Armstrong wrote:
I'm tempted to try your US36 variation
Well sir, it depends on how "lucky" you feel. To be honest, I don't think it's any slower at all - because it IS definitely shorter between Indiana and CO than I70 (southerly route) or I80/76 (northerly route). The POSTED limits are lower though (not by much).
It's not bad across the rest of MO and into KS (Pony Express Highway) and there are so many open stretches between towns (once you get past eastern KS) you can easily make up for any time lost in the couple miles of town limits you hit every 20 miles or so. Especially once you get West of Marysville, KS. I don't think it's any different than cruising the Interstate, except a few less lanes, a lot less traffic, and plenty of places to pass when you do get behind the odd Combine.
Mr. State Smokey tends to be focused on the Interstates and the touristas, not the local roads.
Yeah, KS is nothing but corn fields, and eastern CO nothing but prairie, but I find it less dull than pounding along those Interstates with the same scenery. Those little towns every so often are more of a change of pace than the same old exit ramps for 100's of miles.
Just a warning though, make sure you have a full tank as you leave St. Francis, KS - there are practically zero places to fill up in CO until you reach the junction with I70 in Byers.
One Bonus:
If you get bored, you can swing off the road in Lebanon, KS and take a short detour to visit the "Geographical Center of the Coterminus US". Pure Americana!
Mike in NJ
atriot:
