A Day at A Time

[hirakukibou]

Well yesterday we crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa. We left Bedford, MA on Father's day and have been on the road since then. It seems like a big deal to me to cross the Mississippi -- I know I have crossed it before in a car, but I don't remember really looking at it.

Although I believe it is down from the drought, it is still formidable.

It's been an adventure with all sorts of people and places (If you want, check out the blog.) but I think the thing that keeps coming back to me is how it really is a day at a time -- one pedal stroke at a time.

It has been a rough few days. We have done many miles and it has been 100 degrees out and we have had a vicious headwind. We are taking a much needed rest day tomorrow in Wilton, IA. It will give us a day to heal our saddle sores and catch up on the blog and all.

Some days, it feels like such a long way to ride, but if I keep in the moment and remember that I can only do what is right in front of me at that time, I do better.

I think my dad would be proud of me.

[indysteel]

I'm sure he would be proud. I feel for you in this heat though. It's brutal. We're expecting cooler temps on the midwest thus weekend, so I hope you get break. Be safe and enjoy the ride.

[hirakukibou]

Thanks Indy for your support. It feels cooler here in Iowa tonight. I am hoping that it stays for a while.

Cheers,
Hira

[Wahine]

Some days, it feels like such a long way to ride, but if I keep in the moment and remember that I can only do what is right in front of me at that time, I do better.

I think my dad would be proud of me.

Yes, your father would be very proud. Not just because of your undertaking but also because of the wiseness of your approach.

Good luck to you and I hope the weather shifts to your favour soon.

[SheFly]

Good on you for taking on such a big ride! Crankin and I had lunch last week and were talking about you.

Wishing you a switch to tailwinds!

SheFly

[Kathi]

I'm in Dubuque, IA tonight on my way to do Sagbraw in Wisconsin. I have lots of admiration for you. Although I do lots of week long tours I'm not sure I could spend months on the road. And, yes, I'm sure your dad is proud of you, and riding with you in spirit.

[Crankin]

I am so proud of you, Pata! And, your dad would be, too. You can only think about your ride one day at a time, or I expect it would be overwhelming. Have a great rest day. I miss my riding partner!

[hirakukibou]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! It's been quite a trip so far, and we've only gone about a third of the way.

The highlight of Wilton, IA is the ice cream shop which is in the National Registry as the oldest continuously running ice cream shop in the nation. It was established in the mid-1800's. (The ice cream was good too!)

And, Crankin, I miss riding with you too. This tour gives a whole new meaning to "long ride." Have a good summer and we will ride again in the fall.