Day 3 - Biking Iowa

Yesterday was such a bear of a day that it spilled over to today. The hills continued today until about noon and a head wind kicked in too. But as the day wore on the hills became more tame and gentle.

A hundred or more riders gave up today due to yesterdays efforts. I moaned and groaned and thought I might too. But as the day wore on I got better. Of course, taking two naps on soft grass in the shade helped me make it through the day.

Guthrie Center welcomed us with a park loaded with music, beer garden, and lots of food vendors. PLUS a large swimming pool that had a big slide that helped to cool me off. Event met a guy with the same last name as mine from North Carolina, we might be relatives.

Many of the riders particpate as teams. They have taken old school buses and rigged them with showers, platforms, beer kegs, bunks and more. RAGBRAI is serious in Iowa.

Some of the team names are most enjoyable. The Black Sheep, The Whiners, Team Gourmet (Eating Our Way Across Iowa), and lots more I will give as I go. The buses and team shirts add a lot of comradrerie.

I thought I was pretty slow today until I notice that 3 from the Army Team were going at the same pace as me. Not sure how many they have participating, but the Air Force has just over 100.

Seemed to be watermelon everywhere today. Great ! Food and drink at the same time.
Met a husband and wife yesterday that had a daughter that raised the Number One Sheep at the Iowa State Fair, they got the use of a new livestock trailer from Featherlite for a year. Today, I stopped at a farm for breakfast with a lot of sheep. Stopping for any meal is a task. Getting on and off the road, plus lines of at least 100.

We arrived in Redfield where the streets were filled with partiers. Redfield is a nice place on the Raccoon River and has a nice paved bike trail. Quite a few of us took a diversionary route to Waukekee on the trail. It saved some hills and was pretty shady. Shade has been scarce on the trip, what a pleasant find.

Waukekee had at least 20 people to greet us with a banner and matching shirts. Considering they had to stand there for over 6 hours as all the riders came in, that is asking a lot. This booming town has construction happening everywhere. I asked someone why that was happening and they didn't know. I am guessing it is their convenience to DesMoines.

A recent national survey I read said that most Americans have only two people they can actually talk to. Down from 3 a few years ago. Iowans have porches and lawn chairs on their shaded, soft grassed yards. Friends stop in and they talk for awhile. What a great premise, huh ?

Started gently raining as soon as I got to town, hopefully it will not be a harbinger of tomorrow. Will post more when possible.