The overnight spot outside the Country Store in Macksville, Kansas was a decent one. It was pretty quiet and there was a breeze eventually in the night I think.
I got dropped off up the road at the point I finished at last night. I set off at 0649. Given how tired I felt I knew that I was in for a tough day. I’d averaged just over 5 hours sleep each night for 5 of the last 7 nights. I’ve seen many times on this tour and others what sleep deprivation does. So yes. I knew today would be tough.
I really don’t remember much about the first session of the day. I said hello to some goats and spotted a ranch entrance. That pretty much sums it up.
I struggled to get going and relied on the walking sticks (as I now call them) for support and balance.
I was constantly pestered by flies. They were biting my arms and legs. Flies are one of my worst nightmares. Instead, I’d happily settle for a Kansas tornado any day.
I eventually made it to the RV at the 8 mile point where Thomas had made a wrap. It was very good.
To combat the flies, I decided to wear tracksuit bottoms and a long sleeve base layer. I knew I’d cook in those, but it would keep the flies off.
I set off again and I seemed to move even slower. As long as I was moving forward, it was progress.
At the town of Lewis a nearby train was transporting plane hulls. I wasn’t quick enough to take a photo but Deb was thankfully.
At the 13 mile point near Lewis, a police officer named Zane, pulled over to check if I was ok. Somebody had “called it in”. I explained the situation and handed over a leaflet.
He went on his way down Highway 50. He returned moments later with a really cool memento. I was really excited to receive it.
The meeting with officer Zane had a positive effect. A rush of adrenaline followed and on began to move a lot better. That lasted a couple of miles. Thankfully, I made it to the RV at the 15 mile point. A wrap and a tactical snooze followed. The 30 minutes of light sleep weren’t the best. The RV was roasting hot.
When I got back out onto Highway 50, I felt exhausted and groggy. Nevertheless, I was determined to move forward.
I could hardly focus on the road ahead. My head was bowed as I shuffled forward. It’s no wonder someone had rang the police earlier!
I got to mile 18 and Thomas came out of the RV to refill my hydration pack. I told him that I wasn’t sure how much further I would get today. My thinking was that if I could get a sleep in the RV (as hot as it was) then I’d get back out and perhaps get to 25 miles.
Thomas said that he and Deb had a plan to book a motel and get me some air con and an early night. I didn’t take any convincing. I said I’d get to 20 miles and we’d end the day there. Thomas was full of encouraging words and I felt properly supported. It was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
The incentive of a good nights sleep in a cool room did nothing for my speed but I managed to meet the team at the 20 mile point. It was a day saved in many respects. 62 days of sleep depravation is summed up in the photo below.
TUNE OF THE DAY: Survive - Lewis Capaldi
Thank you to those people that have donated this week and when times have been tough. It's been great to read the donation notification emails when they arrive, they really do make a difference (as does the donation of course!). If you think my efforts are worth a donation, please visit my JustGiving page:
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A final, and continued, thanks goes out to my main sponsor Chapman Ventilation for their continued backing.
Thanks go to kit sponsors Vigon, Hadrian Healthcare, Hays Travel Cramlington and D-Line too.
Thanks also go to Active Edge, David Fairlamb Fitness, Doors and Floors Direct Limited, The Big Optician and Hylo Athletics.
