As is the case every time we stay in a motel, the spoils of civilisation slackened our morning routine. Complimentary continental breakfast (sugar in various guises)-and the swimming pool had us hitting the pedals after 11am. Ottawa is the start of the Prairie Spring trail, another gravelled 'rail to trail' bike path which was a traffic-free treat to ride. As the trail is still in development, users are requested to pay $3.50 per person. You deposit the cash in an envelope and stick a tag to your bike. We were happy to support the development of traffic-free cycling in the Mid-West; money we would have otherwise spent seeking fleeting refuge in a gas station beside a busy highway!
The Prairie Spring Trail has less signposting and water fountains than its' Missouri counterpart, but makes up for these absences with the resulting solitude. We passed two cyclists in 50 miles. At one of the few water fountains, Matt gulped down about a litre before actually tasting it - and the taste test was a fail! By the time we had reached the end of the trail, in the town of Iola, Matt was feeling pretty green behind the gills. At this point I should note that the temperature had been in the 100's since we set out. The trail offered some tree shade, but that kind of heat becomes pretty oppressive. Rather than cycling onwards from Iola as intended, we stopped by the 'Cross Roads Motel' - and found it hard to refuse 45 bucks including tax. So our road today ended at the Cross Roads. When we went for some fast food, the guy who served us told us not to be surprised if the po-lice stop by at the Cross Roads Motel that night. Turns out the Cross Roads is a bit like a run-down Hotel California (Motel Kansas)-in that you can check in any time you like, but you can never leave. Right, so that's why we saw a Confederate Flag hung in one of its' rooms windows - didn't seem like an embellishment you'd bring along for a few nights' stay. When I later passed that particular room of the motel to pick up some ice from the machine, the resident called over 'Darlin! Where you headed on them bikes?' So I chatted with the guy for a while, he seemed alright. He finally bid me safe travels and to keep them bikes in the room with us. Advice taken!
Matt had recovered from his belly ache and had a hunger much longer than a foot-long sub. So we stopped by the gas station to make up the distance with ice cream and nuts. After that we enjoyed kicking back and watching the Womens' Gymnastics Final Floor. NIght-time disturbances were minimal, a bit of loud music and mild domestic argument... It was like being back in Colchester. So all in all a good nights' sleep!
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