Wichita's Wicked Wind 100 Was Windy

Wichita, KS. Today I completed 101 miles through the Kansas prairie. This ride was named the "Wicked Wind 100", and it certainly lived up to its name. Actually, the wind blew directly down from the North, so it was a blessing that the ride went mostly East-West. A crosswind, however, can wear you out as well.

Normally I avoid century rides that include an additional challenge, such as heat or hills. That's why you'll never see me on the Hotter than Hell Hundred, or almost anything with the word 'challenge' in the name. I figure a century is challenge enough, so there's no need for additional seasoning. And, of course, remember the mantra: A century should be fun!

So why would I sign up for a ride that promised wind? Headwinds are among the most demoralizing of century challenges. Unlike hills, headwinds can go on for miles and miles. And, with a ride with long, straight legs (like many in the Midwest), the result can be draining.

Well, it is Kansas after all. If I'm going to color in the Sunflower State, I'm going to have to ride into the wind. Some Kansas ride organizers don't mention the wind. I chose a ride that put it out there for all to see!

But, everything else was marvelous. The Oz Bicycle Club, the hosts for this century, laid out a low-traffic loop centering in Haysville -- just south of Wichita. There were rest stops every 10 miles, staffed by friendly volunteers and fully stocked. I particularly enjoyed the home-made chocolate chip brownies at the 80-mile rest stop. Those kept me going for the last 20 miles!

It was flat farmland, irregularly interrupted by numerous streams, rivers, and railroads. Almost every turn was a right turn in carefully-platted mid-America. Crops were beginning to fill in -- mostly wheat and corn. There were almost no hills, and, thus, very few viewpoints to see scenery. The line of sight rarely went beyond a couple of miles.

Wichita is a charming small town. It's home to Wichita State University. It is also an aircraft manufacturing hub. In addition to the Mid-Continent Airport, there is the Beech Factory Landing Field, the Cessna Aircraft Airport, and McConnell Air Force Base. There is also a Colonel James Jabara Airport, and several landing fields within ten miles of Wichita. I guess when you're too far from a marina, a private plane is the best option for disposable income.