Going into Kansas

Day 18
Distance travelled: 72.6 Miles
Time in saddle: 6hrs 23 mins
Overall distanced covered: 1610 miles

I checked my bike early this morning. When I fixed the puncture I had last night I heard a squeaking once I'd put my wheel back on, as if it was catching something. I didn't sort it last night as it was getting dark and I just wanted to get to cover away from the thunderstorm. It was pretty hot again and there weer some thunderstorm warnings. I peddled pretty fast, I wanted to get some miles under my belt before the storm.....which didn't materialise.
As I cycled down the long an not winding road I was surprised to see a tortoise crossing the road.....I know I was shocked too. I stopped and waited for it to get across but got fed up ...it could take a while. I decided to intervene and I picked it up and put it on the grass at the side of the road....with hindsight I might have put it on the wrong side. I bet it was peed off with me. It was only the same as me forgetting my camera at the bottom of that massive hill.....get over it tortoise, move on....sorry, it's a lonely ride at the moment...I lose it now and again.
The roads are good in kansas, which makes a change. I am trying to stay away from the side of the road, that's where the punctures happen. I am not cycling in the middle of the road or anything like that but you know what I mean.
The first thirty miles were quite easy today. The morning was quite cool, which made it much easier. As the sun came out I began to feel the heat and it did affect my cycling. I eventually stopped at a place called St Francis. Quite a small town but slightly bigger than the ones that I've been coming through over the last few days. A very nice lady in a grocery shop adorned with American flags gave me a map of Kansas. She is obviously getting ready for the 4th July celebrations. I should be an interesting sight with my Union flag flying from the back of my bike. I am basically following the highway 36 as far as it goes. I will make arrangements when appropriate.
This time tomorrow I should be half way across the American stage of my ride. I haven't had a day off yet and still feel strong. I have been sick today but I don't know if it is the sun that is affecting me or I've had something to eat that has upset my stomach.It's just a hiccup and I should be OK tomorrow. I have had a couple of short days but I'm ahead of schedule so I am not worrying, I have days spare.
I pulled up outside the motel and had to phone a number to get someone to come down and give me a key. As I was waiting a black guy pulled up in the most outrageous car I have seen since I have been in America....and I've seen some really weird cars. It was an old typical 70s American Chevy, painted in dazzling colours.It looked like a pimp mobile. He was staying the night too.
I looked at the video on you tube that the people at work have done for me...it's a greeting video that Matty and Ryan have produced. It is fantastic and it really made my day....thanks everyone. You can not imagine how much it boosts my moral.