Git outta Dodge City, or else

I'd be proud to have the same words on my tombstone as Edward Hurley. Eddie is one of the colorful cast of characters buried on Boot Hill, here in Dodge City. The cemetery, jail, old saloon and other stores have been turned into a cheesy tourist spot, but it was still loads of fun to visit. We got there on our bikes just as the noon gunfight was ending. Lots of guys got shot, then signed autographs. I'm not sure why anyone wants the autograph of someone who stands there in old cowboy clothes, then pretends he's dead, but people were lined up for it.

The entry fee into the Boot Hill attraction was $9.39. Why? With tax, it was $10.22. I have a feeling it was $10 even including tax, then Kansas raised the sales tax and nobody could figure out what to do. That was really bugging me.

We also visited the Dalton gang hideout in Meade, KS, about 40 miles southwest of Dodge City. The Dalton gang were a famous group of train and bank robbers in the late 1800's, led by three Dalton brothers. In 1892, they tried to rob two banks at once in Coffeyville, KS in broad daylight, but were recognized before they entered the banks. The townspeople went and got guns, some from the nearby hardware store. When the Daltons came out all hell broke loose snd most of the gang was shot dead, along with three townspeople. Their family story is really interesting. You can read more about it on wikipedia.

Today was one of the best bike rides yet. 83 miles through the land of outlaws.
The boys were in a playful mood today, with some healthy attacking and chasing down of riders ahead. I spotted Greg and Ty about a mile up the road with about 15 miles to go. They also spotted me, and tried to stay ahead, but I caught them as we neared town. That was the hardest I've ridden the whole tour, and I'll definitely pay for it tomorrow, but as of now my ego is staying inflated.

Experts recommend that after a hard effort like mine today, one should consume a "recovery drink", usually meaning something like Recoverite, Muscle Milk, or other commercial products made expressly for this purpose. If one drink is good, two is better, so I had two natural recovery drinks - beer and coffee.

Roy and I discovered the best coffee shop of the tour so far - Cup of Jo-nes.

Next time you're robbing a bank in Dodge City, don't miss Cup of Jo-nes. Above is a homemade cinammon roll that we split. They added the fresh fruit. Roy likes a version of capuccino that would require an entire blog post to describe. They made it three times before perfecting it, smiling the entire time. It's going to be hard to top this place, but we'll keep trying.

Roy is a remarkable human being. Besides being an amazing cyclist for someone 66 years old and only biking for three years, he has many other talents. Today marks the second time he has talked the hotel receptionist into lending him her car. This was a minivan, but the last one was the owner's Cadillac. I got to drive it. It's the only time I've ever driven a Cadillac. Stick close to Roy and incredible things happen.