Since today was a long day of 86 miles, we got an early start. Along the road, we met Terry Luedens of Naporville, Illinois on his boneshaker which he is riding the full trip! The most asked question has been "How's the weather up there." The bike is a 1991 reproduction which has solid tires. Terry was concerned about the hills and the bike traffic but he has grown much more comfortable. "The people are good and respectful", said Terry. He hops on and off without walls. When I inquired a bit more about his bike he said, "No gears, No brakes, No brains!"
Next was the town of Ringsted, and they were ready for us. Dale Jensen, an area farmer was really gussied up! But getting even more attention was Jeannine Nelson, Miss Iowa Great Lakes and the 2nd runner up for Miss Iowa, from Mason City.
After mopping our foreheads and regaining our composure, and eating breakfast of pancakes and sausage, we headed down the road and found a Color Guard performing beside the road and selling treats. We band directors cannot let this pass by! It was the Central Spartans of Fenton, Iowa who were raising money for the guard to have performance flags. In the school of 90, 60 are in the band! The guard won grand champion at the Marching Auxiliaries of America in Dallas and their director is Dave Snyder.
Next was the town of Bancroft which had some of the most memorable entertainment of the ride! It was the "Kitchen Klatter Band" which used spoons, bird whistles, and many other implements. They first sang Happy Birthday in one key while the accompaniment played along in another. Musicians know what a difficult feat this is to pull off without changing keys during the entire song. This was followed by a polka rendition of Achy Breaky Heart.
Lunch was at Tender Tom's Turkey, a Ragbrai® standard. Here's Ruie Chehak, Bruce Eilers, and Mike Smith, all members of the Superior Hawgs
The next town was maybe the most welcome break of all. Thompson, Iowa had their pool open free to all riders. I could not resist a dip. Notice, though, how still the crowd is. We we getting a bit tired!
At this point, in Thompson I met a few of the more interesting teams on the ride. First is team BART from Springfield, Mo. They claimed that it stood for a "Bunch of Acquaintances Riding Together", but there was a bit of controversy here. Next was team Bikini. This team had their name branded on their backs using suntan lotion patterns. Although not from a team, I again learned what Ragbrai® is all about, making friends and seeing old ones. Here are some special teachers, Peggy and Mary, from the Houston Area that I have seen each of the last 3 years.
Finally, we hit the home stretch for Lake Mills. The last 13 miles had a strong tailwind which was sooooo welcome. We maintained 20+ MPH both down and up the hills! Maybe this was an apology for saggy Thursday last year. Some of the locals cooled us down. The Voldahl's sure do have an interesting mailbox!
We are now in Lake Mills and are camping in the yard of a house. Our hosts have given us the use of showers and phones-
