ANOTHER hair raising segment along the length of Kansas. I found a way to deal with the boredom that many people say is classic when traveling the length of this state. I rode between 85-90 mpg the entire way. That is, except for the part where a semi-tractpr trailer jacknifed on I-70 West and hit a bridge and exploded into flames. The driver was not hurt, but the truck was totally engulfed in flames. I sat parked on the interstate in the rain for over two hours while a huge tow truck was summoned to move the wreckage off the highway.

While I was waiting, I struck up a conversation with another biker by the name of Don. (AS3RV Missouri) on his classic Interstate Cruiser. He had just gotten out of 9 years in prison, and the first thing he did was get his motorcycle out of storage and get it running again. He was so happy to be free again, and he appreciated his life so much it made you more aware of how grateful we ought to be for our own freedoms. I did not ask him what he was in for, but with 9 years it sure wasnt for shoplifting. We had a great time chatting it up while we waited for the tow truck.

I rode hard thru Kansas and into Colorado, continued on I70 and cut south on state route 24. Arrived in Colorado Springs at about 2:30 in the morning of the 9th. Staying at the Marriott Fairfield Inn. Stayed here on Friday as well. Tomorrow is Pikes Peak!