One of the most amazing things about biking across the country is the people you meet along the way. I had heard from some other cross-country cyclists that Kansas is full of wonderful people, and that was definitely confirmed today.
Our first encounter of the ride came around mile 25 when we saw billboards for cider slush and cider donuts at the next exit. We were too intrigued not to stop. We rolled up to the Rees Fruit Farm super excited to try some new foods, but as we approached an employee told us it wasn't open yet. We asked him if we could just give him cash for some donuts, but he declined and told us he would be right back. He ended up bringing us a dozen day-old cider donuts, a half gallon of apple cider, and six cups so we could all share. This was before he even knew why or how far we were riding. He just saw how excited we were to try cider donuts and wanted to make our day a little brighter.
By the time we finished the donuts and cider the store had opened. The woman inside the store told us to come in and use the bathroom if we needed to. While we were inside an old man delivering corn to the store insisted that we try a couple ears. It was some of the best corn I've ever had. It was still raw but it was so sweet and had an almost creamy texture when biting into it. If that wasn't enough, the woman got the cider slush machine up and running so we could try some samples. We left the store feeling full of apple-based deliciousness and full of love for Kansas and the incredibly kind people at the Rees Fruit Farm. It really set the tone for the day and gave us all a sense of happiness that carried us through the morning.
Throughout the rest of the morning we had a few more encounters. One of which was a Kansas news crew who interviewed one of the other riding groups and ended up filming our group as we were riding. They said the story would end up on the 5 o'clock news! Shortly after we were on the side of the road changing a flat tire when an old man approached us and asked us if we needed water on this hot day. We had all just filled up, but it was a kind gesture nonetheless.
Around mile 65 we had one of our most impactful encounters of the trip. We met a man named Chris Bailey who is walking across the country from LA to NYC to celebrate 11 months sober and spread awareness and encouragement for others to seek help. He's specifically interested in linking physical activity with substance abuse treatment and has thought of some good ways to implement such programs at treatment centers. He's already been walking for 4 months so he's had a lot of time to think. He's even planning on meeting with some treatment facilities in Kansas City to discuss his ideas.
Chris was incredibly inspiring and we ended up talking to him for quite a long time before finishing our ride. Chris will walk anywhere from 20-30 miles a day typically so he still had a ways to go. If you are interested in learning more about Chris and his story you can follow him on Instagram: @traindailywithbailey or check out his website: walkwithchris.com