Arrived safely in Holdrege, NE

Good evening everyone.

"A traveler without observation is a bird without wings" Moslih Eddin Saadi

The library is about to close so this post will have to wait until tomorrow.

Hastings to Holdrege

I'm on my way out the library door...

PS: Thanks to all for your encouraging feedback. You are with me in spirit on this ride.
For those who want to post a comment, simply click on the word "comments". (not the icon)

No cell service here so posting photos is not possible. Photos will be posted eventually.

Welcome to the birthplace of Kool-Aid

Good morning from a cool and rainy Hastings, NE.

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." Susan Heller

Not surprisingly, many who bicycle long distance tours prefer to ride in cooler rather than warmer temperatures. This is certainly my take on the matter. Yesterday, temperatures never exceeded 60 degrees and this made for comfortable riding.
Tom and I meandered the early hours of the riding day, stopping for coffee and lunch. He, of course was in a beautiful Corvette and I on a spiffy bicycle. Funny how he would drive ahead and the next thing you know I would appear on the horizon. Riding conditions were outstanding. Picture a strong north/north-east wind pushing me along my south westerly route.
Along the way Tom and I encountered such friendly people who took a genuine interest in our travel. While in Friend, we met Edward who was on a 3-1/2 year journey around the U.S.
God speed to you Edward.
Another interesting person was Georgia Walter, who along with her husband Hillman, reside in Porto Velho, Brazil. They are missionary assistants that assist a flying service providing help to those in remote jungle areas. (Joanna, isn't it amazing that you can meet a foreign missionary on a bicycle trip)
Parting time had arrived and Tom now was on his way to Omaha.
It was sad to see Tom go, but we had enjoyed a memorable twenty-four hours.
I kept pedaling and Tom, I thought, had started his trip back to Omaha.
Well, with Tom another surprise was just an hour away.
Just as I approached the Grafton boundary, Tom jumped out from behind a fertilizer tank and startled me. This encounter was even more shocking than yesterday's first surprise. Tom, you are amazing and so resourceful. We will remember this experience forever.

Sue, who manages the Grafton convenience store (owned by her brother), was such a nice person. We also met Bill, & Frank (your directions to Hastings were right on.). It just was a typical Sunday in small town Nebraska. By the way, Grafton has a population of 167.
After lots of conversation I departed for points west, and Tom finally headed to Omaha.

Thanks to favorable winds and cool temperatures, I made it all the way to Hastings, NE.
Ninety-five miles for the day, wow, that really feels great. Arriving in a nice Hastings motel I was forced to break a cardinal rule. That rule is, never get back on the bicycle after you have a shower, and have called it quits for the day. Well, if I wanted dinner, I would have to ride a mile into town and then a mile back. Hunger took priority so it was back on the bike.

(A sidebar for my mother) Hello Mom! I want you to know that it's OK to worry about me and for my safety. I love you, and thank you and Dad for all that you did for me. I have been so blessed in life with a loving wife, a wonderful family, great friends, outstanding co-workers, and the best Mom. You did a real good job Mom, so kick-back, relax, and enjoy yourself.

Rain is falling now and it's a little chilly (52 degrees). I will depart Hastings right after finishing this posting. Long sleeve shirt is on as well as my rainsuit. The journey continues on US Highway 6. By the way, US 6 is an fine road for bicycling. Wide paved shoulders and limited traffic are just right for bicycling.

Fact: Kool-Aid was developed here in Hastings, NE, by Edwin Perkins in 1927.
This information confirmed by Kathryn, a most helpful and friendly librarian.

Let it rain, but please, softly.