Today’s route was 73 miles with an optional century (100 mile) loop and we all opted for the century. The start was good, some small hills in the beginning and the roads were excellent. We had pork chops at the 30 mile mark, provided by Mr. Pork Chop, and pie with ice cream at the 68 mile mark.

At the century turn off Nathan, Tom, and Rick missed the turn due to some bad directions and signs. Phil and I were unable to see which direction they went and decided to go for the century alone. 5 miles in Phil had a flat and he blew three more tubes trying to fix it. Out of tubes and patience, he borrowed a tube from a support vehicle and it seemed to do the trick. When we completed the century loop we ran into the rest of the group while searching for pie. When they finally realized that they had missed the century turn they had already gone 8 miles on the wrong route. So they decided to turn back and they met up with us shortly after. When we completed the ride, Nathan, Tom, and Rick turned back and did an extra 10 miles to complete their century.

For the most part it was a great ride. Rick had a small run in with another cyclist and had to have his rear wheel fixed. The guy just ran into the back of him as the were going thru town. No injuries, just a few bent spokes.

Again the wind was brutal, but no rain and cool temps.

225 miles down, 252 to go!

BTW… Internet connections are spotty in this part of Iowa, we’ll upload some more photos and videos when we get a better connection.