Sunday, July 25, 2011...36 miles
Breakfast at Mickel’s, just off highway 44…great buffet with lots of fruit. Also bacon for Mark (genuine, real bacon, he wants to point out…non-tofakin’ bacon).
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| Shauna braids Lauree's hair. |
We stopped for a shady halfway along...Mark and Shauna check the route.
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| Mark, didn't you lose your navigator button a few year ago? I think I'm going with Shauna. |
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| My rig |
We arrived in Kimballton to find the bar "closed," but open. Hajdu had gotten there first and convinced the owner to sell him a beer...or maybe two...and let us sit inside in the blissful air conditioning. They were great over there, and we wound up staying all afternoon and watching the Cubs game. More on that in a moment.
But first, some guys in Kimballton put us to work helping them erect a "mermaid shelter," which they planned to have everyone sign and sit on as "mermaids" the next day when Ragbrai came through. Kimballton is famous for its Hans Christian Andersen mermaid fountain. After we got the shelter set up, I got to be the first mermaid!
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| The second mermaid. |
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| Jim enhances the shelter with ocean scenery. |
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| New, improved handlebars with roadside flowers. |
So while we were in the bar, we were watching the afore-mentioned Cubs game and Lauree remembered that Mama Jo and her husband Jim were at the game! Jo had bought special tickets right behind home plate, for Jim's 60th birthday. So Lauree called Jo on the phone, and sure enough, as the camera focused on the batter, we could see Mama Jo on TV, sitting in the stands! "Wave, Jo," said Lauree, and she did! It was so cool!!!
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| Watching the Cubs game, looking for Mama Jo and Jim. |
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| Mama Jo is wearing a red top and a black visor...see her on the right-hand side? Squint! |
We also reviewed the Ragbrai rules while in Kimballton. No nudity. Darn.
Finally, we had to leave the icy AC and ride to Manning, a long stretch of 20 miles with no towns, and, as it turns out, lots of hills. Photos later...suffice to say, we made it to Manning, scored some showers, had a nice night camping by the high school. As the inimitable Dr. Bob always signs off...
more later!
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| Mr. Moose is ready to ride! |
2 comments:
I have so many things to day!
a. I want your life.
b. You mermaids are hot.
c. Is someone carrying a stuffed Republican?
aah I remember several stops at Kimballton on ride outs. Fun little town and bar.
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