Facing the Elements
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Waterloo to Cedar Rapids, IA: 55 miles, I rode 53
What’s true about riding in the heat,
It drains you and leaves you really beat,
It pays to hydrate,
Then you tolerate,
The miles without facing your defeat.
Very hot, record breaking temp for this date.
96 degrees. All here safe.
High energy morning, on beautiful trail.
Delight in seeing swaths of blue flowers.
Bird songs. Optimism reigned.
All ride on rail trail which meant flat.
No traffic always a joy.
Cedar Valley Nature Trail is official name.
Enjoyment in beauty, calm & growing things.
All pretty beat by heat as ride ended.
Afternoon wind & headwind—
But not battering—
With exception of about ten miles.
Called Ken to come get Jim at 53 miles.
I came last two miles in van.
What challenging weather!
Air conditioned lodgings very welcome.
Hugs,
Lin
You know its been a hard ride when a concrete bench feels good!
Massive silos near trail; morning section before heat got us.
Stan viewing birds. First 20 miles of trail especially active with birds.
Construction barrier directing us up hill. Created a 2 mile detour.
Cedar Valley Road trail stop; access to museum restrooms.
