Day 18 & 19

Day 18
56 miles

As I woke up to golfers and the striking of the balls, I realized I needed to get up and ride again. This idea did not appeal to me. I packed up and headed back to town. I ate a convenience store breakfast and just sat texting friends looking for the ambition to do this day. I just didn't want to ride. The extra rest and previous day's enlightened spirit did not extend here.
Despite my disdain at the idea of pushing pedals all day I saddled up and pushed ahead. However, my ill-ambition had cost me most of the morning.
The afternoon sun poured down on me. And the hills worked up on me. The sweat poured. I kept trying to look ahead. I'd see the Mississippi by evening. But this also worried me. What if the bridge across the mighty river was like the Illinois river? Would I be able to even do that again when my spirits were so low?
These worries may have caused me even more sluggishness.
Just before the Mississippi there was a good downhill. This was refreshing. But it was getting so late in the evening already that its joy only lasted a moment. I was pushing hard to make it across the river.
When I reached the bridge there was relief. Although she was a steel beast like the one across the Illinois river, she kept a lower arch and carried broader shoulders. I rode her broad shoulders and enjoyed my triumph for a few moments.
I was west of the Mississippi. I was really far from home now. I rode my bike to Iowa. I let it sink in for a few moments. But I couldn't revel too long. The sun was moving further into the western horizon quickly.
After climbing a huge hill in Muscatine, the town I was in, I looked for the route to my intended destination.
I was aiming for a state park 7 miles up river. I found the route, down the other side of the giant hill I'd just climbed. I saw more hills in the distance.
I noticed all the recreational traffic on the roads. Ah yes, it was Fourth of July weekend. What if the park was full? It was a holiday. It was likely to be filled. Did I really want to ride 7 miles just to be turned away? I did not. And if that were to occur, it would be dark by the time I got back to town. I began to wonder why I was doing this at all.
I opted to look for an alternative accommodation. I really couldn't deal with 7 more miles just to be turned away. And 14 miles and dark and still nowhere to stay seemed unbearable.
I followed a bike trail into a park. I sat down at a table to try to clear my head before my next move. My options seemed limited. There was an cheaply priced motel in the town, but I'd just splurged on a motel.
As I sat there contemplating just sleeping somewhere in the park I hear someone call out to me.
A woman pedaling up the hill to where I was asked if I was a cyclist. Three children pedaled up behind her. I told the woman that yes I was a cyclist. She asked me if I knew how to pump up the tire on her bike. It was a presta valve. I told her I did and asked if she wanted me to do it for her. She seemed surprised I had a pump with me. I told her I had everything.
This brought on the usual questions of where I was going and why and where I was from. They all seemed very impressed. The two boys with the woman were especially enamoured with my conquest across country. They felt my legs to see how strong they were. I welcomed the enthusiasm. As I pumped up the tire I asked their names.
The woman's name was Nancy. Her daughter Jenci and her son Jose were with her. And the other boy was her nephew Tony. They were on their way to play tennis. They invited me to join them. I accepted the invitation.
I had never played tennis before. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed the conversation. It extended beyond my trip and into general conversation. Eventually I asked Nancy if she knew of a cheap place to stay. She mentioned the motel I had already considered. She said she would lead me there.
I don't really how it happened, but somehow, someone suggested I pitch my tent on their deck. Nancy seemed to think this was a great idea. I asked if she was serious, sure. She said she was so I said okay.
All five of us mounted our bikes and I followed them through the town. There were immaculate and extensive bike trails all through the town. I got to see the river again and from some really nice angles.
We arrived at the house and I unpacked my tent and sleeping bag. Jose and Tony helped me set it up. The three of us talked outside. They cracked me up. My cheeks hurt from laughing. Although, they did inform me I was uncool for not really caring about Justin Bieber. I guess I didn't know he was so important to 10 and 12 year olds.
Nancy and Jenci had been busy inside. But I was offered a shower and was delighted at the prospect. I washed the sweat away and changed into clean clothes. Nancy cooked up some hot dogs and some venison. The venison was incredible! I don't know how Nancy seasoned it, but it was the best venison I'd ever eaten. And this Swede has had her share of venison.
I watched a movie and then was ready for sleep. Nancy lit a fire outside and we sat and talked for a bit. Then I went to sleep. I slept so well. I was so cozy.

Day 19
52 miles
I woke up around 8. Nancy was already up. She offered me cereal. Of course, I accepted. I love cereal! They were even Lucky Charms, yum!
She told me she was making me a soup to take with me. I can pronounce the name of it, but there's no way I'd know how to spell it. While I waited I watched the weather report. Rain is definitely in the forecast.
I packed up and soon the soup was ready. I said goodbye to my new friends. Nancy hugged me. I don't think she knew how much I needed it.
I don't think any of the four knew how much I needed them or how much they helped me. It wasn't just a place to sleep or food for my belly that I needed. I needed the socialization, the laughter, the conversation, the reminder of human kindness and goodness.
I am eternally grateful for their kindness. They turned a terrible day into one of the best days I could imagine.
I set off waving goodbye. I cycled with a new found fervor.
It took me awhile to get out of the town. But when I made it out I covered ground quite quickly.
I reached the small town I hoped to camp in before 6pm. I ate the soup Nancy made, which incidentally was amazing. It really hit the spot. And i still had some left for tomorrow. Bonus!
The town had a small park and baseball field. My cycling maps mention it as a place to camp. There seemed to be some sort of dance going on at the building adjacent to the park as part of their Fourth of July celebration. I felt very self conscious about setting up my tent there. I asked an older gentleman if I was allowed to camp there. He said of course. But I wasn't entirely sure he heard me right.
I waited until almost dark before I set up my tent. I set it up next to a concessions stand by the baseball field. I was mostly out of sight. I left the rain fly off because it made me even less noticeable. I enjoyed the view of the stars. It was quite nice to only have mosquito netting between me and the night air.
Cars and fireworks roared most of the night. Though it was the noisy deer munching on corn in the field next to me that made it hard to sleep. Eventually the sound of the deer comforted me. If the felt safe close by, I was likely very safe.
Nancy called before I fell asleep to see how I was. I thought that was nice.




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