So far this segment of the TransAm has been defined by weather that has pushed us all to our limits: primarily heat, with every day over 95 consistently, with times over 100. That changed abruptly yesterday when we had our first full day in Missouri. Storms came through overnight and we woke to much cooler temperatures - 50 ish to start and only reaching 65 by the afternoon. With the change in temperature, winds also came.
On Sunday we were trying to stay just really really hot, with out getting to overheated. Jerseys were open to each woman’s level of comfort. On Monday it was totally different with stops kept short to keep from getting cold. Jackets came on. I am not sure I have ever ridden back-to-back days that were so opposite.
What we also got Monday was wind. Consistent headwinds of about 13 MPH gusting to 20 during the first 40 miles. The second half of the ride turned East and had “only” crosswinds to contend with. The terrain turned from close to flat in Kansas, almost immediately to rollers in Missouri. These have gotten bigger both days and that is a trend we expect to continue as we move through the Ozarks.
For me, yesterday was the toughest day so far. The four days of long rides in the heat had taken a toll and I woke up not feeling great, wishing yesterday was the rest day not today. After about 15 miles in the wind, I started to feel dizzy and unsteady on the bike. I felt like I almost ended up on the pavement a couple of times. I tried to stay calm, but I was scared. I was afraid that I was actively sick again and unable to balance on the bike. Then I started to get anxious and soon felt like I might be having a panic attack - a first for me on my bike. Perhaps I could have ridden through it and gone on to finish the day’s ride, but I decided to call it a day at 20 miles and ride to Marshfield in the van.
I was pretty sure I made the right decision, putting safety first, but I also felt like a quitter, which I do not want to be. The fear of my headache and dizziness being back was so strong, I struggled to out it aside, even after I was in the van, I can't really imagine what it would have been like if I had stayed on the road. I don't regret the decision, but I do regret not being up to completing the ride. And it is hard to think there may be others. I am simply not very strong this year.
Today in Marshfield, on our rest day, I rode a short distance to the local bike shop. The owner was very nice and made some necessary adjustments to my derailleurs, which took 2.5 hours and cost a grand total of $30.00 (Note: some of that time was a lot if talking and not so much adjusting, yet pleasant in itself). After the bike shop excursion, I am really relaxing and resting. My body needs it and I am hopeful that taking the time to rest will also help me to trust the messages that I hear from it going forward.
Onward!
Not my favorite state to bike in, but Eastern Kansas was way nicer than Western Kansas!
Foreboding perhaps, the tippiness of the second day in MO, but at this point the excitement of a new state was all I was feeling!
So many wind farms: In some places the rows of windmills just went on and on.
A cemetery was the only place we could find shade. A short pause and we were back out in the heat again.
No shade for the SAG stop, but the water and snacks still were critically important.
A beautiful walnut grove as we got closer to Mt. Vernon. I admired it as I rode by, but was too hot to stop to take a picture, so 📸 Marilyn H.
Interesting place to explore after calling it a day and deciding to ride to Marshfield in the van.
More of the interesting building. See the 2 cats curled up together on the porch?
When your hotel room overlooks a closed pool and an RV “park”