Our morning ride was probably the coldest yet. We were shivering for our entire first leg, but it was short enough not to stop and change. We went to a grocer, and they had the air conditioning on so I turned around as soon as we I got in. Paul got some stuff, and we wised up and put on more clothes before we left for our next haul.
Garden City, where we were heading, seemed to have a lot going on. And this is Kansas, so there would be nothing before it. The first time the trip felt like work was on this ride. There was a constant cold rain, continual climbing, and strong headwinds that had us going under 10 miles an hour for much of the leg. We agreed it was one of the most mentally challenging parts of the trip, because without any services at all, we had no choice but to work through it. Paranoid of Kansas storms, we had another slight scare as there seemed to be very low hanging clouds, and winds began to strengthen. Pedaling through again, it did not materialize into anything significant, other than a rapid increase in heart rate.
After that we saw the sun pop for about 5 seconds right before we got into Garden City, which would be the last time we would see it all day. We stopped at a lunch buffet place, which was perfect. We feasted on some hot food, and waited out the storm. We were so cold that we got a hot pot of water from the kind waitress to warm ourselves up. We ended up staying for two and a half hours while the Poseidon did his work.
When we hit the streets, the road we were on was nearly flooded. 
It was sort of cool but we got a bit wet. As the weather cleared, our attitudes improved again. We made a nice stretch to stop at Lakin, another hopping spot, our last stop before Syracuse, Kansas. The time lost with the storm would not allow us get into Colorado that day. Disappointing.
In Lakin we got some snacks, and hung out for a bit before heading out. When I rolled my bike off the pavement in front of the store I noticed it felt soft. I had finally gotten my first flat! It was the first time in my life that I had a flat rear. Now I knew what 1/6 of Paul's frustration felt like.
After a quick fix, with some help from the pro (Paul), we were back on the road. We were running low on tubes and would have to make it back to civilization (just joking Kansas, nothing but love) to get to a bike shop.
While riding to Syracuse, we crossed into mountain time! How exciting. 
Little mental accomplishments like that can be so empowering. We practically flew the rest of the way to Syracuse. As we got our motel, we noticed a good looking Mexican place. The motel manager recommended the place as well. But remember, we're in Kansas, so it's not as if we were choosing from hundreds of options.
We also asked her about breakfast and the like, the typical motel questions. The manager said breakfast without the k. Breafest, quite funny, and we still laugh about it today.
We rolled over to the Mexican place, and filled up. Damn, I write about food a lot. But it's so good, and we eat a lot.
We returned to the motel, and I did some writing and the like. Both of us could hardly contain our excitement to enter Colorado the following morning. We were actually going to make it for sure the next day. Although I have already said it, we had a lot of expectations for the state. We could hardly fall alseep, but eventually were able to.
Life was good.
have you ever seen the commercial where the family is going to disney world (i think it's disney) and they are like ‘i'm too excited to sleeeeeep' in a funny voice? well, it is a good commercial and i imagine that is what your excitement upon entering colorado was like. hooray!
much love
molly
Flat rear huh? Jay humor at its finest…well that and the std time zone picture.
Also, in some of the blogs where you insert a picture, it looks as though some of the words get erased or covered up. Maybe I'm crazy, but its just an observation I thought was worth sharing.
Keep riding the good ride!!!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=b95oyhSd5ls
I propose you answer questions from the comments in your upcoming posts. Here's mine:
You guys said you did no training before starting this trip and now you're doing 100 miles a day on your bikes. In my head you two start off huffing and puffing just to get your bikes off the kickstands in FL and now you're both in great shape. How much has your guys health improved? I would guess you'd lose weight, but, you do talk about eating all the time so who knows. Is doing all this biking still hard, or do you just do it no problem?
Anyhow, that was kinda more than one question, but it was one general topic, so that's gotta count for something.
Keep up the good work boys.
Seriously, the larger font looks so much better! Please, have Paul take some photos of you too!!
Keep riding the SAFE ride!!!
Love ya!
PS I love today's photo
Chris, If you reversed the words we would all know that you were talking about the tire and not your ass! I am surprised that it was your first flat.
As you and Paul know parents like to hand out these golden life secrets so we feel like we are having some effect on your successes. As both of you know that is a crock because the drive comes from within you two but anyway……here is the golden nuggett of the day
The cold rain, headwinds, and constant climbing that make it more like work (in your words) will make the good times so much better.
We know how mentally tough (may be stubborn or thick headed) both of you are and it will see you through the tough times. Also, as you will learn…the good times you guys experience on this trip will stay with you forever and you will forget the bad times.
Sort of like raising kids (we won't go there now!). Before this gets sentimental I will end. As always we look forward to your day by day progress.
Happy trails to you.
love,
mom and dad
Paul, Are you harboring pictures in that camera of yours? If it's not free to use while you're riding ~ take them during your down time ok 🙂 We'll all look forward to this I'm sure.
I'm feelin like Colorado has met both your expectations. Nice. Anxious to read about it. Til then, Stay dry & cool!
Love, Mom
xoxo
Some inspiration!!!!!!!
Rocky Mountain High
John Denver
Words by John Denver; Music by John Denver and Mike Taylor
He was born in the summer of his 27th year
Comin' home to a place he'd never been before
He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
You might say he found a key for every door
When he first came to the mountains his life was far away
On the road and hangin' by a song
But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care
It keeps changin' fast and it don't last for long
But the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high
He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept his memory
Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake
And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high
Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the land
And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky mountain high
It's Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
Rocky mountain high