Day 42 - June 29

El Dorado,KS to Eureka,KS

32 / 2209

I roll out and stop for coffee and a bagel at Scooter's Cafe. Something is not right. My body and mind seem to be on the brink of collapse before the ride has even begun. I consider sticking near town at a campground or something but I'm determined to clear at least a few miles. While sipping coffee I meet Jim and Louellen. They travel a lot and we talk about our experiences in Spain. Jim and Louellen have five children around my age and 16 grandchildren. Before leaving, Jim slips me twenty bucks and encourages me to dine at the Copper Kettle in Eureka. Thanks Jim!

Out on the road again I am feeling horrible. The terrain is easy, mostly flat and even some downhill, but it's a struggle. I stop often and wonder what the heck is going on. Staring straight down at my front wheel is the best way to focus my mind on something other than my body. I take a break and consider camping near this creek...

 About twenty miles out I meet westbound riders Olive and Ben. They are joined by a solo rider from Brooklyn. They plan on riding all together til Pueblo, CO. Olive warns me of the dogs in KY and MO and hands me her remaining dog pepper spray. All through the conversation I feel like I might tip over but I eventually feel invigorated by the chat and push on with a "can do" attitude. I reach Eureka and make no attempt at going further. Eureka has a picture perfect main street.

 I follow Jim's advice and take the twenty dollar bill to the Copper Kettle and totally pig out on roast beef, mashed potatoes and green beans. My place mat has interesting facts about all fifty states.