Day 27

Topeka, KS to St. Joe, MO -- 86 miles Today was a good day all in all. It was overcast and looked like rain all day, but all we got was a little drizzle as we were coming into town. The highlight of today was that we finally got out of Kansas!!! We did more miles in Kansas (463) and only had maybe 60 miles with a tailwind. The wind was brutal. It was not my favorite state from that standpoint, but the people were nice and we had a good steak in Topeka last night! So, we crossed our 6th state line today from Kansas into Missouri. We are staying at a nice place here in St. Joe -- the Drury Inn and Suites. Today is the last day for our beloved staffer and head mechanic, Pat, a "kiwi" who lives in Honolulu. He's going home tomorrow, but the Pat from Wichita Falls is back to take his place so we'll still be in good hands. We also lose John, our truck driver and baggage handler. ; He's also been amazing. As I've said a thousand times, you meet the greatest people on bike tours. Tomorrow we'll go Chillicothe, MO (86 miles), the home of long-distance cycling, supposedly. I think there's a plaque somewhere in the town about it. I'll fill you in on the details tomorrow.