Blogs from Newton, Iowa, United States, North America

7am start today to make ground East. Shouldn't be much to see for a while. A hard start to the day with strong crosswinds, grooved road surface with bumps so you bounced along the road, wet surface and more showers looming. I'm riding facing toward the wind, shoulder pushing into the prevailing direction, hand of the same side holding back handle and other hand pushing against the opposite bag for steadiness. We're leaning the bike to compensate for the crosswind so we need to pay attention if we go under a bridge or another form of shelter as the wind suddenly stops! Pressing on we hit an electrical storm complete with fork lightning and had our bike and gear washed for about half an hour. We decided at the point it may be a prudent idea ... read more

We finally made it through Nebraska 460 miles wide. Headed to American Pickers on Monday. You have all heard of Stonehenge well we car henge and Chimney Rock in Nebraska. We have 1300 or so miles to go. Going to get cooler as we get closer to Home so may be time for long sleeves and a jacket,( heated for Nancy )We couldn't have had much better weather hopefully it will be that way for us the rest of the way!... read more

May 27, Wednesday The tent was fairly dry when I got up and made some breakfast. Definitely packable by close of the meal, and I hung the footprint up along the great little 20 foot line that Joel had made for me years ago, which fits into a film cannister, with a hook and ring on one end and a tent slider cleat device at the other. I kept reminding myself NOT TO FORGET to pack up that handy line. Once the footprint was dry, and all the gear packed away, I took off for Joel's house in Iowa. This day was much nicer, sun and puffy clouds, a little cool, but perfect for riding. Of course, about 60 miles away from the campsite, I realized I had FORGOTTEN to pack up the handy line. Dagnabit. ... read more