A Nebraska "Surprise of a lifetime" (Elkhorn to Lincoln)

"They change their climate, not their soul, who rush across the sea." Horace

You won't believe what happened today.
Nick Gunderson decided to bicycle with me for about twenty miles, so we started pedaling, and were enjoying a nice Saturday morning in Nebraska. After stopping for lunch in a small cafe, Nick and I parted company. He took off for home, and I continued west on Route 6 towards Waverly.

Earlier this week, my friend, Tom had arranged for some type of real-time satellite imaging. This would allow Tom to actually see me on the bicycle. How cool is that technology?
We had spoken every day concerning logistical issues about this service. After I leave Nick and about a mile ahead I notice a person walking my direction alongside the road. Immediately, I thought it might be a hiker or possibly someone down on his luck. As I passed this person I said, "hello"and then amazingly, the person turned, looked at me, and said, "Hey Captain." It was my friend Tom Costello all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio. He developed this plan in the past week and it worked beautifully. The satellite imaging was just an excuse to determine my location.

I was speechless and felt like I might have a heart attack or faint. This was an incredible surprise to see your friend here in Nebraska, on the side of a road.
Tom, you are simply the best and most amazing person in the world. Thanks for sharing a surprise that will indeed last a lifetime. Finally, we were calm enough to resume the journey and headed directly to a convenience store for refreshments.

Tom, in his Corvette drove ahead and checked road conditions and scouted potential motels.
He discovered that if I went much further West, it would be a night of camping.
So after driving about one-hundred miles, Tom located a perfect motel. He checked us in and now we are in the city of Lincoln, looking for a nice place to have dinner. I'm positive that our conversations will last long into the night. (Note: Tom and I, for many years motorcycled around the country. We estimate our travels together to exceed 40,000 miles and 35 states)

Tomorrow, Tom heads to Omaha to pick up his bride Annie, and together they are traveling to Clear Lake, IA, and then to Michigan's upper peninsula. May you both have a great trip home.
For me, tomorrow will be about riding and only riding. I'm just too shocked to do anything else.

Tom at point of encounter

An Incredible Encounter

I have just experienced the most amazing surprise of my life. My dearest friend, Tom Costello, from Cincinnati just appeared roadside as I was biking to Waverly, NE.
You can't imagine my expression as Tom said " Hi Captain". I am just shaking with joy and total disbelief.

More details later...

Sailing in the breeze at 14-1/2 mph

Good morning from Omaha!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Yesterday was simply the best. While leaving the Tekamah library I happened to strike a conversation with Joyce, head librarian. She was excited to learn about my trip and offered words of encouragement. When you think of an ideal and perfect librarian, picture Joyce.

On the road things were moving quickly. With a superb tailwind, the bicycle was moving close to fifteen miles per hour. This was a far cry from the previous six days. I relished the speed and sunshine and just kept booking.

Stopping in Blair, NE I happened to meet Jim Realph (pronounced Ralph just with a tricky spelling). Guess what, Jim is the current mayor of this fine city (pop 8000) and his enthusiasm spilled into our conversation. Blair has lots of significant industrial operations including a new ethanol plant and a major investment by Cargill. The streets are nicely maintained and people were very friendly. The city is just thirty minutes to Omaha's airport and is well prepared for future development. Good job, Mr. Mayor. (Jim was a former high school football coach, teacher, and still farms a little.)

While fueling the bike (food for Dennis), I talked to Roy who had an older pick-up and a beautiful
white lab named "Brutte". As Roy drove off with Brutte in the open bed I couldn't help thinking about how wonderful this day was.

Then, after several days without any way of uploading images from my phone to this blog, I found a Sprint Store in a few miles from my destination. Justin, a sales rep greeted me at the door and asked, how can I help you today? He proceeded to spend the next ninety minutes working on my Treo 700wx. Eventually, with the help of Sprint's national tech service he was able to get it working. Thanks to Justin, I am now able to immediately upload images in real time. I will try to catch up all the backlog over the next several days. Justin, you are a model of superior customer service. Thanks!

I arrived at the Gunderson's and spent an enjoyable evening reconnecting with our old friends.
We celebrated Greta's birthday (11), and just had a great time. Nick, Angelique, Greta, Eva,
and Tommy, are such a fun family. Love is alive in America!
Neighbors Matt, and Angie, who also have three children dropped by to say hello. They had just relocated back to Omaha after four years in Chicago. Matt, go for that new Lemond Bicycle.
You will really enjoy it.

It's Saturday about 8:10 am and Nick is preparing to bicycle with me for 15 or 20 miles.
Sunny with a projected high of 76. No wind.

Have a great day.

Next stop: Milford, NE (West of Lincoln)