Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 19, 2007

by Allie Wilson
After a restful day spent in Topeka, the 4Kers set out from the city ready for the days on the road that lay ahead. We were all excited for what our warped minds now consider a short day of 76 miles. It didn’t take long to make our way out of Topeka, and we soon hit the rural roads through the endless cornfields. The first forty miles of the ride were shockingly easy as we enjoyed the change to flat terrain from Missouri’s hills.
At a quick lunch stop in the corner of a McDonald’s parking lot, the riders enjoyed the boxed lunches provided by the First United Methodist Church, our host in Topeka. After relaxing for a few minutes, the groups headed out towards our final water stop along the route of the Oregon Trail. The groups often joined forces on the next stretch, which gave the riders the chance to both goof off together and to irritate drivers. We stopped for a photo op at Oregon Trail Park in order for the riders to play the role of our predecessors on the covered wagon monument and to envy them for the Oxen that dragged them across the country.
Our last water stop before Frankfort took place by a small lake 16 miles outside of the town. The brilliant idea was put forth to play Mafia in order to choose riding groups for those last miles. A game of Mafia with 19 people is a long process, but all the riders eventually made their way towards the Annunciation Catholic Church. The Catholic Church graciously provided a dinner of burgers and put us up for the night. Thanks to them for a great night!