Long Grove Iowa to Merriam Kansas

Today was the first real day traveling on the Wing.

The day dawned cool and clear but the temperature started rising quickly. We spent time repacking our gear after rethinking the overall strategy. It is now working well. I got it all stuffed in the bike and then we had a light breakfast of toast and coffee. We suited up, waved goodbye and were on the road about 9:30.

It was a super-slab sort of day. Down 61, west on I-80 to Des Moines and south on I-35 to where we are now just on the south side of Kansas City, Kansas. About 415 miles on what was a very windy day. We cruised along between 75 and 80 mph, but saw many drivers doing much faster. We spent a good part of the day listening to the NASCAR carnage at Bristol Tennessee on the radio. The bike ran flawlessly. The weather, wind notwithstanding, was quite warm and sunny most of the way.

In the interests of weight control, Sandy and I split a veggie and cheese sandwich at a Subway in Osceola Iowa and a breakfast for supper at an IHOP here in Merriam. It would be nice if we can stay disciplined for the whole trip. I also smoked my last Colt’s Mild cigarello before we started out from Auggie’s, so extra willpower will be needed.

We have to sit down and figure where we are going tomorrow. Wichita may be involved. For all the states we have ridden over the years, this is our first time riding in Kansas so we will try to make the most of it.