HOT! HOT! HOT!

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We left Cherokee-uphill-and we're treated to a magnificent Iowan sunrise. The morning ride took us through the power windmill farms-huge, incredible structures that are interspersed throughout the cornfields for as far as your eye can see. Aurelia, Iowa welcomed us dressed in Dutch garb and the entire town of Hanover ( population 5-seriously) came out with signs, cool water and tours of their historic buildings (all 6 of them). Lunch was true Iowa gourmet-Mr. Pork Chop, a 3/4 lb. grilled pork chop served with paper towels topped off with Kelly 's Pie (not Kelly G.) blueberry, peach berry, and peach/raspberry served in the pie plate. So...the morning was...well delightful and then the HEAT hit. The last 10 miles were BRUTAL-105 degrees and endless sun. We finished and hit the wall-Kely and Ann both were hit with heat exhaustion-cramping, rapid heart beats etc..took them both the rest of the day to cool their core temp down with endless cold packs and lots of water. Highway patrol reported 5 riders died due to the heat. With temps expected to be higher, Kelly and Ann took a rest day today-and are they glad they did. The boys said it was worse today with the addition of hills and wind. As the boys braved the elements in their saddles-Kelly,Ann,Robin and Landon packed up the RV and headed to Webster City. We have a new toilet courtesy of Webster City RV-and wonderful Robin went to the grocery store and had a fabulous spread of grilled brats awaiting the boys when they returned. Landon setup the RV at Faith Methodist church and all is well with Ragbrai. Truly an adventure of a lifetime. Kelly and Ann plan to be back on the bike, early to avoid the heat, and make our way to Story City-Three Dog Night plays tonight-hopefully we will be able to stay awake long enough to go here them.Ha!

From Webster City-you betcha! (in case you wondering that is what everyone out here says)

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