Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 26, 2002

Day 25 (81 miles) Topeka, KS to Frankfor
Today we saw just how barren a place could be. We left the not so thriving metropolis of Topeka, after an eye-opening day, and headed for the small town of Frankfort, a small outcropping of buildings just south of the Nebraska boarder. The terrain of the ride was not overly challenging, mostly smooth low rolling hills, the weather was not so cooperative. We departed a bit after eight and the temperature had already broken 90 degrees, according to the bank thermometer across from the church. By the middle of the day when we stopped for lunch in Onega it was over 100 in the shade and noticeably hotter on the road. We enjoyed a lunch from Boston Market, zebra cakes, bananas and lemonade under a tall grouping of trees.

The second half of the ride was similar to the first half, with the oppressive heat being the main obstacle to an otherwise pleasant ride. A few miles outside of Frankfort a pair of thunderstorms rolled harmlessly by. In the plains you can see storms coming, for miles, which makes for fun games while riding; guessing how long it will take to hit.

In Frankfort we stayed at the local Catholic Church. The pastor, Pastor Bill, was an interesting fellow. Besides being a pastor, he is also a competitive body builder. This did benefit us, since he donated a large bucket of whey protein and some carbohydrate recovery drinks.

The evening was spent eating hamburgers made by the parishioners and watching “Shrek” twice. The rest of the evening was relaxed, a large group of us sat around talking to the pastor. His most interesting suggestion was that all the guys should shave their legs, so that when we fall we don’t tear ourselves up so badly. I don’t think we are going to take that advice… hopefully we won’t fall (any more).

-David Courson