I managed to cross Iowa state today. The weather started out perfectly – blue sky without a cloud in the sky. I had forgotten how big the prairies look – huge sky and signs that show up in the horizon that take 1/2 hour to reach. I had my first BMW pass me today – no doubt a volunteer at the rally trying to get there early. I later met a gentleman at a rest stop who had an old BMW, a newer Kawasaki 650 and a Harley – none of which he could ride because it hurt his hips. We talked for quite a while sharing stories of injuries (his were on the bike but while in the service). He was driving a large van which he called his ‘small one’. For Florida, he takes his 30 footer for better sleeping quarters. His companion was a rescue dog that he picked up in Florida on one of his trips. Then I saw a one-person plane go right over me – looked like he was having fun. Just as I was pulling out of the rest stop, an older gent (must have been late 80’s I guess) came and asked if I was going to Salt Lake City. He was on his way in his car – hadn’t missed one in 32 years. Hawkins was his name and I hope I see him there.
Cars on the state highways really move along at a clip. The posted speed is 70mph and every car passes me. I see state troopers pulling people over so obviously there is some sort of maximum but I can’t guess what it would be. The good news, no 1927 model T or the like passed me. I came across one section which was fairly fresh asphalt and it sure looked like it was starting to melt. Most of the highway appears to be concrete and as the temperature rose above 30, all the rubber tires on cars and especially trucks yield a high pitch shriek as they go by me.
As the day wore on, the temperature climbed and when I pulled into Bellevue (an old suburb of Omaha), the thermometer was reading 35 Celsius. At the hotel, one of the ladies in the backroom took pity on me and gave me a facecloth dunked in ice water – sure felt better in a hurry. Tomorrow, the prediction for Nebraska is even hotter hitting 39 degrees. So, the only thing I can do is leave at first light and wait while the hotel makes up my room since normal checkin is around 3:00 pm.
So, pretty well an uneventful trip so far which is what I was hoping for. On my return trip, I hope to take less state highways but only if the weather allows me to enjoy walking around.