On to Oklahoma

First Off,

Danny loves hills!

and.. Multicolored knicker wearing bad ass?

It's been a few days since we found ourselves near a computer, but don't worry I've got some good updates for our loyal viewers. Things have been going well, we've been meeting a lot of interesting people, the weather is looking great for the rest of the week, and most importantly I believe the wind is supposed to die down the next couple of days.

Windy Weather Woes

I realize wind is something that any normal bicycle tourer has to deal with. I most certainly have accepted the fact it's Spring and it's going to be windy. However, I want to stress that biking due west this season has been particularly windy. I've had a hell of a time breaking some of the ridiculous headwinds, but at least our quads look amazing (especially with the sexy tan lines).

Goodbye, Ozarks

Random llama chilling with some cows...

The Ozarks have been windy and cold, but also very beautiful. I welcome gradual inclines and gentle rolling hills, but the Ozark's are scattered with steep 500ft changes in elevation. It has been a true test of endurance and our ability to make it to the coast. The crystal streams and creeks that line the countryside create a bucolic landscape. Unfortunately we missed the Spring bloom in the Ozarks by a couple weeks, but we were lucky enough to see some of the purple buds blooming before leaving Missouri. We will also miss all the wonderful hillbillies we met and conversed with, especially a man we met named Jim. We met him next to a Wall-Mart in Houston, MO and he was incredibly proud of his 10-speed pink Huffy that he rides around town. Apparently the state revoked his driving license because of back child support. Regardless Jim remains optimistic, and was extremely excited to share his ideas about making his bicycle faster by attaching a small motor to the front wheel. I only wish we had recorded our conversation.

Neither of us will miss Houston, MO. We were stuck there for two days because of thunderstorms, and a wrong turn on Hwy 17 that took us 16 miles in the wrong direction. The feeling of entering Houston, MO again after going the wrong way for 16 miles still chills my spine. Danny found it quite humorous going back into Houston a second time. I guess the navigational mistake was my fault, but we haven't had any other major route problems; knock on wood. Honestly though if you heard the directions the crazy hotel manager gave us you'd be confused too...

The last night in the Ozarks we had particularly strong winds. Danny and I had to pitch our tent with 35mph gusts in freezing temperatures. There was also a sign prohibiting camping and bicycles at the creek we were staying at. We ended the night with a partially frozen Snicker's bar and some trail mix.

Entering Oklahoma

Danny being cool on the Oklahoma sign

Wyandotte Bear's Den Double Cheeseburger Challenge

1 "Bear's Den" Double Cheeseburger Down, 1 to go.

Victory!

100 Mile Night Ride Into Tulsa

After staying at a Twin Bridges State Park in Wyandotte, OK where the fishermen seek this crazy fish:

Spoonbill Fish

We set out for a long ride to Tulsa where we Rode on Historic 66 for about 100 miles into Tulsa. We got into Tulsa late and hit a tumultuous amount of pot holes due to our poor choice to do some night riding. So we made it into Tulsa late and stayed at a Holiday Inn where we completely raided the continental breafast the next morning.

Sunset over Stillwater, OK

Our second Day in Oklahoma was gorgeous. A cloudless, 75 degree day. We got started a little late because we wanted to try something new. Hotels are expensive and we knew we were going to find ourselves in a big city with no place to stay. So we decided to use a website called couch surfing, and I have to say I think we're both 100% pleased that we decided to try it. I sent out a couple feeler messages at about 10:00am and by 12:00pm I had a response from Stillwater, OK. Maigan was our host tonight and she has been more than hospitable and I would recommend that anyone going through Stillwater, OK look her up. Her vegan pizza and sweet potato pie was amazing!

Couch Surfing Profile

Next update will probably come in Texas, or Danny might make one sooner...

Me eating delicious pie batter and displaying weird tan lines

My random list:

• Something I've always wanted to see: A live armadillo
• Number of dead armadillos seen: 6
• Number of live armadillos seen: 0
• Dead snakes: 1
• Free maps: 2
• Man in black truck doing an engine break in front of me and blowing exhaust in my face while menacingly shaking his fist: 1
• Days of actual riding: 12
• 10+ mph headwinds: 13
• Tailwinds: -1

Stay Tuned!!!

-Jesse