Day 4, Downhill from Boone to Altoona

Before heading off this morning, the Rotarians took an SBI  reading (Sore Body/Butt Index). After yesterday's 100 mile ride (he rode the optional loop), Scott said he was so tired and sore on his hindside, he rated it a 9.7. Steve, one of our trips big whiners, surprisingly hasn't made a report. He's been too bushed to think about it. The grizzled bike veteran - Larry  - reports in the low two's. And now on for today's report.

Another early morning departure as we broke tent camp and headed out from Boone. One nice picture of us all before we headed out is below. Today's 56 mile ride (mostly downhill) helped us regain our energy and strength for the final 3 day push. Lance headed off for a great start in the nice early morning weather, the determination on his face says it all. He and Steve (below right), were ready for a great day of riding.

Another old friend showed up, Gary Jones, it was sure nice to see him.  We were also able to take a nice picture with Don Rimathe, both of these great guys really lifted our spirits as we headed into Eastern Iowa.

Food was a big part of our day (as it is every day), but today much of it was served up with a bigger than normal helping of Iowa hospitality. Chicken from the Amish women, and the Cinnamon Girls dishing out some tasty items. Of course, once again, Mr. Pork Chop was there to get our juices going.

As we rode through Slater, (population 1300), we realized that for today only, the town was now a bustling metropolis (per Iowa standards) or over 9400. We have become part of a traveling city.

One of the more unusual sites occurred today as we came in under a bridge of bicycles and of course those unicycle guys continued to just kind of show off.

At one point, Lance felt it was time to consider a more automated form of transportation, but the farmer told him he had to get off. Not to be deterred, he adopted a new pet hoping it would grow up quickly and sustain him through the end of the ride.

The end of today's ride was Altoona, with some unusual greetings as we arrived. Well, off for some dinner and rest and then on to Day 5. Hard to believe we only have 3 more days of riding, Lance suggested we head for New York and just keep riding, but I think we will probably just call it quits when we get to the end of Iowa.





Click here to see a bigger map for Day 4