Day 51: Newton

Distance: 50 avg: 14.7

The weather is humid, and it’s probably going to rain any second. But it’s kind of nice outside, and I get to enjoy the lightning bugs! :O

Today had very little riding and lots of little conversations with people! So much so that I didn’t get on the road until 11! And even then I had to break the unwritten rule: stop and chat. Because 13 people riding as a group came by!!

At the end of the day I was ready to be by myself. I even turned down staying in someone’s house. That may seem strange but I guess after being on the road so long I consider my tent my home, and kind of look forward to the familiarity of it.

(about an hour and a half passes)

In the little time it took to write the above the weather became apocalyptic. I became very afraid and called Nathan, the guy who earlier offered a place to stay. He came out to get me. I hurriedly put on my heavy rain gear and put some essentials in a dry sack. I pulled my tent rods down, with all my stuff still inside. As I did it I watched as water streamed off my jacket like a river. I put my bike under a gazebo, and Nathan picked me up.

This was by far the worst weather I have seen. The power is out in Nathan’s house. The wind is gusting at 80-90mph. I hate to abandon my equipment but I’m hoping it’ll be alright.

I sat and chatted with Nathan and his wife for a bit. We all sat in the basement lit by a couple gas lanterns. They’re very nice people and I appreciate their kindness. I feel kind of silly not taking their offer earlier. I guess I haven’t ever seen a storm so severe happen so fast. I mean, I was writing about freaking lightning bugs! Crazy!

Morning after update: I got back to the park and my gear was soaked but fine. I am exhausted. The lightning constantly woke me up and all the excitement made it hard for me to sleep. I dried off my gear and now I’m in a coffee shop getting some food. Off to Wichita in a few!