Thomas and I rolled into Lincoln @ 21:15 last evening after a 450 mile followed by a 300 mile day. Our trip was FANTASTIC!!!!!
We traveled Iowa 2 coming and going. This route is now a wonderful favorite of mine. If you're looking for a slice of "Rural Americana" then this is it.
Be VERY aware of 'road apples' in the eastern third of the state.
Thanks for the input. Pics to follow.
Hacksaw
glad the route worked out for you. if you mean road apples of the equestrian variety there are lots of amish in iowa about half of which are named yoder. interesting culture.
al collins
(dadbeem, on the west coast of illinois)
Just wanted to let everyone know that we did take Rt. 36 going and coming back from Colorado. We picked it up just north of Macon, Missouri and stayed on it until we got to Norton, Kansas. Coming back, we rode it through the entire state of Kansas. Actually, I didn't think the road itself was bad, but I still maintain my opinion of Kansas. Well, actually, I hate it more than ever now. Riding all day in 100+ degrees without passing under the shade of even one tree did nothing to endear Kansas to me. The wind was really bad on the way out and I was very happy that I had made the decision to leave my rig at home and ride with my husband on his 1800 Goldwing. (I don't know about the rest of you hackers, but I find fighting the wind to be the biggest drawback to sidehacking).
Oh, Joyce, we spent the night in St. Joseph on the way out. I was pleasantly surprised to see how pretty it is there. I wanted to see if I could find a number for you in the phone book, but just didn't find the time. (My husband kept us mushing most of the time, allowing only time for eating and sleeping before climbing back on those bikes!)
Altogether, there were couples from Kentucky, Indiana and Virginia on this trip and we all agreed (well, except for my husband) that if we ever went west again, we would trailer our bikes out there. Eastern Colorado, Kansas and most of Missouri are just too brutal. (But, we did meet some awfully nice folks along the way)
Connie
Hey Connie, I'm glad you had a good trip and enjoyed some of it. It has been hot and even the shade of a tree wouldn't have helped much. I know all too well about the mushing deal, when I'm headed someplace I just want to get there. I hope someday to be able to enjoy the trip and much as the destination.
