Day 1: Lawrence, KS to Kansas City, MO

May 27, 2025

Trials and Tribularions

Today was Day 1 of my trip from Lawrence, Kansas to Northern New York.

I’d be lying if I said today was easy. It started off strong, biking the Lawrence loop to get south out of town, but there was a constant light sprinkle all day long. Coupled with previous days of rain, this made for a muddy situation. Riding the gravel roads sucked. So much so that once I had my first dog encounter, I had to get off my bike and position it between us. Eventually he gave up. I snacked on Cliff Bars and bananas until I dropped my bananas in a mud puddle. When I was moving them to a new bag, I stepped over my bike and accidentally kicked my phone mount, breaking it. I spent 2/3 of the day without a phone mount, and now I need to get a new one.

If you think Kansas is flat, bike west out of Kansas City. You will take that assumption back quite quickly. The hills were killing me today. But I still made it to Olathe.

I ended up getting sonic, and that filled me up for the rest of the ride.

Olathe had the “Indian Creek Trail” which was super nice and peaceful (and paved). Until it closed, which happened twice while I was riding it. Certain sections were blocked off, but not the one where I took a tumble. A good half inch or so of mud piled up on the trail and I wiped out on it.

Luckily, the mud broke my fall, so really the only problem was that I was tired, smelly, and sticky. But I was on the home stretch. Following back roads and bike lanes, I was eventually able to make it to my friend Logan’s apartment. I showered up and we grabbed dinner!

I tried calamari for the first time, not too bad. But a comfort food burger can’t be beat

Somehow after getting to Logan’s apartment I lost my safety glasses. I think I dropped them outside and someone picked em up :(

Oh well, overall, I survived. And am getting ready for day 2! See you there!

Today's ride: 59 miles (95 km)
Total: 59 miles (95 km)

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Steve Miller/GrampiesFirst order of business replace the phone mount and glasses. Next, have a good ride. And keep smiling.
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1 week ago

Cathy BarnettTo Steve Miller/GrampiesI second that comment-darn rough start but today’s a new day on with the adventure!😎😎❤️❤️
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1 week ago

Ellen ClarkGood job, rough first day but you got this. Try arnica for sore joints and muscles. Comes in a oil or pill. Rub into muscles .
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1 week ago

Cathy BarnettYes Arnica gel or oil -Walgreens cvs small bottle -rub on muscles 👍 works great
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1 week ago