Hi

I passed the halfway point yesterday just outside of Topeka KA, so we have about 1500 miles to completion.  We have had 2 wonderful, days of riding in Missouri.  The scenery is great, the roads are in good condition, and the traffic is light.  The big surprise for me is the terrain, we had 5500 ft of climbing on Tues, and 6000 ft today.  We have had some incredible views throughout our trip, you can see buildings for miles.  Going through New Mexico we started playing a game, you spot a building in the distance and you have to guess whether it is a correctional institution or a high school.  It's harder than you think.  usually the buses are a giveaway.  Floris made the insightful comment that both have similar objectives, punishment and indoctrination.  As we rode through Kansas we had to add a third possibility, that being megachurch, causing Floris to note that the objectives of all three are the same.

A little known fact about this tour is that you can upgrade to concierge level for a significant extra fee. It is usually reserved for rich republicans, but they made an exception for me.  It is actually quite nice.  Every morning around 5:30 am there is a gentle knock on the door, and it is Barbara delivering a steaming cappuccino and some fresh pastry from a local artisan bakery (amazingly prolific in the midwest).  I then have the option of taking breakfast in my room, or going to breakfast with what I refer to as "the others".  Some mornings I will mingle with them, other times I prefer my privacy.  After dressing, a maid arrives to fold clothes and pack my bags.  Then Jim, my bike valet, delivers my bike to the room.  The previous evening he made the necessary mechanical adjustments, filled the tires, and gave it a good cleaning. Mike, the tour leader,  comes by the room to deliver my route sheet and brief me on the days ride. He always offers to take my luggage and load it in the van, but I refuse, I don't want to look like a total jerk.  Instead, one of the hotel staff takes care of that task. Once on the ride, I don't expect any special treatment.  I want to experience the same challenges as "the others."  At times I have been known to offer minor financial incentives to my riding companions to allow me to draft in their slipstream for extended periods on especially challenging days.  They gladly agree.  It is amazing what "the others" will do for money.  Upon arriving at the hotel after a long ride, I am discreetly escorted to an empty room where a local masseuse is waiting to give me a wonderful hour of deep tissue massage, nothing feels better after a long day on the bike.  After my massage, I go to my room where my bags have been unpacked, and my laundry has been done.  Usually I will go to dinner with "the others" at a local restaurant which I always find a fascinating experience.

Thanks for reading

Tom




Tues: (Day 17) Topeka KA to Cameron MO 124 miles
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/309401216

Wed: (Day 18) Cameron MO to Kirksville MO 119 miles
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/309848829

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