Report from Winner, SD

Hello My Friends,

Day started with uncertainty:
Rain? Looks like it could.
Wind? Absolutely! Which way is it blowing?
Route? Whatever makes efficient ride to Winner, SD.

Got on bicycle in Ainsworth, Nebraska.
Rode north with "Friend-Wind,” pushing.
Worked well until climbing out of Niobrara River Valley.

Steep.
Shoulder vanished,
Hauler trucks appeared.

Bike on car for several miles.
Road conditions improved,
Very windy.
Questioned starting out.
Did anyway.

Within half mile,
Realized what had seemed
Too difficult, was manageable.
Sometimes being in midst of situation,
Lets one know what it is really like.
Different than viewed from the window.

As I started to ride again,
Remembered part of story I tell audiences,
About first trip, CA -> FL.

I rode all miles of that trip,
Except five miles in CA.
Downhill and windy.

In presence of two scared riders,
I took on their fear, rode down in SAG car.
I regret that.

I'll never know how hard it really was,
And if I could have done it.
I wish I had given it a try.

Out of that, I remind audiences to
"Expect fear. Don't let it stop you."

Today, road improved.
That S.D. road had intermittent spaces,
In road edge line of rumble bars.
So much better,
Allows smooth entrance or exit.

Topped a hill,
Could see our car parked couple of miles away.
Got there to find SAG had pulled out lunch items,
Ready to eat.

Best possible lunch!
Shared can of salmon,
Had GF bread with peanut butter & sliced tomato,
Grapes to top it off.
Then... I had 10 minute nap in car.
Now, THAT is care on a bike trip!

We are in Winner S.D.
Great name, don't you think?
What if we named ourselves to be in
"Winner" spot every day?

I think I might see myself with possibilities.
Winner with possibilities ....I'm holding that picture.

Hugs to each of you,
Lin

Limerick:

We're staying tonight here in Winner,
We'll wash out our clothes and eat dinner.
We saw a D.Q.
You know what we'll do.
We'll end up much cleaner, not thinner!