We made it to Omaha and have gone over 5000 miles! It's time to get our bikes serviced again not to mention a much needed day of rest for us. As for our riding through middle america, there is not a whole lot to say. Going through a state like Iowa (miles and miles of flat corn fields), there are really only a few things to keep us entertained. The wind is one element of entertainment. The crosswinds are brutal and will definitely keep you on your toes. BB is so tall and light that I really get blown around by the wind. Burgma and I both thought that Iowa should line the interstate with windmills and put some of that wind to good use!
Another source for entertainment on the road is observing all the different people and cars that you pass (or pass us depending on who is leading the group). We have seen a lot of bumper stickers, a lot of cool bikes, and a lot of interesting people.
Needless to say we tend to attract attention on the road. Three motorcycles, bright green vests, and out-of-state license plates tend to get a few looks. There was the one guy in the pick-up truck that as he passed screamed out the window, "RIDE ON!" There was the little red station wagon with the 3 or 4 year-old-boy who nearly leapt out of his car seat to wave at us. There was the guy in Canada that tried to talk to mom while we were stuck in traffic. Too bad we wear ear plugs, helmets, and don't speak french. My favorite however was the old VW van filled with 13-14 year-old boys. As we passed, they were waving and giving us the "wheelie" sign (holding their arms out as if they were riding a motorcycle and lifting them up in the air). If I was to do a wheelie with all my stuff weighing down the back of the bike, I don't think I would ever get the front tire back on the ground!
The last source of entertainment/amusement is to observe all the bugs.
Some of them you know when the hit you. Even with a padded jacket on you can feel them. Some of them you are really glad they hit the windshield and not you. When we stop, we all check out our windshields and helmets to see if we can identify the bugs. We also compare bug splatter patterns and colors. Yup, that's what it has come down to here in Iowa and Nebraska.
2 comments:
bug splatters? yuck!
Jody and I are in Pleasant Hill with Dad. Jody just drove in from NC - not as exciting as your trip. I came over to give a talk at Uplands - on long term care.
Wow - already in middle America. We will keep tracking you all.
Much love,
Carol Jody Grandpa Rog
Hi, Westlake crew! Just wanted to say we are all watching your progress and thinking about you. Looks like you are in a beautiful part of the country today according to mologogo. Take care!
Tonya/CEPI
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