Cedar Falls to Independence- 62.1 miles with 1499 ft of climb.

Pass through towns are Denver, Klinger, Dunkerton, Fairbank, and Otterville.

Conditions- Hot, hotter, and hottest!  Headwinds, Sunny.

The zipper symphony was different today, since we had a Ragbrai first for this year anyway.  We got to sleep in John’s house in Cedar Falls.  That’s right, I said IN John’s house.  The bathroom was right across the hall.  Hawg John and his wife, Barb were awesome hosts.  Kristen was hydrated and ready to join us.  Our first town, Denver, was preceded by an incredible downhill plunge and then it was time for breakfast.  Kristen was spotted exploring the cornfields- If you build it, they will come!  The high point of today’s ride was the portion going through Amish country.  We all remember the terrible disaster that happened to these faithful people when the school shooting in Pennsylvania took place.  It amazed us all when the families of the victims prayed for their own families who were suffering and then prayed for the family of the shooter.  It was incredible. 

The Amish allowed the Smoothie King man to use their yard for his sales, for which he paid them.  He also gave the Amish kids smoothies all day.  Only then did I realize that the Amish do not even have refrigeration!  The entire highway was around this area and it was a fascinating tour.

So we are using the rest of our page today to meet the Hawgs and hear their comments.  Here they are with their comments from the ride-

Picture 1- All from Seattle….Jim Byers  - “Great Time”  Brett Roberts- “Pork fueled across Iowa” Mark Schaa- “Ragbrai has been one of my lifelong goals.” Bill Jones “Tacos in a bag are the Best!”

Picture 2- Tom Ehlen- Cedar Rapids… We have come 2/3rd of the way across the state and have yet to see a hill, Guido Aversa- “First crash at Ragbrai!  This reinforces the need to be careful- My bike survived.  Jakob Stoner- This Ragbrai has been fairly easy.  The problem is the headwind!”

Picture 3- Aaron and Mel Eilers

Picture 4- Lee Fitch, Jen Troendle- “I’m a Superior Hawg Newbie and am loving it!”

Picture 5- Lyle Brase, Jess, Rebecca, Wally.

Picture 6- Tom Liskey- “1st Ragbrai on 50th Birthday!” Dave Gum – 2nd ride is even better than the first- especially traveling with the Hawgs!”… Bryan- “it was great because I was able to meet up with more Hawgs this year and was much more relaxed because I was sure I could do it!”  Warren Netherton –“This is a lot hotter than caving, but just as sweaty”… Felix Caceres-“It’s been fun after the first day.  The first day was Hell.”

Picture 7- Bob Schmidt- “It’s nice to see the group again and all the new people on the ride.

Picture 8- Janelle and Rebecca Eilers- It’s been a fun and challenging week!”

Picture 9- Maria and Mike- The ride a tandem and are usually on the road at 5:15 AM!

Picture 10- Tara Rust and Jen Troendle- Tara- He’s my favorite husband so far!

Picture 11- Here’s Tim by the Hawg Bus…

Tomorrow, the hills will come… Film at 11!