Day 9, TOT 6.5

DAY 9 – May 7
📍 Eisenhower State Park → Olathe
🚴‍♂️ Miles: 78

Closing in on a major milestone.

The day started with some delicious fresh bread and homemade peanut butter before Mark hit the road again across Kansas. Along the way, he came across a group of people paddlefishing – one more reminder that every mile of this ride brings a new story and new people.

✨ Fun fact: Olathe was a key stop on the Oregon Trail.

Today’s ride followed a path once traveled by thousands chasing new beginnings. Mark rolled past the historic crossing point of the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails before making an important pit stop at Erik’s Bike Shop for a tune-up.

After days of heavy miles across Kansas roads, his shifting needed some attention. Huge thanks to the crew at Erik’s for getting him back rolling smoothly and ready for the miles ahead.

Long days on the bike mean constant problem solving, adapting, and pushing forward — and today was another reminder that the people you meet along the way are part of the journey too.

✨ Fun fact: Olathe sits along the historic routes that helped shape westward expansion in America.