Where are all the mountains?

Seriously, Colorado, is this all you've got? Rocky Mountain State my arse! I've seen nothing but barren plains, sagebrush, and lone antelope for 2 days since posing for photographs under the "Colorful Colorado" state sign. At this rate I won't even have to change gears before we get to the Pacific. Those pioneers must have been pathetic pansies if they complained about this place. The next time somebody from out west scoffs at the use of the word "mountain" for the Appalachians, they will be met with a spirited challenge. Some of the Appalachians were so steep I felt like I'd adapted the moonwalk to the bicycle- seemingly pedaling forward while actually going backwards. We climbed practically 4,000 ft in Kansas and hardly noticed, but that's probably because we were too busy being showered with lavish hospitality by the good folks of Kansas. Even in the midst of the madness caused by the wheat harvest, they found the time to come talk to strangers and offer well wishes and anonymous donations. By the way, the next time you buy 'golden grains' bread and the bag has scenes of a golden windswept ocean of wheat, believe it. It is very golden and very awe inspiring, and these people work hard to get that wheat in your belly. *Stash Update: Dustin's moustache is approaching Civil War General status and Don's is solid but will take some getting used to, and Kevin's gets the most improved award. Others are considering facial hair novelties and by the time we get to Oregon we will all look ridiculous.* I have also matched the 2007 record for most consecutive days without a proper shower at 7, and to be honest I have no intentions of stopping anytime soon. Its not like we get sweaty when we ride 130 MILES in ONE DAY. Congrats to the group for that feather in the cap- 2nd longest day in Bike the US for MS history. Tomorrow we have a Lions Club pancake breakfast in Pueblo then set up our info booth on the Riverwalk for holiday festivities. I'm off to make a big carb feed for those huge "climbs" tomorrow- happy 4th of July to all.