July 16, 2007 Topeka to Olathe, KS

Olathe was definitely one of the toughest rides so far. We had the heat as well as hard rolling hills including some VERY VERY steep ones. We rode through a part of Kansas University's campus so we stopped to take a picture outside of their basketball court.

The end of such a tough ride could not have been anymore perfect than our police escort arrival into Olathe. It was huge and their town absolutely loves us. It was the most I've ever felt like a rock star, it blew Guitar Hero away! When we showed up to the building, the pathway to the front door was lined on both sides by people, both with and without disabilities, cheering and holding up signs with their hands out for a high five. The atmosphere was just insane. Some speeches were made inside this big room I think that Olathe uses for meetings and we were endlessly thanked. They actually had the mayor there to speak which was the first time we haven't had someone filling in. After that, we ate lunch there and got to visit with our “fans.” The picture I have here is with Ralph,

an old man who was pretty difficult to hear and understand but you could still tell he was happy to be there. After lunch, we made our way to the dormitories of the Kansas School for the Deaf. We stayed here for the next two nights since we had a day off here. I definitely feel grateful for all of the beds we've been staying in along the trip. We were all told that we'd have about four hotels along the way with just a few more nights in a bed. Before dinner at the Texas Roadhouse (where I had prime rib!), I endured the most painful experience ever. A massage therapist and chiropractor met us at lodging and I asked for my quads to be worked on. Stupidest thing ever and I didn't realize until then that a massage and massage therapy are different. He worked out the kinks in my quadriceps and it just felt like endless burning and stretching. I got about nine hours of sleep that night because I was so tired from the long days we had put in lately and the big dinner I scarfed down earlier.