Today’s Ride
The Stats
73 miles374 ft. climbing (perhaps the shape of things to come?)Milestones: Crossed Oklahoma state lineChallenges: Morning fog, though it was eerily peaceful
Miles Completed: 1,287Miles to Go: 2,109States Visited: 5 of 15Feet Climbed: 49,727
374 ft. climbing (perhaps the shape of things to come?)
Milestones: Crossed Oklahoma state line
Challenges: Morning fog, though it was eerily peaceful
Miles Completed: 1,287
Miles to Go: 2,109
States Visited: 5 of 15
Feet Climbed: 49,727
The Ride
Some mornings, you just don't have the foggiest idea where you are, where you were the day before, or where you are going. Today was one of those days for more reasons than one. Many of us were fatigued from battling yesterday's headwinds, especially those of us (like me!) who got into the hotel really late, were rushed to get to dinner, and simply had less down and recovery time. Many alarms were snoozed. But in the more earthly sense, we were enshrouded in fog for the first 20 or so miles of the ride. It was eerily peaceful, and given the monotony of the scenery, we weren't really missing much! At least it was hard to get lost. Also glad that Tom urged us to bring our rain jackets with us, as the fog turned to a light mist -- though again, not unpleasant, especially compared to what we've seen before!
Thanks, Lisa, for the photo!
The outdoor "sculptures" of this part of the country
Most of us enjoyed an early photo op with "Big Tex," though the fast "pace line" group actually passed it without a notice! Personally, it made for my favorite "lean" photo of the day.
It's hard to believe our rural ride today seemed almost cosmopolitan compared with recent days. We went through Stratford, the Pheasant Capital of Texas, where I didn't see any pheasants, but did get to see one of those grain silos in "action" loading grain onto one of the many trucks that whizzed passed us throughout the day.
Gives new meaning to the phrase "farm to table"!
These sights (and smells) got me contemplating the role of these "fly over" states and towns, where so few live, in feeding the coasts, where so much of America lives. From the grains to the steer, to those who feed and fatten them, to those who transport them, there's an intricate ecosystem of people who live and work here to feed us there. Food for thought next time I'm bbq'ing a steak...
The miles were clicking off, and before long we were across another state line into Oklahoma. (For the record, the pavement was noticeably better overall in Texas than in Oklahoma!) State number 5 done!
A decent lean...
Another treat for today was that I spent more time riding with others than usual. Linda and I were in synch for a while, then Steph gave me a pull (thanks so much!), and Peter slowed down to a "pootling" pace to ride with me the rest of the way into Guymon.
Just after stopping for the Guymon sign, we got a group text that Spencer and Chad had found the "perfect" bar in downtown -- they were right (thanks, guys!). Even I was there early enough today to partake, as it was hours before our hotel rooms were likely ready. Enjoyed a great salad, Fat Tire on tap, and experiencing what felt like the local community center - the place was hopping at 1 p.m. on a Wednesday.
Action photo!
Just what the doctor ordered!
The power of Go Blue in OK!
Some mornings, you just don't have the foggiest idea where you are, where you were the day before, or where you are going. Today was one of those days for more reasons than one. Many of us were fatigued from battling yesterday's headwinds, especially those of us (like me!) who got into the hotel really late, were rushed to get to dinner, and simply had less down and recovery time. Many alarms were snoozed. But in the more earthly sense, we were enshrouded in fog for the first 20 or so miles of the ride. It was eerily peaceful, and given the monotony of the scenery, we weren't really missing much! At least it was hard to get lost. Also glad that Tom urged us to bring our rain jackets with us, as the fog turned to a light mist -- though again, not unpleasant, especially compared to what we've seen before!
 |
| Thanks, Lisa, for the photo! |
 |
| The outdoor "sculptures" of this part of the country |
Most of us enjoyed an early photo op with "Big Tex," though the fast "pace line" group actually passed it without a notice! Personally, it made for my favorite "lean" photo of the day.
It's hard to believe our rural ride today seemed almost cosmopolitan compared with recent days. We went through Stratford, the Pheasant Capital of Texas, where I didn't see any pheasants, but did get to see one of those grain silos in "action" loading grain onto one of the many trucks that whizzed passed us throughout the day.
 |
Gives new meaning to the phrase "farm to table"! |
The miles were clicking off, and before long we were across another state line into Oklahoma. (For the record, the pavement was noticeably better overall in Texas than in Oklahoma!) State number 5 done!
 |
| A decent lean... |
Another treat for today was that I spent more time riding with others than usual. Linda and I were in synch for a while, then Steph gave me a pull (thanks so much!), and Peter slowed down to a "pootling" pace to ride with me the rest of the way into Guymon.
Just after stopping for the Guymon sign, we got a group text that Spencer and Chad had found the "perfect" bar in downtown -- they were right (thanks, guys!). Even I was there early enough today to partake, as it was hours before our hotel rooms were likely ready. Enjoyed a great salad, Fat Tire on tap, and experiencing what felt like the local community center - the place was hopping at 1 p.m. on a Wednesday.
 |
| Action photo! |
 |
| Just what the doctor ordered! |
 |
| The power of Go Blue in OK! |
Dinner was a festive affair at the Round Top across the street from our hotel, including a happy birthday rendition to Payton and cupcakes. Overall, one of the better days!
Soundtrack of the Day
While a bit obvious, we went with the Gene Autry version of "Yellow Rose of Texas." Sadly, I really didn't know the words, or even the tune, but Lisa helped lead us along. Opting for something more simple tomorrow morning! Still enjoy starting the day in song!
L&E Geekout
One of the biggest challenges facing employers and labor and employment law practitioners these days is the proliferation of local employment laws, creating a patchwork of rights and benefits that vary from state to state, and increasingly so within the same state. Well, not so in any of the states I was in yesterday (Texas) or today (Oklahoma), or will be tomorrow (Kansas). Neither Oklahoma nor Kansas have passed any of these laws, such as paid sick leave laws, salary history bans, or ban-the-box laws. And although certain jurisdictions in Texas have attempted to do so (such as Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio), the Texas courts have enjoined those laws as preempted by the Texas Minimum Wage Act.
For now, signing off until tomorrow -- which promises:
- On the positive side:
- another state line ;
- Dorothy's house in Liberal, KS (oxymoronic, perhaps?);
- only 40 something miles! and
- an hour later start.
- On the negative side, some pretty threatening weather in both Guymon and Liberal 😢-- then again, the forecasts are often wrong!
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| Employee of the day, whose name I sadly forgot--but she was great! |
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| Better than usual dinner here! |
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| Route rap rappers dining together! |
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