A couple of local “road angels” (local bicyclists) met us in the morning and rode with us through Joplin which was really nice. They suggested a better routing that had less traffic – plus we didn’t need to focus on our maps and GPS since we could just follow them. I needed to find a bike shop as did one of the other riders and they told us of one they recommended and gave us directions. The bike shop owner was equally helpful and showed us a better route to get back with the main group. Although we were in Kansas for only twelve miles we stopped at a classic old general store –
it was like right out of an old movie. And then we crossed the Rainbow Bridge which is the last remaining bridge of its kind.
Not many hills today as we transition into Oklahoma – but more wind! I suspect that will be the challenge during the next week as we cross Oklahoma. The group opted to combine three shorter days into two days in order to be able to have a layover day to take the train to the Grand Canyon. The result is we have three long days ahead of us. The temperature should be OK and so far it looks like good weather. Tonight I am in heaven – we are staying in a motel and since there are an odd number of guys, there was a drawing and I got the room by myself!!! It’s an EconoLodge motel but compared to my tent it’s like the Ritz Carleton!! I will sleep very well tonight!!
Sounds like an all around great day Mike! Hopefully the wind shifts and you get a nice tailwind!!