From 13 for several miles west there is no shoulder at all on 54. It is being widened but the truck and RV traffic combined with the speed limit make it a bad choice to the state line.
I believe catfish is refering to 97 as the N/S route. 18 or 52 would be better E/W routes. 126 goes E/W from Golden City to Pittsburg, KS and beyond.
If you go thru Pittsburg, KS say Hi to Roger (owner)at Tailwind Cyclists(Trek Dealer).
Keep me in mind for further questions of the area. PM me if you would like my phone no. for emergencies in this area.