Day 20

Battling the Elements and Exploring History: Cycling Through the Winds of Kansas on Day 20

Day 20 of our cycling journey brought us face to face with the relentless winds of Kansas as we battled our way through rough conditions. The gusts reaching upwards of 35 miles per hour for the first 40 miles of our ride. Progress was slow, with each pedal stroke like a battle against the elements. Despite the challenging conditions, we pressed on. Along the way, we encountered miles of endless road dotted with wheat fields and wind turbines as trains rumbled on one side and semi-trucks and campers buzzed by on the other.

Our visit to the Dalton Gang Hideout in Dodge City truly brought the region’s history to life. The hideout, once home to the notorious Dalton brothers, offered a glimpse into the wild and lawless days of the Old West.

The Dalton Gang, consisting of brothers Bob, Grat, and Emmett Dalton, gained notoriety in the late 19th century for their daring bank and train robberies. In 1892, the gang attempted to rob two banks simultaneously in Coffeyville, Kansas. Still, their plans were foiled by the townspeople, resulting in a shootout that left several gang members dead and others captured or wounded. Only Emmett Dalton survived the ordeal, later serving time in prison before becoming a respected citizen.