Day 1: 7/24/24: Manhattan to Overland Park KS

Today was going to be a big mileage day so I woke up about 3:30 a.m. and was on the road about 4 a.m.  I got to enjoy a couple of hours of riding before sunrise, and had about 50 miles in before the heat got bad.

We were able to enjoy our new grandson in Manhattan for about 3 weeks (daughter and son-in-law also).  Our other daughter and son-in-law that live in PA also came to visit so we had about 4 days with them as well.  Pic of Lisa with all the grandkids below.

I rode through the small town of Wamego before sunrise.  Then came the towns of St. Mary's and Silver Lake (pics below).  

Also went  through Topeka, the Capital of Kansas, and Lawrence, the home of the University of Kansas.

Outside of Olathe, KS, I crossed over the location where the California and Oregon Trails passed through.  I didn't see any ruts, but a sign is posted to mark the spot (pic below).

Lisa and I decided to meet in Overland Park, KS my first night of my trip and get a hotel room.  This would allow her to spend a little more time with her grandson today, but still allow her to get a couple of hours on the road heading home. It would also provide me with a place to stay the first night of the trip.  

Total miles today: 131.6