KANSAS Sunday

Here's an update from CT received Sunday evening NY time...

" Well, it turns out that big Steve Apple (Trumpton AFC goalkeeper and BBQ guru) was on to something with his comment that Kansas is the place for steak and BBQ.

We had the best tour meal so far at Duffys Bar and Grill in Smith Center. Their Prime Rib special was quite sensational and we got into a rather involved conversation with Ms Duffy, the charming owner about, well, prime rib. That might not be her name but she looked a bit like Jane Seymour - or more accurately, how I'd imagine Jane Seymour to look after cooking steak and eggs for Kansas farmers for 15 years. Maybe when Miss Solitare lost her mojo in Live and Let Die she opened a steakhouse in Kansas? 

Ms Duffy-Seymour told us in some detail how their prime rib is slow roasted, seasoned and then grilled. Have to say I wasn't really that bothered (as I guess the blog readers aren't either) but for some reason it was a fairly critical issue for Bugs who recently seems to think he's some sort of Gordon Ramsey - Lucy what have you done to him?!

Anyway, a fine meal and when we left Ms Seymour-Duffy was as amused with Buggy's welsh accented "cheerio" as we were entertained with her Kansas "now you two boys come back again real soon now you hear, and I'll make some more of that there cherry pie for ya". I think she took a shine to Bugs.

Thanks for the mention of our 2000 mile landmark DC. Yes we celebrated at a gas station in Belleville with a pack of Skittles (our preferred 'wild berry' flavor) and a bag of Planters fruit and nut trail mix. Rock and Roll...

Stayed in Marysville last night in the ironically named 'Surf Motel'. Maybe its because there isn't a motel further from any surf. Hard ride yesterday, 119 miles. Against the wind again and who said Kansas is flat? Its not. DC, if your big posh clever company owns The Weather Channel, can you have a word with them about these easterly winds in Kansas? It was vaguely interesting for the first 3 minutes but after 3 days of constant east and south east winds we're not impressed.

Sunday midday - Just stopped for lunch in Hiawatha. Other than the name, its staggeringly dull.

Thanks to Wowky for the motivational phone message he left this morning which gave us a welcome and necessary lift in Hiawatha. Great to hear you had a nice day out in Whitby. I imagine its pretty much like Missouri. Love to Tracy and Georgie.

Cheers,
CT"

Hands up if you'd rather be eating skittles and cycling around Kansas vs. contemplating another week in the rat race...