Almost There!

Today's ride, on Friday is over, and the ride ends tomorrow. Today was a hilly 65 miles, with almost no wind, but 90 percent humidity as we rode through a fog and clouds all morning. Have not seen the sun for days. Today's ride was 65 miles and I was ok but tired until mile 50 when my mind was just going numb. Finally my saviours appeared, two cyclists just a bit faster than I and was able to draft and talk to them for the final 15 miles of the day.talking woke me up and my speed and strength returned.
Everything I own is pretty much dirty or wet. I love camping!
We are in Tipton tonight, in the main campground, right next to the LiveStrong team that Lance is the titular head of -- although he was here only one day as opposed to other years. Guess Kate Hudson beckons. Or maybe he overshadowed the Ragbrai and they politely asked him off. There are no celebrities in this like in the NY marathon.

Saw a state trooper this morning being thoughtful and sweeping a corner turn free of gravel with a large broom.

BTW, Iowa much be the unofficial pie capitol of the country. At every stop they sell slices.

We actually walked out of a real restaurant last night because they were charging a dollar for water. I went to tell the manager but it was the other 5 guys who made the decision. We went to a church and stuffed ourselves on Pork (it is Iowa) potatoes, salad and pie. The drinks were "free". Total cost was $7.

They really provide the best value.

This is the 33rd ragbrai and one of the seniors in our group, Jane, who could be in her 70's, has done 32 of them. She and her husband used to ride it but he passed some years ago and she goes on. Bev is also in her 60's and is perhaps half as fast as I. It takes her almost 8 hours to cover what I do in 4 or 5 hours.

Btw, Mr. UAW won the next 19 chess games over all comers.

I'd like to see the Tour de france riders tenting it! Not that staying in motels would help me go faster.