June 9, 2003 We made the journey from the Kansas City Airport to Mound City, MO today. There were no mechanical problems, and the Team is doing okay. We are both nursing leg injuries, but they seem to be responding to ice, etc., and are not "trip-threatning". We stopped short of our planned target for the day, and it is a bit of a funny story. We had head winds, a lot of climbing and it was hot (We were in sleeveless jerseys all day.). When we stopped in Mound City, we were sitting under a nice tree having a Mountain Dew when LaValle noticed a Super 8 Motel right across the street. We both looked at each other, and quickly agreed that Mound City was it for the day. 100 miles under those conditions had been plenty. The day was made "longer" than a 100 miles would be by the fact that we had to do a lot of winding around at both the Kansas City Airport and in St. Joseph to get through those places and onto roads where we could make some time. We probably burned an hour on those two places. However, the scenery was worth the effort. Very green and wonderful farmland in a rolling hills setting. Just very nice to be a part of. We knew that we would have to travel on I-29 for about three miles on the route we had selected. Everything went well until we were about one mile from our exit, and we suddenly discovered this big electronic sign telling us that our selected road was closed, and that we woud have to go to the next exit. Well, the three miles stretched to 11 with a lot of noise to go with the hills and headwinds. It was taxing, but by now just part of the old ballgame. We seem to have spent a lot of time on freeways during this journey! I have to comment again on these Heartland Rollers. They just never stop. I don't think we have ridden more than about three miles on the "flats" since entering this area. It sure it making us strong, but it is sort of like a broken record or stuck CD - those rollers just keep rolling. It does keep the straight roads from being boring - everything out here is on a square grid system with few curves. While we were at the convenience store in Mound City, we met these three gentlemen - and, I use the term correctly. They are fine men, and were very hospitable. Earl, who is 86, has ridden his motorcycle over 250,000 miles since he turned 50, He could really relate to what we are doing. His brother, Audrey, is 76, and he was the John Deere dealer in Mound City forever before retiring. He also fairly recently built a motel in the town, and was disappointed that we couldn't stay there. The other gentleman was Chester, and he is a gentleman farmer in the true sense of the word. He is now retired at 85, and rents his land to other farmers while he is enjoying life. We passed his home on our way out of town, and it was lovely. Quite the farm spread. We really enjoyed these guys, and they enjoyed us. We took them out, and showed them the bike and trailer - they thought the whole thing was something else. The weather today was wonderful. Few clouds, and our only complaint would be about the headwinds. However, they have become a fixture, so we just deal with them. The sun was wonderful. Ron ...Note from LaValle I first saw the Super 8 while we were sitting under the shade of a tree. The lawn sloped down a short hill. I've never been so happy to see the number eight! Shortly after that, I started talking with Audrey and then with his brother Earl and their friend, Chester. Audrey and Earl kept telling me the other was older. When I asked Chester, everyone agreed Earl was the oldest. Audrey also told us that he had been the local John Deere dealer for years. We were both surprised to learn that John Deere used to make bicycles! Audrey sold them and so he knew how to talk "bicycle". Thanks to all three of you for spending time with us. When I get to Ft. Pierre I'll put your picture on this page.