In the heart of Nebraska

The landscape all around us is finally becoming unfamiliar to what we are used to in our regions. The countless miles of massive corn fields is slowly giving way countless yet different pasture land. Although the land is flat, the wind today made riding a little more difficult than days previous. After five straight days of tail winds, we were beginning to wonder if our luck would run out. Although we had a slight tail wind when we started, it soon turned into a steady cross wind, less troublesome than headwind, but still annoying. The sky was thick with grey clouds, blocking the sun for most of the day but surprisingly there was no rain. Our plan was to stop in a small town for lunch but this was thwarted by the fact that its only restaurant which also doubled as a gas station. While we were unlucky about having to deal with hunger for another 12 miles, we were lucky that gas station awning offered us protections from a passing shower. While waiting for it to pass, I took a look at the weather radar. Thick bands of thunder storms to the south of us, headed north. At least we knew we were going to get rained on. The extra 11 miles to the small town of Bassett were made longer by both our hungry stomachs and anxious feelings about the storm. Pulling into town, we found a pizza joint. Walking in, we received the usual perplexed stair by the owners. I guess three dirty dudes in biking gear would do that. We are getting used to it. After filling ourselves with pizze, we pressed on toward the town of Ainsworth. Here the landscape change significantly for while, Pine trees and hilly grassland, much like the mountainous regions we still have yet to come across. However, that only lasted for a short while. We pulled into campground just in time. A thunder storm began to dump buckets upon us. Luckily, we found shelter for us, our tents an bikes under a metal gazebo. It even has power outlets. Anyways, that is where we are. We shall keep moving tomorrow.

On The Road Again: Nebraska

We were glad after waking up this morning with a roof over our head because another intense thunder storm had passed through in the night. Yesterday, we discovered that my tire would not last many more miles and that the nearest shop with a tire was 44 miles behind us. Donald, the man who let us stay at his place let us stay more in the morning until the bike shop would open, stuffing us in the meantime with liverwurst (a food for me), deer bologna, and banana bread. While we were waiting, he took us into his shop where he enjoyed making very nice cutting boards as hobby. He offered to send some with us but we are already loaded down with too much stuff. Around noon, his son drove us the 44 miles back to Norfolk. We bought a tire for my bike as well as a possible spare, along with any other things that we need before a 500 mile void between Norfolk, NE and Caspar, Wyoming. We tried to offer gas money for the help but our hosts flat out refused. Instead they said to pass it on. Every day on this trip, we come across examples of such generosity and charity, people eagerly going out of their way to help us. We set off from Don's house after a lunch of bologna and rolls. Although we only rode 35 miles to the town of O'niell, we were extremely happy to find a free camp ground with hot showers. While I cooked supper ( Hot dogs and pasta), both Andrew's set up our tents. So here we are, relaxing until tomorrow. We hope to have a tailwind and put on some good miles.

Don and his son and dog Jack

Camping in O'Neill Nebraska

Nebraska Breakdown

               Saying good bye to Jackie and Darrel was hard but we had to keep moving west. It was a great time having the support provided by Jackie and the company of Darrel riding with us. After a typical hotel breakfast of waffles and cold cereal Drew, Sauder and I began our trip. Our goal for this day was a small town named O’Niell. Around 30 miles we stopped for lunch at a grocery store picking up bread, meat and cheese for sandwiches. After filling ourselves, we moved on. It was around this time I noticed something quite odd about my front tire. I noticed a slight bulge on the side of the tire, something that is common if the tube is bad or knotted a simple fix. However, stopping to inspect the bulge we found something much more disheartening. The problem was not the tube but rather the tire. Apparently the tire was beginning to tear at the seams. While I could ride it further, it could burst at any moment. I love my skin too much to take that chance.  The only fix for this problem would be a new tire. Now this would be easy if we were more east, but we are heading west. I had never known how unpopulated Nebraska actually is. The town we had left from, Norfolk would be the largest city until we reach Casper Wyoming. Looking at our Iphone, we saw that there are no bike shops between the 45 miles behind us and the 500 miles ahead. Looking down the road I saw a man sitting on a tractor mowing his lawn. I figured that we should at least if he knew of any bike shops around.

                After hearing our problem, the man, who I would describe as mid 70’s, retired farmer rancher and chain smoker invited us to sit under the shade of the tree in his front yard.  With four minds working on the problem, we were sure to find a solution. After calling different places, it was apparent that the only solution would be to go back to Norfolk, where we started for another tire. One of the man’s son thought of the local tinker/hoarder in town who was known to store many bikes and parts. A short drive into town to this man’s house yielded no solution. While this man, who resembled a skinny version of ZZ Top, had bicycle tires and parts, they were all in worse shape than my own tire. Thus defeated we came back to the old man’s house. Seeing that we were going nowhere fast, the man offered us a place to stay.  We gladly accepted. Conversation under the tree ultimately led to food. This led to us having Bear Burgers for dinner, yup Bear Burgers. So far on this trip the thing that has truly amazed me is the extent of American hospitality, I have little words to describe the experience of being on the receiving end of such blessings.  Tomorrow we can hopefully get back to Norwalk and find a tire or two and be on our way.

Farewell Iowa, you have been swell.

Like most thing in life, intentions versus reality quite often class. Unexpected developments have become quite common place in this adventure of epic proportions. Starting out this morning from Denison, Iowa the weather was quite cool. A thick fog had settled over the landscape, masking the rolling hills and valleys all around us. It was cold and damp enough that we needed to wear our rain jackets, but soon, as we found ourselves climbing up some long hills, the same jackets which were meant to keep moisture out, were keeping it in.  The weather contained like this throughout the whole day, cloudy and foggy, although warmer. After about 50 or so miles, our journey through the state of Iowa had come to end and our adventure through Nebraska would begin. Even crossing the Missouri river into the state proved to be an adventure. While most infrastructure in the mid-west has been adequate for bike travel, this bridge proved slightly terrifying. Instead of pavement between you and the river far below, a thin and porus layer of grating had been laid across. This grating not only is terrible for thin road bike tires, but also allows one to see the river churning beneath; a sight which is not only strange but also unnerving. Regardless, we made it safely across, even avoiding to have to pay the $1 toll. The plan for the day was to cycle around 80 miles and ending at a small town motel. With strong tailwinds, our 4th day in a row with such helpful weather, we arrived near the town tired and ready to rest. But as I said before, nothing hardly goes as planned. We were informed that both the hotels in this small town were entirely booked. The clerk had said, "maybe because its the weekend". The weekend? Who comes out to a small country town surrounded by thousands of acres of corn for the weekend?? Anyways, the nearest hotel was in Norfolk, NE about 37 miles further. We could do nothing but press on. We arrived in Norfolk more tired and more ready to rest after riding 118 miles. However, supper at applebees must come first. Also, our third man had joined us after a 12 hour drive from Ohio. The rest of the trip should prove quite interesting. Tomorrow will finally be our first day completely alone without any idea where we are staying. Also, from here to Oregon, we know no one. We shall see what adventures lie ahead. Here are some pictures.

Starting out this morning

Nebraska

A British couple at our motel was doing a motorcycle tour from Alaska to South America

Another State Another Day

Almost Half Way

After our first two weeks of riding, it is shocking to believe how far we have come from the beaches of Delaware. Everyday I can feel my body adapting to the new and demanding routine of cycling up to 11 hours a day .Since our rest day in Kalona the wind has been quite favorable to our cause. Strong tailwinds caused by approaching storm systems, along with having our packs driven ahead of us by Jackie allowed us to speed over the rolling hills and plains of Iowa. While yesterday was a perfect day to cycle: tail wind, warm weather, beautiful scenery, waking up this morning to see pouring rain and hear cracking thunder made me want to stay in bed and avoid the saddle. However, the coast is not coming to me. Darrel, Andrew and I got as water proof as we good and headed out on the road. While the weather was cold and rainy, strong tail winds made up for it. Within 10 minutes, everything was soaked and we were shivering. A good hill, however, soon took care of our shivers. Like always, we stopped every 15 or so mile for bathroom and snack breaks. I don't know what we would do without gas station bathroom and snacks. Anyways, we arrived at our destination of Denison feeling much better than expected. After a filling ( somewhat too much) meal at "Pizza Ranch" we all are relaxing in our Hotel rooms. Once we enter Nebraska, we are finally in a part of the states where we don't really know anyone, friends or family. We at least will finally get to experience a rougher tour, which should be fun. Our goal for tomorrow will be to get past the state line. Another exciting thing is that we are expecting a third friend to be joining us for the rest of trip. We shall see. Anyways, here are some pictures!

Starting out cold and rainy

Mexican for lunch

Pizza Buffet for Dinner

Iowa!

After an amazing rest day with family, full of food and fun, we set out yet again on the road. However, this time Jackie was providing support and and her dad was riding with it. It could not have been a more perfect day to ride. Small rolling hills, mild tail wind, warm temperatures with a few clouds to provide shade every now and then. Before we knew it, 40 miles had gone by, our legs still feeling fresh and our bums not yet sore. After a great lunch of Cheeseburgers and fries, we took full advantage of the tailwind and head west on the Lincoln Highway. Iowa at this time of year is seemingly a giant field with green and yellow john deeres moving back and forth upon the land. This, along with herds of cattle greeted us as we flew through the rolling hills and plains. While the sight is beautiful and nostalgic, it can get quiet pedantic after hours of the same scenery. Before we knew it, we were in Ames, Iowa. Currently, Jackie and I are sitting in a super 8 hotel room ready to scarf down some Mexican food. Jackie and Daryl will be with us for the next day or two while a third friend travels to meet us. After that, we are basically on our own until we hit the coast.

Got to meet my nephew vince!

Biked through the future birthplace of Captin Kirk, Riverside, Iowa.

First century on the trip!

Crossing the Mississippi

You have now seen all of the Midwest in one picture.

The Past Couple Days: Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa

The past couple days have been a blur. After enduring heavy storm in Illinois we pressed on toward Iowa. However, it was at least a two days of riding away. Our last day in Illinois would be in a little town called Cambridge. Here a warmshowers host graciously opened their home for us to stay in. We have been quite lucky to have a hot shower every night for two weeks as well as a hot meal. For two days, we have had moderate headwinds forced us to plug along at a slow 10 mph. At this point we fondly looked back to a week prior when we were pushing 20 mph. As we approached the Mississippi, I spotted a bright yellow dot down the road. this dot. This dot turned out to be another touring rider. A man early 60's late 50's ish who was doing a cross country ride as well. After a short chat, we went our separate and opposite ways, jealous of the tail wind he was enjoying. Crossing the Mississippi was perhaps the most momentous moment of the past two days, for the past two weeks we have been pedaling to make it this far. Getting across the bridge we finally made it into Iowa. 40 for miles and we would be in Kalona. Here we would rest a day or two while we wait for another friend to join us on our ride and spend some time with Jackies family. My bike is making some funny noises to I might get it checked out at a local shop. Anyways, the next two days should be quite restful. We have decided to end up in Oregon than San Fransisco by the way. Here are some pictures!

Our host Roger. He guided us through the crazy suburbs and set us on our way

The Mississippi!

Passing through the future birth place of Captain Kirk. Riverside, Iowa

First road cooked meal. Pasta Alfredo!

Some pictures that got left out.

This bad boy broke in nicely. 

All loaded up and rearin' to go!

The fuel of champions. Angry looking champions. 

I think this thing turned us into supermen!

This hill was impossibly big, but I made it, no biggie. 

I love me some Space Trek!

Talking about current events I'm sure. 

I my drive down to see Carrie on our rest day was worth it! I got to see the Goodyear blimp!

Made it to India. Hāṁ!

Whatcha know about tan lines?

Got to see these cities! Though I'm not sure what they're doing...

Getting that bronze, sweaty glow. 

Thunder Storm!!

At the moment, we are sitting in our tent. A tumultuous thunder storm brewing over us. We are in Marseille, Illinois.  I can barely even hear my own thoughts as the rain is beating against our tent, lighting providing very temporary light. I must say, modern technology is quite impressive that  I can be connected to the world while sitting in a tent. Today, we had a late start. In the morning our amazing host, roger, fixed us a hearty breakfast of pancakes while we waited for the local bike shops to open. HOLY COW!! Zeus decided to send a bolt close by. Our hearts are pumping and I may have said a bad word. I think I should Stop writing. Update in the morning  

Thunder Storm!!

At the moment, we are sitting in our tent. A tumultuous thunder storm brewing over us. We are in Marseille, Illinois.  I can barely even hear my own thoughts as the rain is beating against our tent, lighting providing very temporary light. I must say, modern technology is quite impressive that  I can be connected to the world while sitting in a tent. Today, we had a late start. In the morning our amazing host, roger, fixed us a hearty breakfast of pancakes while we waited for the local bike shops to open. HOLY COW!! Zeus decided to send a bolt close by. Our hearts are pumping and I may have said a bad word. I think I should Stop writing. Update in the morning