We rode to Girard KS and ate breakfast at a small town cafe. The folks inside were extremely friendly and the food was delicious and filling. Below is a pic that gives you an idea of what Girard's downtown is like. It has an old west feel.
We rode into a stiff headwind most of today. Fortunately, it was a low mileage day.
We made it to Chanute and camped at the city campground. This was our last day riding together because he will continue west and I'll head north tomorrow. After my tent was pitched, the wind was so strong that it broke one of the poles. Luckily, I had a sleeve to put over the broken part and Colby had some duct tape that I used to hold the sleeve on. I also put some duct tape on another hairline crack on another of the tent poles (pics below).
Total miles today: 58.6
Total ascent: 1183 feet
Day 11: After breakfast, Colby and I bid our farewells. I had the nice pleasure today of mainly riding with a stiff tailwind. I only had to fight a cross headwind for about 30 miles.
Below are some pics of Yates Center's welcome sign and town square.
I'll be spending my last night on the road in Emporia at the Lyons County Fairgrounds. There's not many amenities, it's just a place to pitch a tent.
Total miles today: 98.5
Total ascent: 2404 feet
Day 12: This was the easiest riding day so far on this trip. The wind was mostly at my back. I was on the Flint Hills Trail, a rails to trails route, for several miles from Bushong to Council Grove.
I always enjoy seeing the sculpture in the below pic on my way to Manhattan. It makes me reminisce about what these Kansas prairies looked like during pioneer days.
I made it to Manhattan, my final destination this trip, and got to hold the treasure (pics below).
Total miles today: 74.3
Total ascent: 1576 feet
