Friday, June 28, 2013

Day 2 - Keokuk, Iowa to Beatrice, Nebraska. Miles today - 334. Total miles ridden - 669



Shortly after leaving Keokuk, Iowa the group crossed into the state of Missouri.
 You say, "Show me."  Okay, there it is.  On the big blue sign.  Missouri, the show me state.

Oddly enough the scenery didn't change dramatically since yesterday.
There were some pretty cool grain storage facilities along the way.  This one looks like it is all concrete.





This one, not concrete.


 So, the guys are working their way west and you all know that Fred has been in Omaha, Nebraska to watch a baseball tournament.  The plan all along was for the five to meet Fred along the way.   This morning Fred started riding towards the east, while the guys were still traveling west.

Running low on gas the group of five needed to fuel up.  They found a gas station/truck stop in Maryville, Missouri that had a little diner in it.  After fueling the bikes it was generally agreed that everyone was hungry.  Since this little diner was right there they decided it would just be convenient to grab some lunch.  As they're sitting in this truck stop diner getting ready to order in walks Fred!

Neither a plan, nor place had been established to meet.  Fred just kept his eagle eyes open searching for a group of bikes, when lo and behold, he spotted them.  Now there are six and the group is complete!



Instead of table top flat, gently rolling hills began to appear.
Now don't get me wrong the guys have reported seeing about 80% corn and bean fields.
  Trees, farm ponds, barns, cattle and horses filled in the remainder.




Barn roof - rusted!  




 Crossing the Illinois River into Nebraska.



 Did you know that Nebraska is the Home of Arbor Day?
The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872.
The same year that Fred and Stu were born.




There's Fred riding along with the group.



Trick photography in action by a trained professional.  Do not attempt this yourself.



We know where you're going and what you're going to do.
Um, Stu.  The gel in the little bottle is to remove grease from  your hands.
Bet you'll remember that from now on.



Wind farm.



Beatrice, Nebraska.  A good place to stop for the night.  The guys had plenty of time to catch up on laundry, take a dip in the pool, grab some dinner and check out their bikes.



David and Joe are cooling off and relaxing in the swimming pool after a long day on the road.





The horn on David's bike was loose and about to fall off.
Stu tells him how to tighten it while Fred watches.
Looks like a state job.




Sunset, a beautiful ending to a great day.