JULY 1 TOUR de LYONS

We had a short "rap sheet" today. Put simply, it said: Leave Great Bend on route 56, travel east 64 miles to Mc Pherson, KS.

That we did, initially in gray threatening weather this morning, turning into kind of a dreary, high humidity afternoon with "prairie breezes." Not Florida beach weather. In spite of the weather we had a very interesting morning.

Grain storage silos in Lyons

In the small farming town of Lyons (pronounced "lions") we had a pre-arranged tour. First at the Ranch House cafe we were given wonderful cinnamon buns and coffee by the Chamber of Commerce. We were then met by Neil, a local farm owner who also happens to work in a support capacity on bike tours, and has worked several AbB cross country challenges. Fine man, and one who went out of his way to help us better understand the Kansas community. He set up a tour for us of the local grain silos, a co-op of the local farmers. Our tour guide discussed with us the economics of Kansas farming, harvesting techniques, storage of grain etc., and the final sale to ADM or Cargill. We all came away with a better understanding of the risks involved in farming, the capital commitment necessary and the the relatively small monetary reward available to the farmers. But it is a way of life passed on to the next generation. It is what Kansas is all about.

Touring the Silo

We also had a lesson in pronounciation, Kansas style. We have been saying the word Arkansas--pronounced ARK/an/ saw. Wrong. Here it is prounced ar/KANSAS. Truly.

John (ME) and Joe (TX) riding together today began singing all-Ameican songs, like "The Yellow Rose of Texas." They were joined by Gerard and Monique (the French couple) who then began singing French song favorites. Quite an international song fest!

Small town Kansas

We also passed a chicken farm near Chase, KS which is currently raising 2 million chickens, mainly for Mc Donalds. Unbelievable!

Back at the hotel in McPherson ("When Success Matters"), I met Katy, a reporter for the Mc Pherson Sentinel, sent to write a story about our group's visit to town. She interviewed me for some time and I introduced her to several of the bikers. I invited her to route rap this evening. She came and was treated to one of the more boisterous and fun-loving meetings. Monique was presented the "chicken award" for her ability to communicate and "get it" in English, and with being able to keep pace with Gerard on the bike. I was then presented a pair of training wheels, following a fall at the grain silo. I got caught in a metal groove at the truck scale and fell---the road rash will heal. I guess it was my night on the hot seat as I also received from Tom (IA) a cap--a farmers hat that says, National By Products--"so I can fit in in Kansas". It is a CLASSIC farm hat! I wore it to dinner.

Tomorrow it's on to Abilene.

         - Bill

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