Day 57 , 58 & 59

Day 57 found Zac in the wilderness of Wyoming in the mid-afternoon, 40 miles from any civilization for food or water. Zac has a water filter pump for cleansing water and was eating any food reserves he had in his backpacks when we talked to him. He had blown a tire but was able to repair it sufficiently to continue on but with some alignment problems. He is anticipating having his Memphis Bike Connections in sending him the appropriate replacements. His friends have been a great support group throughout this entire ride and Zac could not have continued on without them. Zac has also been getting your messages of support every few days but does not have the ability to reply. He wanted to know that he is getting them..
Day 58 & 59 - Have not heard from Zac. We are getting alittle anxious but also know that he is in area where there is limited phone service and a limited ability to charge his phone. We were hoping to find him a great place in Yellowstone National Park to spend July 4th but cannot be sure where he will be. I was surprised to see that there were still a few vacancies in Yellowsone National Park for the holidays! Will gladly hear from him at any time and stay calm till then.
Wishing everyone a Happy 4th week of celebration. There is so much to be thankful for in this great country of ours. Zac is getting to see it first hand.

*written by his mom who is trying to be stay cool in SC!*

Day 50-56 In Wyoming

It has been a few days since I have been able to get on the keys to report. As of this morning, Zac is leaving Rawlins, Wyoming after a day of difficult biking of winds, high altitude and very boring scenery. Zac had met a great couple biking, very mature, according to his standards, 60ish, but would not be continuing with him.
Zac seemed to be finding it alittle difficult to get going this morning but was determined to bike 60 miles today.The countryside is barren and Zac describes it as "high altitude desert".
Rawlins, incorporated in 1886 and designated the county seat of Carbon County, (a name derived from the extensive coal deposits which underlay the area) is located virtually on top of the Continental Divide, elevation of 6900 ft. The population is 8500 and it is due west of Laramie, Wyoming. Rawlins was named after General John A. Rawlins, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, who after taking a drink from a spring at the base of a nearby hill declared, "If anything is ever named after me, I hope it will be a spring of water."
Doug (dad) and I have left Alberta, Canada and are glad to get to phones and computer access.. We are very limited in communication in Canada due to the high roaming charges despite the best of international plans. We have learned this the hard way, years ago, after a shocking cell phone bill. We did try to communicate with Zac each day to find his location.
While still in Colorado, Zac got to travel along the Continental Divide for many days. One day this past week, they had a Colorado Border to Border bike ride and there were about 1,000 riders with Zac on the trail. He truly enjoyed having a support vehicle with him. I have threatened to get a beige rent a car and do so-may still do so. While in Colorado, he had frequent company on the trails but this has has changed in Wyoming.
We have kept Zac posted regarding the news at home... the election results! Dr. Durrett's incredible progress he is making, and other tidbits. Doug and I are in Minneapolis for a two day meeting. While at dinner last night, I did bring up the ZAC ATTACK and quickly got a wonderful donation... a very generous Dr. Williams, orthopedist, Albany, GA ...and two pledges. It is amazing how Leukemia and Lymphoma have touched so many lives everywhere.
Zac needs your prayers and has enjoyed your phone calls of encouragement.. Thank you.

*posted by Zac's Mom who is going to drag Zac's Dad to the Mall Of America this afternoon in the rainy weather....*

Day 48 & 49 Zac?

Last we heard from Zac was from Canon City, CO with his new parts and ready to leave Thursday morning. We have been unable to get in contact with him but we are away in Canada visiting with his grandfather, the lymphoma survivor. He turned 94 years old on Monday and is amazing! We are also enjoying the 70 degree weather.! We are hoping that Zac is cycling into the Rockies, with greater ease since he has his bicycle fixed....


*posted by his mom from Alberta, Canada*

Day 46 & 47 Waiting for Bike Parts

Zac biked out of Canon City, CO a few miles and realized he needed to make some changes in the gearing(?) of his bike for the mountains. With the additional weight of the saddle bags and supplies, it was too difficult to continue. He returned to Canon City and has been staying there, waiting the bike shop to get the necessary parts. We have had a chance to send him his rain jacket and water pump and some lovin' while he was there.
Canon City (there is the squiggle over the first "n" but I do not know how to type that in) has a population of 16,000 and elevation of 6,000 ft.Cañon City was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush as a commercial center for miners. It is located on the Arkansas River and is a favorite for whitewater rafters and rock climbers.
We were hoping Zac could find a library and share some thoughts with us...

*posted by his mom*

Day 43 & 44 In Florence, CO

Zac spent Day 43 in Pueblo getting the necessary bike repairs, resting, taking care of some business and refueling-himself. He spent another night in a motel and enjoyed the luxuries of a soft bed, shower and TV for the evening.
Day 44, Zac began the climb in elevation. He has been biking in semi-arid county in western Kansas but finds the dryness of the Colorado foothills along with the increasing elevation very difficult. He has been drinking so much more water and had to stop at a horse ranch for additional water. A wonderful kind rancher, Ted Kelly and his family asked Zac to have an afternoon meal with them. Ted raises appaloosa horses and has trained race horses. Zac shared our Aiken history with them. Zac camped in the city park in Florence, CO.
Florence, my namesake, with a populaton of 3,500, is the home of the Supermax Prison, the only one in the USA. It is known as the "Alcatraz of the Rockies" and houses about 430 of the most dangerous prisoners we have. Ted Kaczynski and Terry Nichols make their registry as well as the most notorious of drug dealers, terrorists, organized crime,etc. The prison was built in 1994 and employs about 1000 people.
Florence is at an elevation of 5,000 ft. and Zac is ccntinuing on to Hartsell, Co, elevation 9,000. He anticipates that he may only cover about 30 miles today because of the elvation and difficulty.
Today is Zac's grandfather's 94th birthday. He was diagnosed with lymphoma 4 years ago. The Doctors at the Cross Cancer Clinic began treatment on him because they thought he was only 80 years old and was so active and independent. After the third round of his limited chemotherapy, they realized that he was actually 90. Granddad has enjoyed 4 years of good health. He passed his medical exam and his actual driving test so the Alberta government gave his drivers license for TWO more years. He limits it to around the block to the drugstore and post office and church.. There is fortunately no traffic around town. We consider each day with him a blessing.
Zac is doing this ride in his honor as well as his aunt, Jan.
We wish that Granddad could be at the Pacific and see Zac dip his wheels but this would be too difficult a trip for him.
Thank you for all your concern and good wishes for Zac. It amazes us how involved everyone has been in Zac's ride and are asked about him everywhere we go.. Thank you for everyone's support.

*posted by Zac's mom who was born VERY late in her father's life????*

Day 42 Zac in Pueblo, CO

After a great day of biking,Zac has made it to the big city of Pueblo, CO, population 103,000. He biked a total of 115 miles. For the first 65 miles or so, Zac said he averaged 12 mph and then the last 40 or so, he averaged 19 mph. There were 10 minute segments where he was biking 30 mph and loving every minute of it. Zac has enjoyed watching the antics of the many prairie dogs in this semi-arid area. Rainfall in this area averages only 14 inches per year.
About 44 miles of his biking was done along the Arkansas River bed in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He has gone ahead of his biking companions because of his speed for the day and splurged on a hotel room for the night.
Zac had difficulty getting motel rooms in the area due to limited vacancy. One of the motels that he checked into was totally not clean and he had to argue to get his money refunded. He will rest Day 43 in Pueblo and get his rear wheel "retensioned' and add his 'saddle bags" to the front wheel to redistribute his weight. There is a large bicycle shop in Pueblo that he can get the repairs done.
Zac will rest in Pueblo, eat well, and do the necessary repairs. If he finds a library, he will get on the keys and hopefully share his thoughts.
Pueblo is the economic hub of southeastern Colorado and northern New Mexico. It is the largest steel producing city in the US and is known as "The Steel City".
Pueblo is considered to be in the "banana belt" which is the segment of a geographic region that enjoys much milder conditions, especially in winter. This. apparently, usually occurs when you are on the lee sides of the mountain slopes. They have very little snowfall here in their winters.
Pueblo is the hometown of four Medal of Honor recipients - Drew D. Dix, Raymond G. Murphy, William J. Crawford, and Carl L. Sitter. On July 1, 1993, the Congressional Record recognized Pueblo as the "Home of Heroes".
We are hoping Zac will get on the keys himself on his rest day.

*posted by Zac's mom.... once again...*

Day 41 Out of Kansas and into Colorado

Had a nice conversation with Zac tonight. They had made dinner of beans, rice, carrots, etc. and peanut butter... There was no meat entree tonight. Zac was discussing his Uncle Ben's Minute Rice cooked in a skillet..... something new for the Food Channel-cooking on the road with a skillet and a tent. There was one more mini meal to come before he went to bed.
They left Tribune, KS and biked 60 plus miles to Eads, CO. They left the farmland communities and travelled through desolate, very flat land. They biked for 8 miles out of the town and could still see the town. There is are no trees, greenery or shrubbery of any kind on the landscape, It is almost unsettling to be in such barren isolated countryside.. We are glad he is biking this area with companions.
They stopped at a service station establishment called Sheridan Lake but there was no water in the lake, only totally barren land. One of the locals was discussing how the South was so far behind the times, etc and continued on and on. Zac finally let on that he was from the South but informed them that we had people in S,C., trees, plants and even water in our lakes...... Zac has enjoyed talking to the farmers of Kansas and how the fuel prices and other costs have affected their livelihood. Their crops were millet, wheat and sunflowers.
Zac and the two Dutch riding buddies ended the day in Eads, CO, a very small town of 800 or so very nice people. Sylvia at the HealthMart store had Zac's package for him and I did recieve my kind and gentle lecture of sending him too much. They also got their hair cut by Laurie Lynn, a 46 year old mother of a three year old. She cut their hair very short and told them to go to her house and shower. They met the three year old and Zac was concerned that he was not potty trained as yet. They camped out a the city park and were enjoying the weather. They will stay at a hotel for a night or two when the weather turns on them.
Zac said that though the terrain is as desolate as you can imagine, there are so many wonders that you see from a bicycle. It may be the horny toad running across the road, the formation and reformation of the one cloud overhead and all the inticate wonders of the world that surround us but we are usually too busy or moving too fast to notice. There is a lesson to be learned there.
Zac had a good day.... and ready for a good night.

*posted by his Mom who sends too much stuff, just cuz.....*

Day 40 STILL in Kansas!

Zac had an average day biking. It began with losing his biking gloves and alittle difficulty in getting going.. Minno and Tjoan left very early on their journey and had biked against the wind. Zac left later and had little wind to contend with in the 60 miles of travel. The day temperature was 80 degrees going down to 59degrees at night. Sounds like heaven if you are home in South Carolina. The night brought Zac to Tribune, KS, a town of 800 people and camping in the community park. Zac was reunited with Dianne and Wayne from Virgina and Minno and Tjoan. Dinner was summer sausage, beans and rice cooked on the camp stove and dessert was canned peaches.
Tibune was named after Horace Greeley, 1811-1872, who became the publisher of the New York Tribune. He fought for Kansas' entry into the Union as a free state. He was also known for the phrase "Go West Young Man".
Zac was anticipating the cooler weather as he heads into Colorado and needed his "fleecy" spandex for his arms and legs. These are long sleeves that he pulls on his arms and zippered fleece lined "leggings". He also needed a few other supplies. Being a mom, I sent a few extra Energy items and these may not be welcomed. Every item, even a few ounces, is critical when you are riding. Zac is concerned about extra weight on his wheels. This is all new to me and I am learning.
Zac is hoping to cross into Colorado. Express mail with the USPS takes two days from Aiken to Eads, CO. However, UPS can get the package overnight but I had to find a delivery spot in Eads. So I called the Chamber of Commerce in Eads, which is

Day 39 STILL in Kansas!

Zac left Ness City where he had camped with his Dutch biking friends. They ride the recumbent bicycles and have been informing Zac about life in the Netherlands. Both gentlemen are in their 50's(?) and have much to tell.
Ness County, of which Ness City is the county seat, was named for Corporal Noah V. Ness who died of Civil War wounds on August 22, 1864. At that time there were no known residents of the county. Corporal Ness never lived in Ness County - the name was selected by the State.
Zac and Co. biked about 60 miles, beginning at 5 A.M. and ended up in Scott City, Kansas, population of 3,800. Scott City is two counties from the Kansas/Colorado state line. Zac was staying with his current cycling companies at a hostel that offered borderline comforts. He is preparing for Colorado by having me prepare and send his "fleecy spandex" for the mountains. I have not handled this much spandex in my life since Zac is truly the only one in our family that has earned the right to wear it proudly.

*posted by Zac's mom with Zac still peddling in the Kansas wind*

Day 37 & 38 Still in Kansas!

Sunday night found Zac camping in Larned, Kansas, reconnecting with his travelling friends from the past week. The winds continue making the biking very difficult. The wind makes it necessary for the Fort Larned State Park personnel to change the flags every three months due to shredding.
Fort Larned was built to protect the Santa Fe Trail. The Santa Fe Trail was essential for commerce from Missouri to then Mexican city of Santa Fe. It also served the Oregon Trail. Kansas was the gathering point for the wagon trains for the Oregon Trail It is estimated that 300,000 people travelled to the West Coast during the 20 years after the first caravan in 1841. The Oregon Trail started in Independence, MO and entered Kansas. It was a 2,000 miles journey, either going west and north to end in the Columbus River Valley of Oregon or going west and south to the gold fields in California.
Zac called in "live" for an 11 A.M. interview with Liz Hill on WAGT, NBC Augusta for an update on his journey. We were not sure that Zac would have a cell signal so I had to go in my ZAC ATTACK T-shirt and be interviewed. I could not hear what Zac was saying to Liz so I had to wing my comments. They have been so very supportive of Zac's "Sea to Shining Sea" ride.
Today, I also picked up a copy of the VERGE magazine, a Augusta monthly publication. Katie McGuire wrote an article about Zac's biking venture and it was released on June 6th. The VERGE appears to centered on the downtown Augusta community. Thank you.
We leave Zac peddling against the wind in Kansas again. He has gone about 1800 miles of his 4100 mile journey.
Tomorrow is the last day of school for the Sunset Park Elementary School students and we wish them all the best for their summer vacation. You are all the best and we are still amazed by you all.

*posted by Zac's mom again.... Go Zac!*

Day 36 Wind and more Wind

Zac is in Windy Kansas... Every other sentence he speaks has the word "WIND" in it which has made biking very difficult...Zac made it to windy Hutchinson yesterday and was able to get repairs and supplies at a bike shop that opened in 1922 and one of their employees just retired after 48 years of service. Zac continues on the windy TransAmerica trail. There are many churches and community centers along this designated trail that offer their hospitality to the bikers. Zac was staying at one of these, the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church,enjoying a warm bed and community kitchen. He had grocery shopped before he stopped and was amazed with how much the cost of groceries have escalated since his biking trip last summer.
Hutchinson is 39 windy miles NW of Wichita on the Arkansas River. It is home of the Prairie Dunes County Club, founded in 1930. It is frequently ranked among the best golf courses in the US and has hosted several USGA national champinship tournaments.
"Hutch" is also known as the "Salt City". It was discovered in 1887 and the first salt processing plant was built west of the Mississippi. They also built the WORLD'S longest grain elevator in 1961- that fact will come in handy, I am sure.
Anita Coursaut, the late actress known as Helen Crump of the Andy Griffith Show was born here and "Hutch" is also the home of Murry Wilson, the father of the Willson brothers of the Beach Boys.. Who knew?
Zac will leave windy Hutchinson, and peddling to some very small windy town in Kansas.. against the Wind......
Thank you all for asking about Zac, sending us notes and he appreciates all the kind donations. He has been amazed at everyone's involvement and generosity, This helps so very much when you are peddling, against the Wind....

*posted by Zac's mom who sends all her love to the students of Sunset Park Elementary School*

Day 35 S.P.T.A.C. YOU ROCK!

There is not a satisfactory way to thank the Students and the Teaching Staff of Sunset Park Elementary. My words cannot tell you what an incredible job the Sunset Park Trojans Attack Cancer group did to quickly organize one of the most amazing events for the L&L Society. Pictures cannot show you the students' enthusiasm and the staff enthusiasm for this afternoon's event in the 100 degree heat. Kay Brohl went with me this morning, bearing SPTAC personalized water bottles for all and the prize of the dirt bike and helmet. Zac's dad, sister Erin ,and her boyfriend Chris also drove up for the event and gratefully so. The day began early with Cassie and 12 teachers bravely biking a 6-mile route to school and being met by all the cheering students.
Zac was able to call from "somewhere" in Kansas,spoke to the kids and did the count down for the biking and the dancing to begin.
Ms. Cagle and her staff had roped off the dancing area and the track for the bikers Their individual activities continued for 60 minutes, cut short by a few minutes due to the excessive heat and the popsicle treats. The participants were watered frequently and supervised by the school nurse.
Today was also the last day of the Coin Races, the Dollar Day.
The Honor balloons were released as the names of loved ones and friends were read.
An Honor board also listed the names of those affected by cancer in the school family.
The media attended with the Herald reporters there and the reporters of the local TV stations.
The TOTAL raised for SPTAC....$3100.00 -- THREE times the goal that they had set!
There are many aspects of this fundraiser that stand out. The idea was the students' when Ms. Cagle told them of their family friend following the same Oregon trail as the one mentioned in their textbooks. The students decided to raise funds for Zac and his journey for the LLS. A trio of students spearheaded the efforts, the 4th grade submitted proposals and ideas for fundraising, and involved the entire elementary school of 350 students. The teaching staff with Ms. Cagle were all involved and happily so. Their energy was limitless. Their attitude inspiring. They were so proud and so happy to do what they did and attacked it with such vigor that it would put most adults to shame. There were smiles everywhere despite the heat and humidity.

$3100 for an incredible cause and the Sunset Park Trojans, grades 1-5 only spoke of all the people that they would help. One mother was a lymphoma survivor.
How could not one walk away unaffected by this unselfish, generous and huge effort.

In leaving the Sunset Park Elementary School, we discussed how well behaved, friendly and mannerly the students were... Hats off to the entire teaching staff and Ms. Cassie Cagle. We appreciate Barbara and Pansy from the District office also showing up and dancing in that heat..

As soon as I remember how to transfer pictures on the blog, we have some great pictures.......... What an impressive day!

*posted by Zac's mom who wishes that Zac could have been there to see what he inspired and then to be inspired by the entire student body* Unbelievable....*

Eureka! KS is where I am.

Hey everyone, I thought that I would first post pics with descriptions and then post a state to state synopsis.



This is the crossing from Hunting Island, SC to Beaufort. This was on my first dsy of riding.





This was the typical South Carolina road all the way up to Clemson. I did not have any hills until right before Barnwell SC. 110 miles from the coast. Thanks Barnwell.







These nice folk are Pastor Aaron and his wife, Chrissy, from Calhoun Falls, SC. I rode up to their house from Aiken. My trip was a total of 93 miles. On the way, my friend Joel, passed me on his way back to Clemson. We chilled out and talked for a minute while I enjoyed the AC in his car. Aaron and Chrissy had dinner waiting for me on the kitchen table. That dinner was as good as gold to me. They were so friendly and we had a good time talking and eating. I did a lot of both. It's hospitality like this that makes you realize that there are a whole lot of really great people out there. No matter what FOX news says.




From Clemson, I went through GA, to NC all in one day. I climbed for three hours straight up to Highlands NC and then I went 18 miles down hill to Franklin......the whole way.....faster than the cars........it was rad. Here's some pics from that day.




The mountain I climbed is the big'n behind me.







Great view from the top!





I did not have a camera from TN to the end of MO which really stinks. I lost it....like I do with everything I own. Here are my pics from KS with my new camera.


Here I am crossing the border into KS from MO with my friends Menno, Tjoan, Wayne, and Dianne. Menno and Tjoan are from the Netherlands. They are riding recumbent bicycles. They look funny but they are super comfy and can go super fast downhill. They can go 60 downhill. I can only get up to 45. They are great. Dianne and Wayne are from Virginia. They are way older than I am and I have trouble keeping up with them. We all ride together or separate when we are going through the same areas. Sometimes I see their bikes parked out in front of a store and I stop to check in with them. It leads to a lot of spontaneous group lunches and story swapping.










Well those are my pics. I have more that I will post. They are on other peoples' cameras. Now its time for a state to state recap.

SC- As many of you know this was the first state I travelled through. I left from Beaufort. I know a lot of people here so I only had to camp my first night in SC. I spent a couple of days at the rents house. I stayed with the afformentioned couple from Calhoun Falls. I love yal! I stayed with my buddy Joel the night before I ascended into NC via GA. The only difficulty I encountered in SC was too much weight on my bike and not being totally conditioned to riding with that much weight. Before my climb into NC, i lightened my load my taking off aerobars, my front rack and bags.

NC- I was only in NC for two days. Both days had excellent climbing and descents. The people were nice, as they often are in the South. The scenery was scenic and all was well with the cosmos. A lovely lady named Pam Forshee sponsored me by putting me up in a hotel room in Franklin, NC. I didn't even ask her and she just offered. Once again the niceness of people is shocking. I got through NC pretty quick.

TN- I had a rough ride into Chattanooga and then I took some rest days at my friend Reese's apt. He is awesome. We just hung out, ate, and he watched me pass out after each meal. I have never felt so "bonked" for so long. It was at this point that my body finally got into gear for weighted bicycle touring. THanks Reese. After Chattanooga, I rode to Winchester, TN where Steve and Connie Young put me up in their B and B called the Antebellum Inn. They even let me sleep in a King Size bed with a bathroom you could run laps around! What awesome folk! I rode several days of monotonous Hwy 64 until I ran out of inner tubes 40 mi outside of Memphis. My broham Jacob picked me up and then let me chill at his house for a number of days. We threw a party and then went to another one. It was great. I loved seeing all of my Memphis friends. After Memphis, six friends and I rode up the Mississippi River Trail to Fort Pillow St. Park. It was right at 100 miles and I thought it was supposed to be 85. 3 of them returned to Memphis for work the next day. Roger and Isaiah stayed with me until Reelfoot Lake, TN near the KY border.

KY- The ferry I planned to take across the river was closed so I had to continue a days ride northward into KY. Instead of crossing into MO from KY I had to ride to MO via IL. I did this all in a day.

IL- Nice!

MO- I dont think that I am a fan of Missouri. I finally got westbound after connecting to the east to west Trans AM route. This is basically the A.T. of bicycle touring. The Ozarks were the hardest part of the ride that I have encountered. The hills and the people were mean. The hills did not let you continue any momentum and the people would stare at you from a distance of five feet. They would not even respond to a "Howdy" or "How are you doin?" This part of MO seemed like they wanted to be a part of the South but lacked the hospitality. The scenery was nice. One night two friends and I camped out beside the crystal clear current river. It was real camping. We marched our bikes and stuff down to a beach where we went for a nice swim, shower. The stars were great that night and the babbling stream lent itself to a relaxing time. I lost track of Jesse and Charlie, those two guys. I doubt I will catch up to them.

KS- This is where I am now. KS is hard. The winds are relentless. You sometimes have to exert yourself twice as hard to go the same distance. It is not all flat. Gradual hills exacerbated by the winds can take it out of you. Tornados are in season and that is another consideration. Today I have to take a rest day bc of the impending doom. Tonight they are supposed to have super cell activity. The people here are sooooooo nice. I feel at home. Everyone is helpful and they give me plenty of room on the road. I am taking a much needed rest day in Eureka. I have only been in KS three days. After my rest day. I will do mega miles. Keep you posted. I am out. The library is about to close.

UPDATE ON S.P.T.A.C. ..........Amazing!

Well, Sunset Park Trojans Attack Cancer report today by Ms. Cassie Cagle is amazing.......

The Winners of the Coin Races are as follows:
Monday......PENNY DAY.........1st Grade (Yinopoulous)
Tuesday.....NICKEL DAY........2nd Grade (Nowell)
Wednesday...DIME DAY .........4th Grade (Smalls)

And the overall total today raised thus far.......$1200.00 raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.....

Is this not Incredible? Congratulations to the Students and Staff of Sunset Park!

Days 32 & 33 Blown around in Kansas

Zac just called in from Toronto, KS, population 312 persons... #311 and #312 were talking to him while he was trying to talk to me. I did hear that he camped out at a campsite last night and had to watch the most incredible night storms. The winds were about 50 mph and the storms were surrounding him 360 degrees. The lighting all around him was so frequent and so bright that it was as light as daylight at times. Those of you who know the family, know that we are alittle uneasy with lighting since 2002!! He had to take his tent down at one point in a hurry, and in repacking, his cooking fluid got all over his DromLight bag.... I have just found out that that is a 6-liter water bladder and kerosene does not wash out completely. I have found one to send to him at the next town, along with the needed Dr. Bonner's all purpose soap. I choose "Eucalyptus" which I am sure will thrill Zac! Won't he smell refreshed through Kansas!
Zac is apparently in the valley of the Verdigris River, about 50-60 miles out of Wichita Falls.

The local newspaper today says "Thursday could bring a tornado outbreak to the Great Plains, according to local meteorologists who are warning residents to pay attention to the weather.
Computer forecasting models for the day bear striking similarities to the conditions present on June 8, 1974, when 39 tornadoes touched down in the southern Plains and killed 22 people -- including six in Emporia." I have warned Zac and he is going to stay in the lower floor of some motel, hopefully.

The two young men that Zac was biking with had continued on while he had to stay back and do some business and phone calling. They are thinking that they will reconnect at some point on the trail ahead.

Zac is tired today and not doing the usual daily mileage. He is going to try to get to Eureka, the "Racing Capital of Kansas" They have a quarterhorse race track. The town, population 3,000, got its name when an early pioneer shouted "Eureka", after discovering a spring of water that is now known as the Fall River.. I could not make this up....

So we leave Zac peddling towards Eureka, in the Kansas wind.. I think he has tried to click his heels together many times but has not worked.. Perhaps if he had red biking shoes!

The students of Sunset Park...SPTAC.. have exceeded their goal of $1,000 yesterday. We need to find out what grade won the Nickel Day coin races and the Ice Cream Party. They are getting geared for the big day on Friday, June 6th...

*posted by Zac's mom who is learning more than she ever thought from this bike ride*

Days 30 & 31 Thru 7 States, 5 more to Go!

Zac continues to bike with Jessie from New York and Charlie from Pittsburgh and making good time. They met two Dutch riders in recumbent bicycles who are crossing America as well,but at a different pace. They were much older...40ish! Zac and the other two men tried to get a motel room at the only one in the rural area but the woman would not let them rent the one room. She allowed them to camp under the tin roof to stay dry. Only one of the three is not sporting facial hair but Zac did not think that this made any significant difference... There were thoughts of prank calling this woman all the way to the west coast but their good raisin' by their mamas came through. The people in Missouri, except for Ruth, have not impressed Zac with their overall friendliness and helpfulness.. Our new friend Ruth was the only one that excelled in points.
Zac's mid morning meal was at Lamar, MO, the birthplace of our 33rd President of the United States, Harry Truman. The birthplace is now a historic State Park. He is known for many things, the most common was ending the war with the release of the atomic bomb. He returned to Independence, MO to retire.
Zac crossed over... into the state of Kansas. mid day, and they were to stay tonight at Chanute, KS, population 9500. Chanute is named after Octave Chanute, a French born railroad engineer and aviation pioneer.
Chanute was responsible for designing and constructing the country's two biggest stockyards, Chicago(1865) and Kansas City(1871). He designed the first bridge to cross the Missouri River. He also invented the system for pressure treating railroad ties and telephone poles with creosote to preserve them. He also designed the system of dating railroad nails for the railroad companies to develop maintenance patterns.
When he retired from engineering, he became interested in and organized data in aviation. He took the early design of hang gliders and worked with others to test them since he was too old to attempt to fly them himself. He provided the Wright Brothers with help and advice, and helped publicise their flying experiments...
Zac is enjoying the travelling companions for this short time. He is concerned about Dr. Durrett and his recent health problems and has been calling frequently to check on our dear friend.
So we leave Zac in Kansas....Zac is passing on a hello to the kids of Sunset Park!

*posted by Zac's mom and so glad he has his new phone*