Mail came into day. I got a card from Oklahoma I remember sorghum being grown in the fields of Indiana. I never really knew much about it. I see that sorghum is a flowering plant that has a variety of uses.: food, animal fodder, syrups, alcohol, and biofuel. It is a drought resistant and heat tolerant. This sounds like a good crop for many places.
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The daily wind has been consistently from the south or southeast and this gives a little tail wind. The road goes between the hills and these factors make for a nice ride. Ride early in the day and beat the heat. This cross is 190 feet tall and the surrounding grounds are impressive. It is touted to be the tallest cross in the western hemisphere. You see another attention grabber from the highway. I do not know the story about the lean, but it reminds of a place I visited in Italy. I think that the current owner, Mr. Britten, got a good price on a useless water tower. The owner had a service station that might have benefited by those who decided to investigate. Another sign that survives after the motel closed.
Moved on from Shamrock area after one more stop, or two, and you see the photos below. This structure was built in 1936 and had many years of success because it was the only place within many miles. Like so many places we have seen they hit bad times. Luckily the town of Shamrock took on the task of fixing it back and now serves as a museum and welcome center. A little cooler than yesterday in the mid 90s today but more humid. The 13 mph wind helped push me along. Enjoy a cooler day when you get it because tomorrow is predicted to be over 100 again. I was surprised about a World War II prisoner of war camps in the United States. By the end of the war 425,000 war prisoners were housed across the US. All but three states had a POW camp. Most prisoners were German.
A high of 109 degrees with 15% humidity. I am glad that I am only here virtually. In Michigan we are having upper 70s to low 80s with 45% humidity. Our weather is not perfect, but any time them temp gets above 100 that seems too much for me. The wind from the south at 15 mph did not may the ride harder. The breeze helps. There are not too many shade trees. In Michigan I can find a shady ride in the woods. “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.” Ernest Hemingway. Today I will remember the flat roads and the cross wind. Luckily I will not be traumatized by a storm. Texola in on the border with Texas. In fact, the city has a part in each state. That sounds complicated for taxes. Maybe that is why there is not much there.
Today was the windiest at 22 mph. Luckily it was from the SE and it acted like a tailwind. When the temperature is over 100 degrees the breeze helps you stay cooler. Hot is hot and you need to stay hydrated. Some roads just give you more road vibration than others. A paved road is not always the best. In Michigan we have many potholes and these sometimes get filled in and there is a bump. I find that dirt roads can be smoother. Because this is the first time on these roads, I always need to stay alert. This gives me a good reason to stop and look around when the wheels are not moving. Riding with loaded panniers helps to take the bike frame vibration and not all go to your body. The bumpy roads all day tire me out. By sunset I am ready to go to bed. Back in Illinois I crossed the 90th meridian and this is a reminder of my progress west. The 100th meridian has served at an eastern border of Texas. I continue to find these. This one is in Erick, the West Wind Motel. |
AuthorI love my riding days and look to find interesting and informative items to share. Archives
October 2023
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Pacific Coast Highway
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