Sioux Center (Dordt College) to Algona

Today was a great ride! I think that I could do it again. Now, many would disagree since it was our longest ride so far and it rained in the morning. I (Mark), however, found it exhilarating. Iowa is such an amazing state to bike in. Perhaps because it reminds me of my home in Michigan. So it did rain this morning, on and off. We were prepared though, taking along our waterproof biking jackets. The rain drizzled for maybe an hour or two then stopped. It was beautiful. The weather was so overcast all day that the sky was filled with dark, looming clouds. These lofty blobs blocked out the sun, preventing the day from getting too hot. The temperature was in the 60's to 70's all day, a perfect biking climate.
About 15 miles into the route a local church provided us with energy food loaded with carbohydrates. They were donuts and coffee. Mmm mmm good. Then 30 miles in another church gave us power bars and gatorade. Our bodies were just buzzing with energy. No rain, rolling hills, or monotonous cornfields could hold us down. So we took off, whizzing away at 20-25mph. There was a tailwind pushing us from behind. What a difference it made. Usually we fight a headwind. Then's it's tough. I'm convinced that the wind always blows from east to west, except on Wednesdays.
So the day went by, as did cornfield after cornfield (there were some soybean fields in there too). Eventually, at mile 85 we reached Walter's stop, our first breaking point since mile 30. There they had the leftover donuts from this morning just waiting for us. So what could we do, but eat more donuts. Then, brimming again with energy, we raced off. Until we hit the town of Wittemere. This town had a Sausage Haus. We decided to quick step inside and take a peek, but were compelled to stay and chat. The owner right away cut up three plates worth of fresh sausage and told us to eat up. Our thanks to him. Protein (or perhaps simply food) was just the thing we needed. So we talked for a good hour about Sea to Sea, fishing trips in Canada, and how the sausage business went. After an hour we ended up buying 10lbs of sausage - it was that good. So we shoved these things into our bike pockets and held onto handbags pf sausage for the 10 miles left till camp. It was quite an adventure. I've never biked with sausage on my back.
Supper today was breaded chicken, potatoes (100lbs of them), broccoli, carrots, some salad thing, and ice cream bars for dessert. It was the usual meal. Nothing stood out too much tonight except the ice cream. I love ice cream, especially since you don't get it much when you're biking.
Now, it's time for bed. We have another big day ahead of us. Instead of a 113 mile day we have a 112 mile day. Hopefully it goes as well. Perhaps another tailwind will come and whip us right along. We'll see.