Final picture from the Pony Express Trail

Seneca, KS to St Joseph, MO (70 miles)

We got up at the usual time and grabbed our convenience store breakfast and hit the road before 7 am. We were treated with a wonderful sunrise and calm winds. The sky was red and all the fog made it seem like we were in some mystery movie in England.

After reaching Hiawatha, Danny inquired about places to eat and we were directed to a diner in the hotel right by the exit. As most days, the local farmers/ranchers were interested in our trip. Danny does a great job fielding these questions and it gives me a few minutes to study the maps and plan out the day.

We ate our wonderful breakfast and thanked the cook before heading out for the last 44 miles of our journey. It all seems so strange to be on a highway that I am familiar with after 1,900 miles of strange roads. Soon we see a local cyclist, Jack Romans, who rode out to give us some company on our last leg. We welcomed his company as Danny and I have talked about everything that I could possibly think of. We both took turns chatting with him and soon we crossed the bridge into St Joseph.

At that time, my emotions really started to overwhelm me. With my eyes tearing up, it was a bit hard to see the road as we made our way to the Pony Express Museum. We got the last stamp on our brevet cards to complete the ride and were greeted by a few local cyclists who heard of our “early” arrival. Danny and I were able to tour the museum (which now means so much more than before we left) before heading out for the official arrival.

It was great to be welcomed home by family, local cyclists, coworkers, and other people of the community. With the exception of Paris-Brest-Paris (a 750 mile ride in France) we are never greeted by more than a couple of people as we end a ride, it was amazing what St Joseph did for us. Thank you!