Early start. Early finish. Went nuts.

(written Monday, June 6)

Thank goodness for an iPhone because we could check the weather to know that it was going to be a scorcher today. So we made plans to leave by 6:30 this morning. It does take us all a while (Theimers and us) to take down the tents and repack everything into our bags. We got on the road by 6:45 and discovered a nice quiet, beautiful morning was awaiting us. It was picture perfect with the sun coming over the horizon, the wheat fields waving in the slight breeze and only the sound of our bike tires whirring on the newly paves roads. We practiced our drafting again and close to 20 mph--it was awesome. We travelled thru Bazine, Rush Center, had lunch in LaCrosse, on thru Otis and ending in Hoisington--67 miles later and by 12:15pm. This was important since the temps were nearing 100 again.

It was a quick set up of tents, then on to the local swimmin' hole to cool off and shower. The towns have been so gracious to the almost 900 people who descend on them. The pools let us swim for free and the restaurants bring in extra help. We really appreciate their hospitality.

We were looking for a good hamburger at a local establishment but only the DQ served them. We did, however, stop at the Tap Room (which only has Coors regular on tap!) for a beer and anything deep fried. Did you know that mushrooms, pickles, onion rings and Rocky Mountain oysters all taste the same when deep fried in the same vat?! Then we continued our meal at Gambinos Pizza. Mmm...only a few more days of this before my body revolts.

Tomorrow is our longest, hottest, and windiest (not at our backs). If we can make it, it's all downhill from there...