This tailwind everyday with optimum conditions just couldn't go on forever and the tide turned today. Frankly, I was ready for a challenge and much of the route was Northbound. The winds were 15-20 from the North and we were given hills to boot. One thing I noticed was that many of the riders are now taking safety for granted. Not nearly as often does one hear "On your left!", but rather phantoms appear one inch off of your handlebar. Come on guys, ride right!
Our first town was Colwell and we were greeted by Keith Westerguard with a background of four flags including the Iowa 150 flag and the Ragbrai Flag. We then saw one of the most unique and fun amusements ever. There was a water balloon catapault. This bungee device, when used improperly, could propel a water balloon two blocks in a heavily populated area. Here's Dean Loving of Humboldt, Iowa bombing perfect strangers two blocks away! Unfortunately, the booth was closed down minutes later. Some folks just can't take a joke, right Dean?
Next, we ran into a couple of unusual bikes or colors, anyway. Here's a man in overalls on a recumbant. Now check out this outfit. Here's a man totally in John Deere Green. (and it sure did please Charlene). He wants to say hi to his friends in Singapore, by the way.
The next town was Elma. When the railroad shut down, they took the bridge and converted it into a covered footbridge with flowers.
The most wonderful ladies I met on the entire ride were Raphael and Antonia who were visiting on vacation from Omaha. They were there to give everyone their blessing. It was fun visiting with them.
After climbing for what seemed to be 5,000 ft. in the headwind, we arrived in Cresco. Welcoming us was a great Dixie band called the Turkey River All-Stars.
There's just no bike club like the Superior Hawgs!
Well, back home in Texas, folks ask me "What are you riding up there for? Isn't it just a bunch of cornfields?" Let me tell you- there is nothing like the folks in Iowa. One never worries about life in the fast lane up here. The towns folks are in chairs in the yard saying welcome and they really mean it! They all want us to see their towns and their homes. It's a wonderful place.
