Todays Distance: 67 miles
Cycling time: 4 hrs 23 mins
Average Speed: 15.2 mph
Today’s cumulative ascent: 1047 ft
Average Heart rate: 104 bpm
Distance so far: 1944 miles
Ascent so far: 62,830 ft.
Centuries so far: 5
Punctures so far: 3
Today’s Profile:
Centuries so far: 5
Punctures so far: 3
Today’s Profile:
Today’s Route:
Dedication: Today is for the children of Providence who come long distances to school in difficult circumstances; arrive with a happy ‘Good morning, teacher’ and work hard for the day just like Surolila, Purnima, Balari, Partima, Balakmen and Merisha.
In spite of things looking blue (metaphorically speaking ) at daybreak, today was pure pleasure;the main group passed the half-way point and we ended in Abilene KS which has a Tipperary connection.
Alarm went off at 6am and I decided that today I wanted to be finished before the big heat of the day arrived. Then I opened the door and was faced with a downpour of rain, howling wind and sheets of lightning. Heat now wasn’t an issue In thee breakfast room the TV was giving updates on the storm that was sweeping up over Kansas with the odd shot of flooding. Spirits were down a bit. Then on the other hand we had had 26 days of uninterrupted sunny pleasant warm weather. For me that doesn’t happen too often. So be grateful and complain not, man. . Sure, didn’t the bit of rain just ensure that we(those of us from Ireland, Wales and England) wouldn’t be homesick.
Back to the rooms and alter the dress for the day. At loading the raingear as well in evidence. Some even took a newspaper to add to protection. Fortunately as we pulled out from the Best Western onto Route 56 East the wind eased and rain stopped and not a sign of lightning. The storm had passed on, clouds were breaking and revealing some blue and things were looking up.
As we covered the first 11 miles we were heading due east with a strong wind hitting us hard on the right shoulder. But we were prepared to put up with it as we just knew things would change. There was plenty of evidence in the fields of the heavy rain last night. No need for irrigation today!
At the town of Canton our route turned due north with a strong tailwind and we knew that the rest of our route today was in that direction all the way to Abiline with the odd piece of road turning east or west for short periods. Now we cycled along country roads and it was a pleasure.
Still it was grain (some cut, some standing) and soya with plenty of greenery. By now, the sun had got the better of the clouds and the windbreaker that I had started out with, was off. Possibly that fear of the big heat wasn’t so far off the mark. As the wind was with us, better make use of it. I didn’t dare imagine what cycling against such a wind would be like. And it could happen over the space of 30 seconds. Make hay while the sun shines.
In so many places the fields (smaller that we have seen for the last few days) were surrounded with hedges and stands of trees. It was like a scene from home except for the long straight roads. Without scarcely pedalling we sailed along at 20 mph as the miles just kept mounting up on the odometer.
At 28 miles out we arrived at the official half-way point of the cycle to New Hampshire. Writing on the road marks the spot and many ceremonial photos were taken. Some lay down on the road, others straddled the line, some built a pyramid of bikers. For me it is not my half-way point; that happens when I clock up the 2000th mile tomorrow. I’ll have that occasion all for myself. That’ll be a pyramid of just one. Shouldn’t be a problem.
The SAG stop came shortly in the town of Gypsum. With O’Reillys Autocare in every large town and Gypsum today, a coachload of Cavan supporters (after been beaten by Meath!) must have ended up here years ago. Gypsum was quiet at this early hour of 9 am with 33 miles under our belt already.
Our SAG stop was at a gazebo in the city park where drivers also stopped to stretch their legs. Only one SAG today but it marked the half-way and cup cakes were on the menu to celebrate. The artistic squad had been up till the late hours formulating an appropriate design….and did a good job. Pity we had to do a demolition on it.
Within 6 miles of Abilene we ran into serious greyhound country with some very large kennels on both sides of the road (Old Route 40). And then there on the left was the HQ of the National Greyhound Association. It had vast kennels, runs, track and offices. I met Katie in the office and enquired about greyhounds in the locality. ‘Yes’, she said ‘you’ll see plenty more as you ride into town.’ Yea, she knew Pat Dalton (Golden) who comes there twice a year for the Spring and Fall meetings. She redirected me to the Greyhound hall of Fame in Abilene itself just across from the Eisenhower Centre. These were the first greyhounds I had seen since I’d left home.
I pedalled on into Abilene(wind in my back) and with the words of the George Hamilton IV song running through my head and hoping they were true
“Abilene, Abilene Prettiest town I ever seen. Folks down there don't treat you mean In Abilene, my Abilene.”
As things panned out the folks lived up the lyrics; except that the song was written about Abilene, Texas. Ah, well!
In the Tourist Information Centre I was given a quick resume of the city. Dwight Eisenhower grew up here and it is his final resting place. Besides his achievements on the world scene he was instrumental in the construction of the Interstate Highway system in 1956. Late in his life he stated “The proudest thing that I can claim is that I am from Abilene” The Eisenhower centre consists of the family home, museum, library, visitor’s centre and place of meditation and burial.
I arrive at the Greyhound Hall of fame and eventually stayed longer than I had planned. At reception I was greeted by the two resident dogs (retired racers who now only chase after your heart and afection). One was hobbling about with a bandaged foot (corns) and with satisfaction I learned that the other was called Abby. Serendipity. Of course there had to be a photo.
The extensive museum gave the history of greyhounds from the time of Ulysses and Argos. I was thrilled to see a full section on Master McGrath, the Waterford three times winner of the Waterloo Cup and a national icon. He was invited to appear before Queen Victoria (a greyhound owner herself) at Windsor Castle. He travelled over by train accompanied by his trainer John Walsh (probably called Sean by his friends!)
Lots of interesting bits of information: In the Middle Ages clergymen protected greyhounds and bred them for the aristocracy. In the 10th century any commoner caught owning a greyhound was severely punished and the greyhound’s toes were cut off to prevent it from hunting. Elizabeth I was a coursing fan and devised a set of rules for coursing. Coursing became known as ‘The Sport of Queens’
I next went to the Hall of Fame established in 1963 by the now National Greyhound Association to recognise great figures in greyhound racing. Both dogs and owners are inducted with suitable citations and is the highest honour in the game. 
Wasn’t I proud to see Pat Dalton of Golden up there with the greats? A full account of his greyhound career and his citation read ‘For outstanding contribution as a kennel operator, owner and breeder of racing greyhounds’ Come on Golden/Kilfeacle. Beside him was Don Cuddy of Raheny, Dublin (For outstanding contribution as internationally recognised trainer of racing greyhounds). A most interesting visit and anyony into greyhounds would really enjoy it. I said goodbye to Abby and came away.
On my way to the hotel (I had arrived in Abilene at noon and it was now well after 2 pm) I called into the Shamrock Gas Station (surely an interesting connection in here) and ended up having a great chat with Rev Charles Huse of Holy Spirit Ministry (USA). He gave me his life testimony and how he had gone preaching the Word of God in India (near Madras) in November 1999 (the same time as when I first went to Shillong). An interesting meeting, gave me his literature and appreciated what I was cycling for. After all that I finally arrived at Holiday Inn Express at 2.45 pm.
Such a great day. The cycling was great and exhilarating through lovely countryside. What looked like impending disaster at breakfast time turned out so beautiful. Had such interesting visits and people to meet.
Thank god for the health and thank God for the energy.
Seen Today: “ A dog is a pet but a greyhound is family” in the greyhound Hall of Fame
Alarm went off at 6am and I decided that today I wanted to be finished before the big heat of the day arrived. Then I opened the door and was faced with a downpour of rain, howling wind and sheets of lightning. Heat now wasn’t an issue In thee breakfast room the TV was giving updates on the storm that was sweeping up over Kansas with the odd shot of flooding. Spirits were down a bit. Then on the other hand we had had 26 days of uninterrupted sunny pleasant warm weather. For me that doesn’t happen too often. So be grateful and complain not, man. . Sure, didn’t the bit of rain just ensure that we(those of us from Ireland, Wales and England) wouldn’t be homesick. Back to the rooms and alter the dress for the day. At loading the raingear as well in evidence. Some even took a newspaper to add to protection. Fortunately as we pulled out from the Best Western onto Route 56 East the wind eased and rain stopped and not a sign of lightning. The storm had passed on, clouds were breaking and revealing some blue and things were looking up.As we covered the first 11 miles we were heading due east with a strong wind hitting us hard on the right shoulder. But we were prepared to put up with it as we just knew things would change. There was plenty of evidence in the fields of the heavy rain last night. No need for irrigation today!At the town of Canton our route turned due north with a strong tailwind and we knew that the rest of our route today was in that direction all the way to Abiline with the odd piece of road turning east or west for short periods. Now we cycled along country roads and it was a pleasure.Still it was grain (some cut, some standing) and soya with plenty of greenery. By now, the sun had got the better of the clouds and the windbreaker that I had started out with, was off. Possibly that fear of the big heat wasn’t so far off the mark. As the wind was with us, better make use of it. I didn’t dare imagine what cycling against such a wind would be like. And it could happen over the space of 30 seconds. Make hay while the sun shines.In so many places the fields (smaller that we have seen for the last few days) were surrounded with hedges and stands of trees. It was like a scene from home except for the long straight roads. Without scarcely pedalling we sailed along at 20 mph as the miles just kept mounting up on the odometer.At 28 miles out we arrived at the official half-way point of the cycle to New Hampshire. Writing on the road marks the spot and many ceremonial photos were taken. Some lay down on the road, others straddled the line, some built a pyramid of bikers. For me it is not my half-way point; that happens when I clock up the 2000th mile tomorrow. I’ll have that occasion all for myself. That’ll be a pyramid of just one. Shouldn’t be a problem.The SAG stop came shortly in the town of Gypsum. With O’Reillys Autocare in every large town and Gypsum today, a coachload of Cavan supporters (after been beaten by Meath!) must have ended up here years ago. Gypsum was quiet at this early hour of 9 am with 33 miles under our belt already.Our SAG stop was at a gazebo in the city park where drivers also stopped to stretch their legs. Only one SAG today but it marked the half-way and cup cakes were on the menu to celebrate. The artistic squad had been up till the late hours formulating an appropriate design….and did a good job. Pity we had to do a demolition on it.Within 6 miles of Abilene we ran into serious greyhound country with some very large kennels on both sides of the road (Old Route 40). And then there on the left was the HQ of the National Greyhound Association. It had vast kennels, runs, track and offices. I met Katie in the office and enquired about greyhounds in the locality. ‘Yes’, she said ‘you’ll see plenty more as you ride into town.’ Yea, she knew Pat Dalton (Golden) who comes there twice a year for the Spring and Fall meetings. She redirected me to the Greyhound hall of Fame in Abilene itself just across from the Eisenhower Centre. These were the first greyhounds I had seen since I’d left home.I pedalled on into Abilene(wind in my back) and with the words of the George Hamilton IV song running through my head and hoping they were true“Abilene, Abilene Prettiest town I ever seen. Folks down there don't treat you mean In Abilene, my Abilene.”
As things panned out the folks lived up the lyrics; except that the song was written about Abilene, Texas. Ah, well!
In the Tourist Information Centre I was given a quick resume of the city. Dwight Eisenhower grew up here and it is his final resting place. Besides his achievements on the world scene he was instrumental in the construction of the Interstate Highway system in 1956. Late in his life he stated “The proudest thing that I can claim is that I am from Abilene” The Eisenhower centre consists of the family home, museum, library, visitor’s centre and place of meditation and burial.
I arrive at the Greyhound Hall of fame and eventually stayed longer than I had planned. At reception I was greeted by the two resident dogs (retired racers who now only chase after your heart and afection). One was hobbling about with a bandaged foot (corns) and with satisfaction I learned that the other was called Abby. Serendipity. Of course there had to be a photo. The extensive museum gave the history of greyhounds from the time of Ulysses and Argos. I was thrilled to see a full section on Master McGrath, the Waterford three times winner of the Waterloo Cup and a national icon. He was invited to appear before Queen Victoria (a greyhound owner herself) at Windsor Castle. He travelled over by train accompanied by his trainer John Walsh (probably called Sean by his friends!)Lots of interesting bits of information: In the Middle Ages clergymen protected greyhounds and bred them for the aristocracy. In the 10th century any commoner caught owning a greyhound was severely punished and the greyhound’s toes were cut off to prevent it from hunting. Elizabeth I was a coursing fan and devised a set of rules for coursing. Coursing became known as ‘The Sport of Queens’
I next went to the Hall of Fame established in 1963 by the now National Greyhound Association to recognise great figures in greyhound racing. Both dogs and owners are inducted with suitable citations and is the highest honour in the game. Wasn’t I proud to see Pat Dalton of Golden up there with the greats? A full account of his greyhound career and his citation read ‘For outstanding contribution as a kennel operator, owner and breeder of racing greyhounds’ Come on Golden/Kilfeacle. Beside him was Don Cuddy of Raheny, Dublin (For outstanding contribution as internationally recognised trainer of racing greyhounds). A most interesting visit and anyony into greyhounds would really enjoy it. I said goodbye to Abby and came away.On my way to the hotel (I had arrived in Abilene at noon and it was now well after 2 pm) I called into the Shamrock Gas Station (surely an interesting connection in here) and ended up having a great chat with Rev Charles Huse of Holy Spirit Ministry (USA). He gave me his life testimony and how he had gone preaching the Word of God in India (near Madras) in November 1999 (the same time as when I first went to Shillong). An interesting meeting, gave me his literature and appreciated what I was cycling for. After all that I finally arrived at Holiday Inn Express at 2.45 pm.Such a great day. The cycling was great and exhilarating through lovely countryside. What looked like impending disaster at breakfast time turned out so beautiful. Had such interesting visits and people to meet.
Thank god for the health and thank God for the energy.
Seen Today: “ A dog is a pet but a greyhound is family” in the greyhound Hall of Fame
