Today we started at about 6:30. The temperature was 64 and the wind was out of the southeast - the direction I was headed. I rode with Gayle all day today for the 57 miles. With just five miles to go, we met up with Ray in Mt Carmel, so we all rode in together. Gayle & I stopped in the first town, Early, and had a breakfast wrap made with naan bread. We stopped for a sample of a wine slushy and someone bought one for Gayle & I to share. Somewhat like a trail angel on the Appalachian Trail. I also used corn fields as a bathroom location because the lines for the porta potties were a mile long. When we got into camp the temperature was 87 and the wind was still out of the south. When I got to my tent, one of my bags was missing I reported it to the “front desk.” After a staff member checked tents near mine and didn’t find it, I suggested checkin tent 383. That’s where it was. Any former LSM operator is familiar with transposing numbers! Today’s theme was “I Ride 4 Day,” so I wore one of my MS jerseys. I rode a total of 57 miles through the towns of Early, Lake View, Breda, Mt. Carmel and ended in Carroll.
Sunrise.
Climbing a hill past some great looking silos.
Holding Gayle’s bike and mine while Gayle waited in line for breakfast wraps that were delicious.
The blue & orange canopies on the side of the road was the location to mail a free Iowa postcard. I sent one to each granddaughter.
This gentleman bought Gayle and I a frozen wine slushy to share. He heard us waffling whether to buy one or not. He said “Ill buy you one to share.” Making up for Saturday’s loss of faith in humanity (when someone stole my charger & batter pack)!
The slushy: half pina colada & half raspberry.
Signing my second RAGBRAI banner in Breda.
Too many people to look for post offices, but I’ve seen several postal jerseys (I have a few myself). I asked this dad if I could take he & his daughter’s photo from behind. They were riding a piccolo. It kind of looks like a tandem bike, but has a kid’s size bike attached to the back. The child is supposed to help pedal! I’d love to do a short ride with one of my granddaughters.
In the town of Mt Carmel a photo opportunity with Gayle & Ray.