Day 23 -- Lamar to Garden City (KS) -- 106 Miles

At our daily route rap, our cycling group usually has a brief discussion about the ride we just endured, but most of the focus is on the upcoming ride. Ordinarily, one of our ride leaders (and head mechanic), Gerard, asks us how the ride went today. And, ordinarily, the group responds with cheers and upbeat words like "phenomenal," fantastic," and "great." Today, however, I heard words like "awful," "hard," and, my personal favorite, "I am never riding my bike again." That last one was a joke... I think.

For all intents and purposes, the last 3 cycling days have been centuries (97, 121, and 106, respectively), and today was definitely a character-building day. I'd call it "hard", but I wouldn't call it "awful," and I certainly won't give in by "never riding my bike again." But the best way that I, personally, would characterize today would be as a "making it to Mary" day.

Today, I used my wife, Mary, as my source of inspiration. After reviewing the cue sheet, I divided my ride into three parts -- each of which had a "make it to Mary" portion. The first segment brought us into a new state, Kansas (proof in picture above). Another state completed -- one state closer to "making it to Mary."

During part two, we pedaled along Route 50. As was the case yesterday, there was not much in terms of sightseeing -- this picture kind of says it all. That said, part two brought us into the central time zone. Just like that, I was one hour away from Eastern Standard Time. Just like that, I was getting closer to "making it to Mary."

Part three of our ride kept us on Route 50. I hammered away as the temperature rose, and the winds (headwinds and cross winds all day) continued to howl. Interestingly enough, our cue sheet has us to exit at Route 50 at Route 156/Mary Street of all places. As the homestretch continued, my level of fatigue increased, but I reminded myself that I was "making it to Mary" -- Mary street, and, essentially, Mary wife.

Eventually, I made it to our home for the night, and I am glad that I had a great source of inspiration to help me along the way.

P.S. -- Sorry for any non-facebookers reading this post. The hyperlink's on Mary's name are facebook pictures of her. Just wanted to throw that out there so you get the picture (no pun intended).