride.

In Topeka, KS we ventured towards the capitol building and stumbled upon a frisbee dog show happening; then we toured the building, utilizing the internet and air conditioning. Shortly after we headed towards the HillCrest pool where we had a fun time. I stood in line at the diving board and made friends with 5 or so of the local kids who were playing a game of "fetch the comb from the bottom of the pool". I played along for a short time until I realized I had 50mi. to ride afterwards and I would need all my energy for the hills of eastern Kansas.

Some of the few "white guys" at the pool, with very trendy tan lines.

Missouri was over in 2.5 days.

Matt is somewhere in the upper portion of the "Show Me State". He's still riding with Garrett who I believe may join him all the way east. He's been pushing 120 mile days riding from what sounds like sun up to sun down in extreme heat.
His goal is to get to Ohio (my dad's) by July 4th. From there he'll spend a day or two before continuing on over the Appalachians.

~Elle

Kansas and a Broken Wheel

After leaving Russell I found myself with a broken wheel. I have a new one now, after arriving near K-State to find a shop who would replace this one. I had worn through the rim prior to the trip. I'm happy I was not stranded, instead, I found a friend, Garrett to ride with to Manhattan, KS. More to come.


My great Uncle Jim and his housemate Patty. I stayed a night with them in Russell, KS. I ate very well, thanks to Patty; she made a roast, with potatoes from the yard. Delicious.


My great Aunt Kathleen and great Uncle Father Jim in Russell, KS.

Midwest

I received the full experience at this pig/lamb show for the 4-H in McCook, Nebraska. Not only did they show pigs for the judge, but they served pulled pork sandwiches for $3. What a deal. I passed on the offer.



John on the left owns Swinging Bridge ranch, and his friend from Maryland Country is working on it for a bit, although he lives in Oklahoma. These two kept me occupied for 2 days and 3 nights in Nebraska. I never would have thought.
I was headed to the local fairgrounds to camp when John spotted me and immediately offered to buy me dinner and allow me to camp at his ranch. From then on it was fun, and I want to return to the small region of Imperial/Champion Nebraska. I had a hard time leaving these two friends, who I bonded with in a brotherly way, I never imagined could occur in such a place. My opinion of Nebraska is forever changed.
Have no fear, nebraska is here. I had a blast in this state. Shocked? Visit Swinging Bridge Ranch and you'll understand.

The West is the Best

My Uncle Tim in Fort Collins is a firefighter, and we met before I paddled. Local officials had two deaths in the river so far, and he informed me of the safety I needed. Also, my mom's honda with a boat on the roof. Living the day.


Section I paddled below Ouzel and about Poudre Park at 5,000 cfs. Fun day, 2 trips and this was the stretch along the second one I did alone. High water, fun birthday.

Rental kayak on the Poudre River June 14 @ 5,000 cfs

A birthday of pecan pie and beer, was perfect for me. I enjoyed my day, and had a large turnout for a party at my mom's house. She cooked an excellent BBQ for everyone, and Laura made the pecan pie.

Javier was one of the best characters I've met yet, and Butch was 15 min. ahead of him, and very exciting to talk to. Javier was Spanish from the Canary Islands. He spoke broken English but dominated the conversation. Great people.


This is me with Butch, a 63 yr.old who was riding the divide from Mexico to Canada. He had already rode cross country a couple years back. He lives in Cape Cod, Mass.


Cameron Pass was the easier pass I had to lead me out of the Rocky Mtns and descend into Fort Collins.


This was outside of Yellowstone, and I had some people cheer me at the top and take my picture.







Greeley Blues Festival was enjoyed with Todd (left) and Chris (right).

Hello everyone...
Matthew is now in Nebraska. He met some conservationist who has hired him for a day or two. I'll leave the details to him. Just thought you all would like to know he is doing well and making some traveling cash.
:) ~e


p.s. I can't wait to see his face again.

On the road

Along the wind River, as it was pumping along.