Day 44, Unintended but Planned Century.

July 8, day 44, 100 miles from Eads, CO to Scott City, KS. The ride began early to avoid weather and wind as long as possible. As usual, the headwind began around 11:30, and the average speed began dropping. I had planned on stopping at Leoti, KS, after about 77 miles for the day. About 6 or 7 miles out, two thru riders caught up with me and called out, "Hey Dude, you look like you need a lift; hop on the train!" Pete (school teacher in Boston area) and Ryan (recent Global Economics degree grad) are riding from San Diego to home in Boston area. Until now, they had been riding side by side, but decided to cheat the head wind and share drafting chores. Added to the pace line, I went from 9 - 10 mph to 15 - 16 mph, not to mention the boost of spirits and morale. We breezed into Leoti and stopped for a snack and cold drinks before jumping back on the "train" for 25 more miles to Scott City. Before heading out, two more riders, Jacob (newly graduated from USAF Academy) and his dad hooked up for the ride and share the "pulling." Cheating the wind was a blast! Saw many riders heading both east and west. It turns out that several bike routes converge on this section of highway in Kansas. Joined two other couples for dinner at a local Cafe --Jaques and Marie-Jo from France and heading west, and David and Linda heading east with their Jack Russell Terrier in a small trailer pulled by Dave's bike. It was a socially satisfying day. It was also Pete's 30th birthday, and his girlfriend from Boston showed up in Scott City as a surprise, ten minutes after we all showed up. Ryan had been coordinating with her via cell phone during the day.