75.8 miles cycling, 2084′ of climbing (3040.6 total) – to read from the beginning, click here.
A breakfast equally as scrumptious as last night’s dinner was waiting for us on waking up today. Peter and Hannah were the most gracious hosts, and it was really a pleasure to meet and talk with them. After breakfast we hit the road again for another long day, this time to complete our personal RAGBRAI in 5 days and cross the 3000 mile mark on this tour.
Today’s route was much like the last 4 days through Iowa, though the hills seemed a bit easier — or we’re just getting used to them. At one quick stop, I took off my windbreaker shell and put it on my back pannier unsecured. Dana asked for a granola bar and I dug one out of my front pannier and forgot about the jacket just sitting on the back. Until 7 miles later when I reached back to check on it and it was gone. Dana wanted to go back but it was over 10 years old with a problematic zipper, so I left it. Probably had blown miles away or been run over multiple times by then anyway. Oh, well.
On Peter’s recommendation, we stopped at Iowa 80, the “World’s Largest Truck Stop.” It was time for a stop after 45 miles anyway and we did get our DIEK (diet coke fountain drink), had lunch, and saw some interesting displays. Mostly, like Wall Drug in SD, it was meant to sell stuff as there was merch at every turn.
Our original destination today was to be Davenport, but none of the Warmshowers hosts responded or were able to host. So, we sent a last minute request to Pat & Jean in East Moline (on Campbell’s Island) and they graciously offered to host us, even though they had just returned from their own tour of the GAP & C&O trail from Pgh to DC. We swapped touring and other stories over dinner of fresh trout, roasted corn on the cob, and a Caprese salad from their garden. Another great host and a restful night in a cozy pop-up camper in their back yard. Tomorrow we’ll get more into the heart of Northern Illinois — Peru is our planned destination.
3000 miles and two cute campers in a row? Amazing : )