Sunday was hot and windy riding 78 miles from eureka, Kansas to newton, Kansas. The ride ended at the newton town park with a plunge into the town pool. We hung out at the pool, took showers and headed to the air conditioned Episcopal church. The last 38.5 mile were on one road that was straight as a laser with no commercial establishment of any kind. The van was very efficient running up and down the route filling water bottles. It was way too hot to cook so we went out to all you can eat Chinese buffet. I did have my first flat tire since Carbondale. I realized the tire was flat when I tried to pump up the tires as we do each morning. It was a heck of a lot easier changing it inside the church than out on the road in the hot sun. there is not much shade in Kansas. Also, Kansas is not really flat. The hills are very, very gentle, but there are ups and downs with wind 10-15 m.p.h. coming out of the south or south/south/west which is not right in our faces but is only helping the few miles we sometimes head north. When the wind is helping I’m able to maintain 20-25m.p.h. which really makes the miles roll along. The just not enough of a following wind. Today jumped up from a 56 mile ride to a 65 mile ride due to a detour to avoid a road flooded by the little Arkansas river. Except for heat(see photo documentation) today was as close to flat as I think we’ll get. Also had a great 2nd breakfast at joeys diner at the 30 mile mark. The best blueberry pancakes west of newtown. We were supposed to camp at a town park in sterling, Kansas but the the forcasted low temp of 85 tonight andy found us a cheap motel that under any other circumstances I would never consider, but there’s aie conditioning and some hot water and best of all I have my own room so I should be able to get a good night’s sleep and even take a shower in the morning before hitting the road. We bid our co-leader dave an emotional goodbye this morning. While andy is with us the entire ride dave needed to not be away from home so long. Scott joins us and dave goes home. It was a prelude to what I think will be a very emotional parting in Oregon several weeks from now. We are 11 individuals who are thrown together in a virtual 24/7 constant togetherness. Friction can not be avoided but for the most part very strong bonds have been formed and it won’t be easy to say goodbye at the end. Dave was great and will be missed by all.