The overnight spot was an RV park in Dodge City. It was quiet and there was a nice cool breeze. The 6.5 hours sleep was most welcome. After some porridge, I carried out some maintenance on the problem area of my right foot.
We drove to the start point to the east of Dodge City. I set off along Highway 50 shortly after 0600.
It was quite windy so thankfully there were no flies around. It was the same when I ran across Australia in 2013. I love a bit of wind.
The first spot of the day on the bingo card was a passing train. Tick.
In a grain silo I spotted a man connected to a safety rope opening the top of one of the rail cars. I assume it was in preparation for the grain to be emptied in.
I met the team at the 10.5 mile point. They were parked near the airport runway on the outskirts of Dodge City. They had been doing some chores during my first session of the day.
Thomas made a toasted wrap. It was tremendous and much needed. I may have mentioned this before but he’s got me eating more than I ever have on this tour. He’s figuring out what I like best. It’s working really well. More on that later.
I got back out and I crossed the road to take a photo of the Dodge City sign.
I found a bit of a trail. It was a concrete path and made a nice change from Highway 50. I really don’t know how much time I’ve spent on it. I’m guessing around 350 miles.
I made it out of Dodge City after 16 miles. I was back on the long straight highway and could see for miles ahead.
I met the team again at the 20.5 mile point. I was hungry again and Thomas had made some bagels that tasted like pancakes. It was a kind of French toast with syrup. It was delicious.
I had a 30 minute tactical snooze. It consisted of 15 minutes of snooze and 15 minutes of checking my watch to see how much time I had left.
I had some porridge and a banana before setting off again along Highway 50.
In preparation for the late afternoon sun I applied the sun block that Donna had sent over.
I spotted a load of cattle to my right in a ranch. It looked like they were about to be shipped off somewhere to be slaughtered. I had noticed a huge amount of wagons used to transport them during the day.
There was another massive silo. They are rarely out of sight in Kansas. You can see them in most directions for miles. No wonder they call Kansas the “breadbasket of America”.
At mile 24 I could see the RV meeting point in the distance. It was roughly 6 miles away!
I saw what I thought at first was some statues of horses on a hill. They hardly moved. When I got closer I could see they were real.
A deer crossed the road avoiding the traffic thankfully. It positioned itself in some bushes before having a good look at me.
I met the team again at mile 30.5. Thomas came out to meet me, take my backpack and tell me what was on the menu. This is the last big meal of the day which means I’m not eating late at night. That impacts my sleep.
I had another wrap and what is quickly becoming my favourite thing - seasoned wedges.
I got back out onto Highway 50 and said that I’d go until 2045. I made my way though the small town of Cimarron and out of the other side.
Kansas looked spectacular as the sun was setting.
The team turned up at 2045 just as I’d clocked up 34.7 miles. A new tour best. Just!
We drove to an overnight stop that Deb had found. We have permission to stay at a golf club in Cimarron. It’s on a hill and there’s a tremendous breeze blowing into the RV. It’s not near a railroad either. Bonus!
Thank you to Katrien and Leo for some good wishes via video message today. That was much appreciated.
TUNE OF THE DAY: Sam Walker’s Desert Diaries podcast. This got me through mile 20 right to the end. It’s possibly the best podcast I’ve ever listened to. The good thing is that there are loads of episodes. This could be a secret weapon that I could use to tackle those late in the day miles.
The charity fund is moving ever so close to the next milestone of £23,000. Continued thanks to those that have stopped by by JustGiving page and made a donation. If you haven't yet had the opportunity - here is the link:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025.
