Day 9
Day 9: Plano, MO to Baxter Springs, KS - 76 miles, 2,356 feet elevation Part 1 and Part 2
Part of the 76 miles today brings me to the very brief, 12.5 mile interlude into Kansas and boy is it gorgeous. Lots of video today, see below.
With the polarization of US politics, you’d think communities would be at each other’s throats here in the great American heartland. It is just not the case! Hospitality is as welcoming as it is in the Great State of Texas and there are these little jewels like The Route 66 Drive-In Movie theater in Carthage, MO. Its adorable and has obvious value to this vibrant community.
The highlight of the day was riding into Baxter Springs and putting my feet up. But a close second was riding around Joplin and discovering the Frisco Greenway Trail! Such a great use of the old railway line. As you know, I love these dedicated bike paths, not only for the purposes of this adventure, but it makes being car independent a reality. Incorporating exercise into daily life is such a great way to stay healthy, fit, and off GLP-1s.
Next up, let’s take a detour to ride over the Rainbow Curve Bridge. Constructed in 1923, its the only remaining “Marsh Arch Bridge” on Route 66. Again, I think I need an engineering person to explain the significance of the “Marsh Arch.” To a normal person, this just seems like a pretty bridge.
Finally, as I rode into Baxter Springs, I saw a tudor revival style Phillips 66 gas station. Its a visitor center now, but what a relic of American history. And how quickly technology is changing. Should write a post on cars in American history and how electric cars are changing the landscape.
