EASTERN KANSAS -- Steve "Colorado Guy" Garufi saved himself a great amount of embarrassment and humiliation when he found a way to circumvent a 40 mile stretch of the Kansas Turnpike in eastern Kansas last week. Steve's route helped him save approximately two dollars, but more importantly, he saved his dignity.

As seen in the left photo, Steve traveled across the southern suburbs of Kansas City, reached Lawrence via Highway 10, then drove adjacent to the turnpike all the way to Topeka. With the exception of a few traffic lights in Lawrence, he drove 55 miles per hour or above almost the entire way.

"I'd rather pay a toll to go around the state of Kansas, then to pay a toll inside the state of Kansas." stated Jason Friesma, who admitted the topic struck a cord with him, "That's ridiculous for them to ask for money. Maybe you should have pulled to the toll booth expecting them to pay you."

Steve shared his thoughts soon after returning home. "I just want my friends in Kansas to know that (avoiding the Kansas Turnpike) can be done from Kansas City to Topeka. You should feel insulted and outraged that people would have to nerve to charge you to drive there."

Steve has touted himself as "geographically superior" to most of the country and has challenged many of his dear friends who live in the plains states. Earlier in his roadtrip, Steve broke down sobbing in his car over the thought of people languishing their entire lives in the state of Iowa.

As news spread about Steve's victorious deed, a litany of comments about Kansas came about.

"It's like kicking people when they're down. It's bad enough to live in Kansas, and now you're going to ask them to pay to drive there? That is wrong!" added Jason F.

Brandi D., a regular forum visitor who moved out of central Kansas and is quite happy with her move, encouraged Steve on the Friendship Board: "Friends don't let friends waste their money on turnpikes for crap ass (Kansas) drives."

"I knew a guy who grew up in Kansas. He could not get out of there fast enough!" stated Tom (the "Cigar Smoking Man") in the chat room.

Right Photo: A view of the road as Steve drove west on Interstate 70 in Kansas.

Although Steve was greatly offended at the prospect of paying a toll to drive in Kansas, he does not consider himself anti-Kansas. He plans to visit again soon to stand on Mt. Sunflower (alt. 4,039 feet), the highest point located near Kanorado, Kansas.