Started the day with an interview with local CBS affiliate WIBW TV:
Spent the rest of the morning on the phone lining up events and media in Lawrence. Here’s a shout out to Brook Graham (Bruce and Michelle’s daughter) for lining up media and speaking opportunities for me in Lawrence, and for finding me a place to stay.
As I’m preparing to check out of the hotel, the owner, Madan Rattan, joked about wanting to keep the trike in his lobby to boost his business. He then asked me about my trip, which sparked a fascinating conversation about his personal journey from India to Saudi Arabia and ultimately the United States (with $6 dollars in his wallet – it’s still there). Madan is now a successful businessman, grateful to be living in the “land of opportunity.” His primary message is we can do anything as a nation and people, if we will but only focus and prioritize. It’s not much more complicated than that.
Rode a relatively easy 31 miles ride today to Lawrence. Rolled into town and walked into a coffee shop to ask about the closest campground. Checking my voicemail, there was a message from Democratic State Senator Marci Francisco – who is an Analyst at the KU Center for Sustainability – offering me a room in her home for the night, only a few blocks away. After being treated to a wonderful home-cooked dinner with her and her husband, Joe, spent the rest of the night holed up in their 3rd floor loft catching up on emails.