Day 1 of our race

Starting point: Saint Joseph, Missouri
Ending point: Marysville, Kansas
Total miles: About 120

Even though this is technically day 3 of the ALT Project's new project of challenging the Pony Express, we officially arrived at the beginning of our route late last night. We pulled into St. Joseph and finished up some last minute preparations before heading to bed (quite late for a few of us). In the a.m., the temperature was on its way into the nineties, and we all spent the day sweating profusely. However, with the town's abundance of museums, we were able to find air-conditioned refuge while seeking out the historical background of our story.

The first interview of the day was with Gary Chilcote, an historian at the Patee House and a regional vice president of the National Pony Express Association. He seemed excited to share his knowledge with us and covered the background information of the Pony Express. For those who weren't at the interview, here are a few fast facts:

• The Pony Express was only in operation for a little over 18 months, from April 1860 until October 1861.
• The trail runs almost 2,000 miles, from Saint Joseph, Mo., to Sacramento, Calif.
• Johnny Fry (or Frye) was the first rider.
• Robert "Pony Bob" Haslam made the longest ride, 380 miles, all in Nevada.
• Riders were allowed no more than two minutes to break.
• There are between 80 and 150 stations, most of which have either been restored, are left as ruins or don't exist at all anymore.
• The fastest Pony Express delivery time was 7 days and 17 hours (carrying Lincoln's inaugural address).
  

We want to beat the record. We're not sure if we can.

Of course, we don't expect to stop at every relay station or barn. It would actually be impossible to do so in many cases. However, we have GPS, motors, sunscreen and airconditioning. These riders didn't have any of that. No single rider took on the whole route and most riders were stationed in specific regions, which they would probably get used to. But horses can't travel that fast. Maybe five miles per hour into a gallop. Regardless, they did it. Mail was delivered in less than 10 days (except during the winter) and oftentimes in even less time. Seven days, seventeen hours. We've barely put a notch in the route so far. The most rugged terrain still lies a few states ahead.

The second interview of the day was also a wealth of information. Cindy Daffron showed us around the Pony Express National Museum, which was probably one of the most impelling museums I've ever encountered. The number of interactive displays astounded me in the fact that they were so authentic, and so educational, and just so darn interesting all at once. Part of the museum is actually the original stable house of Saint Joseph, housing synthetic horses and authentic saddles. One worn away wooden pillar spoke to its own originality. A well was kept completely intact and available for visitors to pump. The museum was also filled with maps, pictures and artifacts; but, the best aspect was the story it told. Everyone who passes through that museum leaves not only with a better understanding of the Pony Express, but a clearer view and appreciation of all the surrounding history.

Saint Joseph was a vital stop.


But it was so hot. Temperatures reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index well over 100. The riders were decked out in full riding gear - black pants and jackets, helmets, gloves all lined and re-lined and padded for safety. No wonder Jim didn't feel so well today. We didn't make much mileage, about 120 miles, but we spent a few hours surveying the first town to house the Pony Express and we did get to hit a little dirt and gravel on the way toward Kansas.

Hopefully tomorrow will cool down a little bit. Jim and some of the other crew members are predicting a possible storm.

Count down: Seven days, 10 hours left.