Day 42: A New State with New Terrain

This morning started off great with a sponsored breakfast courtesy of Ozan Kumru a Kansas University grad who rode in 04’ and was looking to support the team with a good breakfast. After eating some delicious bagels, fruit, and orange juice we had our daily circle up in which Jay went over the mileage, route, and terrain for the day. After a morning prayer we all buckled up our helmets and prepared for a police escort out of Olathe, with how well the city treated us in our time spent there it was only fitting they led us out in style. The day called for 90 miles into Sedalia, Missouri and most everyone was feeling up to it after yesterday’s rest.

The ride today was very interesting full of surprises and new encounters. Weather was humid and warm; however, the occasional clouds would roll in, giving us a break from the blistering sun. We were told that entering Missouri would be quite a different experience from the other states we encounter all summer. Jay said we would be chased by stray dogs, near run over by angry drivers, and the roads would be crowded with debris. By the end of our day all three of these had come true. One group was chased by a dog but luckily they scared the thing away, soon after we were repeatedly yelled at by an angry driver who seemed to think cyclists were of the devil, and later in the day the shoulder on the interstate seemed like a 40 mile booby-trap as we dodged the debris and rocks. The final surprise of the day was when Jay called and notified us that our 90 mile day turned into 105. The miles were longer than expected but everyone had a great attitude and finished without any complaints. Lunch today was sponsored by Rion Shippy’s family; Rion is one of the cyclists on the team and we got to eat lunch at his high school and share delicious cold cut sandwiches and other homemade goods.

We arrived in Sedalia at 4:30 making it one of our longest days on the bike, 6:30AM - 4:30PM. Our lodging is in a large multi-purpose building at the park and recreation center. After a quick shower we had a chicken and pork dinner sponsored by a local bike shop and disability center. The food was great and it was nice to be able to get to interact with the people in this community. After dinner we headed as a team to get some ice cream, one of the more popular things we do together. Returning from ice cream guys were passing out quickly. Everyone was exhausted from the long day. Tomorrow we have a 5 AM wake-up so it is crucial to get that beauty sleep needed on the bike for the next day. Hopefully the roads won’t be as bad and if they are then we will get through them as a team, just like we have been doing the whole trip. What a fun summer!!