A Dusty One!

Watch for them dogs - it's so danged dusty that when a car passes it reduces visibility to almost zero... provided a stealth advantage for the dogs! We were chased only a few times on our Cup chasing, Leadville prepping 100 yesterday. Though the dust clouds may provide an advantage - a lazy July afternoon on the porch seemed enough to keep most dogs home!

Duffy, BenG, Fish, and Alread joined the tandems, Logans and Mables in western Urbandale for a long ride through Polk, Madison and Dallas counties at the wee hour of 6am on Saturday.

A gentle but consitent tempo lead us through Adel, and south, past Van Meter and into the hills of Madison County. The troubles for Duffy began here as his seatpost would not stay put. We must have stopped a dozen time to raise and tighten that darned thing - wiping off the grease - and even giving it a coat of dust... still moved and frustrated him as he kept slipping and falling behind to adjust it. He stayed strong, though, persevering through the challenge and making his way up the long and steep hills even when his positioning was less than ideal.

A highlight of our Madison County tour was the detour through the Hogsback covered bridge. A romantic side trip back in time. The Logans and Mables had to be pulled back on thier bikes as the romance got the better of them and they had to stop for a kiss (not really, but we talked about it!!!)

Earlham was our firt stop - 58 miles into the ride. Van Meter was our first planned stop, but a bridge-out forced a detour.... The local grocery store provided the opportunity to refuel and enjoy a 45 min. break in the shade.

On north, through the hills of the Racoon River Valley, and finally past Redfield and north of Adel. Again the Racoon River Valley (North Fork) kept us in the hills, at least until our final climb to Dallas Center. Our final stop at Casey's at mile 88 and then the last 13 miles to the parking lot. BenG and Alread could smell the barn at this point and kept quite a tempo - it was a strugle to hang onto there anxious wheels, but it was good to be able to after so many miles. One long gradual climb - very 'Boulevardish' to go and we were off gravel for the last time.

We reached the meeting spot = 102 miles, 6:59, a great day, a great pace! The Mable Tandem and BenG had a final few miles to home - 7:19 and 107 miles.

A Good day - the entire gang is looking good and well on their way to their Leadville goals - BenG sure wants the big buckle and he's riding strong. Alreads' shooting to better his best of 9:48 and was right with BenG on the climbs. Duffy is looking strong for his first, He, Fish, Logans and Mables... really just want the buckle and come in under 12. Mables would like a little more distance between themselves and the cannon this year - as 4 1/2 minutes was cutting the hair pretty short last year! Maybe we can enjoy the ride up the Boulevard this year!

Next hundy? Monday of RAGBRAI! Spencer to Humbolt - 100 miles of gravel intersecting the route many times to enjoy the flavors of RAGBRAI! Join me if you can!

Peace - Dave