The day's journey is mostly downhill with a gradual 250 foot ascent for the last 25 miles. This section follows the ORIGINAL alignment of Route 40 which ran north of the Kansas River. Between St. Mary and Lawrence, you'll essentially be biking along the Oregon Trail. I am not providing an alternate route along the current alignment of Route 40 (which runs south of the Kansas River) because there aren't enough side and frontage roads to make it safe to do so. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies.by fbrusca