Topeka, KS to St. Joseph, MO 86 miles and 2660 feet of climbing

 

Today's ride from Topeka to St. Joseph, Missouri, was not as peaceful as yesterday's ride; however, the scenery was just as green and pastoral. The road we were on for most of the day, KS-4 East, had very little shoulder, and there was a fair amount of big rig traffic. Nothing that any of us couldn't handle, but it was a contrast to yesterday's near-perfect riding conditions. Towards the end of the day, as we entered the St. Joseph city limits, the heat and humidity started to rise. For the final 7 miles or so, we were riding on a large parkway system that is lush and green but also pretty hilly. The fact that all those hills came at the end of an 80 + mile day, coupled with the heat, made it a challenge for even the strongest riders. 

Upon my arrival at the hotel, I made a beeline to the convenience store next door for some chocolate milk, the recovery drink of choice for many cyclists. We are on our own tonight for dinner, and I may join one of my fellow riders at the Cracker Barrel restaurant a few doors down. 

Right after the ride today, I was sitting with one rider, who will remain nameless for now, in the lobby of the hotel. As we sat together waiting for our room keys, he started grousing in somewhat hushed tones about his disgust with the way the Crossroads Adventure Cycling Clown Show has been run.  That was a bit of a shock to me. Early on, when I was left high and dry by this company and then berated for calling them out on it by the wonderful tour director, everyone, including this rider, seemed to just listen and be noncommittal. Some told me that it was unfortunate but that I needed to move on. I thought, yes, that is probably true, and isn't it easy to give such sage advice when it's not your butt that was left in a sling.

Well, what a difference 3 weeks can make. Evidently, this rider and some others are also experiencing the off-putting effects of the incompetence and favoritism our tour staff exhibits on a daily basis. And they are not pleased. Imagine that! And you just thought it was "Angry Dave" the crotchety old guy.

"No tip for them!" he pronounced. 

I started laughing out loud, and so did he. 

He then continued to grouse about the various things he thought were way out of line. I am still not exactly sure what they did to him specifically, but I will find out. He was getting close to calling out one of the staff members right there but did not. I can only hope that I'm around when he bursts. Knowing this guy, it promises to be a dressing down of the first order. 

Tomorrow, just for a change of pace, we plan to ride our bikes all day to a completely different town! 

I can't wait.