Today was a nice bike ride, not too many hills and not too long. 50 miles rides I can handle without difficulty and would be the distance I prefer. I started out at 720 with Barb which is the latest I have started so far.
We stopped for coffee and fresh pastry at a bakery in Beatrice for $1.80. Cheapest coffee and pastry yet. (Beatrice is pronounced Be atrice according to the locals in NB). After Beatrice, Barb, Jane, and I took the Homestead Trail for 15 miles. It was crushed gravel, but it was very relaxing as there was no traffic to deal with, no hills, lots of shade from trees hanging over the path and its was quiet as we rode through fields of corn. It was an abandoned railroad track. Lovely ride.
Jane, Barb and I on the Homestead trail
We arrived at Oasis Bible Camp at 1200.
We can stay in air conditioned buildings if we wish. The showers were warm and private. Nice treat.
Yesterday I moved from sleeping in a tent to sleeping in our air conditioned bunk house. There was a vacancy as Lavonne our cook left and there was a spot which I had indicated to Al our logistics manager if there was a vacancy could I take it. This means I do not have to set up or take down a tent everyday nor roll out my therma rest. Yeh!!! I also can leave some of my stuff in the trailer and can use the rest room at night and I can use my sleeping bag, sheet and pillow as I sleep on a couch or a bunk bed. This kind of camping is a little easier and more relaxing for me. I can enjoy this.
Yesterday the Sea to Sea group was treated royally at First United Presbyterian
Church. The minister had a great sermon about the wind using the story of dry bones from Ezekiel. The cyclists enjoyed the message. Afterwards the church served the biggest variety smorgasbord of food anyone had seen with more Tupperware containers with such a variety of food. There were at least 45 different salads, as many main dishes and desserts. The church really out did themselves and the cyclists were overwhelmed by their sincere hospitality. What a blessing they were to us.
In the afternoon, a number of cyclists went to see Rock Creek historical site where we saw remnants of the Oregon trail, reconstructed buildings that represented the ranch houses and pony express sites at that site. We read a number of stories posted on the wall about the bravery and hardships the pioneers experienced at that site. Wild Bill Hickock also started his legacy here. Looking across the prairies, I tried to imagine life 150 years ago and what people saw and experienced. They were brave, determined people who lived a very hard life at that time.
Bridge over the creek which was a toll bridge for pioneers to cross.
The rolling hills in the foreground are the left over ruts from the wagon trains going down to the bridge to cross Rock Creek. Pictures taken from overhead show more clearly these ruts.
This is a picture of the interesting couple who allowed us to get out of the rain storm on Saturday. Bob was in the middle of pickling and was having quite a sparing with Barb the whole time we were with them. Elba is a quiet gentle person that seems to just let Bob rant and joke with little reaction. They have been married 59 years.
Billy D and Katie Ryzebol. Billy he picked her up but Katie really wanted to ride along on his bike as she had fallen on Friday and her sore shoulder prevented her from riding today.
this week we have lots of hill climbing through Iowa so it will be interesting to see how much I will end up doing. Today was a good day but there were not many hills. My hand is still a little sore so I still keep my removable brace on when I ride. I hope to try to bike a short day without it maybe Friday when we only have 40 miles biking into Pella. I shall see.
Distance50.01 mi
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