Typical Kansas sights today included cattle feed lots (try to hold your breath while riding past!) and endless fields of green corn. Unusually green corn.
Josh had an exciting end to his ride today as a coat hanger got wrapped around his rear derailleur, causing his rear wheel to lock up and skid to a stop. In addition to a new tire and tube, Josh's bike will require some serious work at the nearest shop, which we hear is in Oklahoma City.
Tomorrow is our first build day, and I feel the need to build, so the timing is spot on. Since the tornado that flattened this town one year ago, several groups of contractors and volunteers have been in town helping the 1,500 residents start over. Greensburg is rebuilding with an emphasis on green building (Google Greensburg GreenTown for more), and the Discovery Channel even has a show about it. We are staying at the Mennonite Disaster Service volunteer house, and will join John Kauffman and Nick King, our hosts, both of whom are contractors who have been here nearly a year. We'll split into two crews and some of us will be putting up vinyl siding while the second crew will be pouring insulated concrete form (ICF) walls. If you ask me, that sounds like fun.
Dinner tonight: dogs and burgers on the grill, baked beans, chili, salad and fruit. As I finish my second root beer float, I am realizing how nice it would be to lie down and get some rest.
Thanks to all who are keeping up with us on this blog (and elsewhere!). Please leave us comments, it's really nice to read them. I can't speak for the other riders, but when I'm out there by myself surrounded by miles of open landscape, being passed by miles of cars and trucks, knowing folks are following our travels makes all seem right in the world.
Of course, brownies are always nice, too!
Chris, one of the "Elders" and not ashamed to admit it
Whoa, look out the window... it's a huge rainbow!
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6 comments:
President Bush was in Greensburg, KS this past May and spoke at the high school commencement. The storm, one year ago, was clocked at 250 miles per hour. The town has received many volunteers as they rebuild their town. Glad you become part of that legacy.
The pictures of Greensburg after the tornado are heartbreaking. I'm glad all of you will be part of the rebuilding that is going on there. Their green building plan is impressive.
Enjoy your day of very different hard work tomorrow. I'm sure you'll sleep well both nights in Greensburg!
Ugh...cannot believe you all were a half hour late for the daily shoot out! And Josh's bike having a shoot out with a hanger? Wish that had gone your way, Josh!! ;) Good luck with your building day. I am sure it will be hard work but will be an up close and personal experience serving as validation of why you are on this journey! Rock it out!!
Auntie "M"
Biker gang,
I continue to be amazed at what you are accomplishing...thanks for keeping us in the loop so we can continue to ride vicariously...
good luck with your first build day...as my sis said so well it should be great validation of the purpose of your "adventure"!
keep on pedaling (Josh - hope your bike fix isn't too long in coming)
Linda S
Welcome to Greensburg! I used to drive through GBurg on my way to and from college in Pittsburg, KS, though I haven't seen the place first hand since the storm. If you guys get a chance, please post a picture of 'The Big Well', Greensburg's biggest tourist attraction. Just ask a local, they'll know what you mean. And remember, the odor from the feedlots is money, not manure! :)
Take Care,
Brian Sharp
Hi! I live in Greensburg, in a FEMA trailer south of town awaiting the building of our new home - Thanks so much for volunteering! Through this whole thing, we have met so many wonderful people!
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