Greta's eleventh birthday

Safe and sound at the Gunderson's home in Omaha, NE.

Justin, my hero.

Justin, a technical customer service super star.

Thanks for all you did in restoring imaging service to my phone. See you on the next trip.

The finest "Mom & Pop" motel in the world...

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing" Helen Keller

Well, it's almost good afternoon and I'm still in Tekamah. Cathy just phoned and reminded me that Omaha is still a long way to go. It's hard to explain the way these small towns just seem to make you feel at home. The feeling that people care about you, and your safety is so powerful.

Back to last evening: I enjoyed pizza in Decatur, and even though it was after 5:00 pm, I decided to continue riding. The day had been cloudy and warm, and the headwinds strong. Tekamah was still sixteen miles ahead. Once pedaling, the temperature began to drop and suddenly the wind stopped. The road was level and lightly traveled. Wow, I'm enjoying this ride!
Then it happened, light rain at first followed by a serious downpour. Rain suit and headlight on, I continued riding. In a strange way it was mystical. An occasional truck would pass as the rain fell. With no idea of what was ahead, and an earlier message from Cathy saying there were no hotels in Tekamah, I just accepted my fate, that it would be another night of "rocky" camping.
Well, the rain stopped, and on my left was the most welcoming "Mom & Pop"motel I had ever seen. Mekonnen, owner and operator, cheerfully greeted me and affirmed he had vacancy.
I was thrilled and so excited to see a clean, and well maintained facility. What a miracle God brought to me this evening!

Within minutes Mekonnen had introduced me to his wife Gema, and opened his home to me.
After a superb shower (with excellent water pressure), he drove me about a mile to a Subway.
I bought dinner and headed back for a most comfortable night's rest.
Mekonnen is a person of great faith and compassion. He arrived in America from Ethiopia in 1985. Prior to America, he had spent a year in Germany, and some time working on a vineyard just outside of Rome, Italy.

He met his Mexican-American wife, Gema, sixteen years ago and they have two beautiful daughters. (Tsehaynesh, age 12, and Nurit, age 9) At some point I would like to share details of Mekonnen's quest to find a long lost son in Mongolia. However, we will save those details for later, since it's a long story. Mekonnen and Gema, along with girls journeyed to Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia, about six weeks ago, and suffice to say they successfully located his son, Onon.

This morning, I enjoyed good conversation with fellow motel guests, Ray and Bonnie.
They are from Mountain View, CA (Home of Google) and were visiting Ray's boyhood home.
They have two daughters, Tara, and Trista, and all enjoy living in California.
Ray informed me he was sixty-five, but to be honest, he looks like fifty. Bonnie, also is retired but she couldn't be a day over forty-five. Ray worked for Stanford University in a "high tech" department.

At breakfast with Ray and Bonnie, I was introduced to Noretta, (61 year resident of Tekamah)
who now manages the local historical society museum. Talk about enthusiasm, she has it.
I'm posting from an old Carnegie library with three work stations. Once again how wonderful that small towns provide library resources for their citizens.

I'm now off to Omaha, to stay with dear friends Nick & Angelique, and their three children.
Note: First stop in Omaha will be the Sprint Store. Maybe we can post pictures tomorrow?
In the meantime, your collective imaginations will supply everything you need to feel this journey.

Enjoy a fine Friday!

Arrived safely in Tekamah, NE, &
found just the perfect motel.
The Lord works miracles when you least expect. Details in the AM.
Good night.

I just crossed the Missouri into NE.
Lewis & Clark passed this point.
How cool to think of what they felt at this location.

Back in College... (Sioux City to Tekamah,NE)

Greetings from the campus of Morningside College in Sioux City, IA.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" St. Augustine

What better way to start your day than by going to the library. Yes, I'm typing this post from a library on the campus of Morningside College. And wow, it's a blazing fast net connection.

First, let's step back to yesterday afternoon when I arrived at LeMars, IA. and proceeded directly to the Blue Bunny Ice Cream visitors center and ice cream shop. In 1993, the Iowa State Legislature proclaimed LeMars as the Ice Cream Capital of the World. All I know is this ice cream was our friend, Hertha's favorite treat. At the counter, Barb cheerfully greeted me and told me a little history of the company, and informed me that my bicycle route would go right in front of the production plant. At one point, this plant consumed the daily milk from more than 45,000 cows. Eventually, you will see a picture of Barb hard at work, just making people happy.
As I scanned this active establishment you could see multiple groups of smiling and laughing individuals. I guess ice cream adds something to life that we all need.

Back on the saddle, it was another super hot afternoon with oven like gusting winds.
Was it five, or maybe six Gatorades I gulped down? You really get thirsty on a hot and windy day. Finally, on the horizon, I caught a glimpse of the first TV tower outside of Sioux City.
Funny how on a bike you notice different things. For example, you have lots of time to see how vistas change from a geographic perspective. Small farms have given way to large spreads that can be seen for miles. When you first spot a small town it's usually the church steeple, a water tower, or a grain elevator. For larger cities like Sioux City, the TV towers and high tension power grids are first noted.

I enjoyed a fine Chinese Buffet dinner (two full plates) and then went soundly to sleep.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about Bonnie. She is a night clerk at the "Mom & Pop" motel and had retired after thirty-six years with the former US West. (Qwest today) Just after retiring her husband passed away. Although she has three grown sons, and an 80 acre homestead, she felt the need to return to work. Good for you Bonnie! She was fascinated by the idea of a bike trip and wished she could ride along.

This morning, I pedaled to a specific destination on the Morningside campus. That spot is the Robert M. Lincoln Center. This building named in honor of a dear departed friend, is the center of business study here at the college. Bob and his wife, Shirley, were dynamic supporters of this institution. In 1983, Cathy and I, joined Bob and Shirley on our first trip to Hawaii. Those memories live on in my mind. Thanks to both of you for showing two novices the joy of travel.
Note: about ten years ago Cathy and I returned here to Morningside to see Bob & Shirley's daughter, Sue, receive an honorary Phd.

Helping me locate the library was Ron, a Morningside alumus. He is a full time controller in private industry and also serves as a professor for a local community college. Thanks Ron, for taking my photo and sharing your insight. Once again, you really do meet the nicest people everywhere you travel.

It's time for a good sit-down breakfast,and then time to start pedaling to Tekamah.

Thanks to all for your comments. They add so much to the trip.
The words of encoragement really help you to pedal faster. Enjoy a great Thursday.

Good AM from Sioux City

Sheldon to Sioux City,IA

Top of the morning to everyone.

"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles" Tim Cahill

If yesterday was an example of what Tim was referring to, then I'm in tune with his thinking.
While pedaling on a bike trail out of Spirit Lake I came up alongside a really "fit" gentleman.
His strong physique and excellent cycling skills were noteworthy. We struck up a conversation, and can you believe he was from my hometown of Cincinnati, OH. Tom had married an Iowa girl and they had spent the last forty years of vacations by Lake Okibogi. The next thing you know he invited me to meet his bride, Marilyn, and his brother in law, Jim and wife Judy. How amazing to learn that Tom lives in Norwood, OH (suburb of Cincy) and that he is a real Bengals fan. What's up with that Green Bay Packer's hat Tom? (Thanks also for your text message)
How about this, Tom was friends with Chuck Mignery, who has a son named Ed.
Ed and I were in the same graduating class. Way to go Coach Ed. (Hamilton High School Football)
Tom's brother in law, Jim, was an active bicyclist in Cincinnati, and rode over twenty years of
a special bicycle tour to Madison, IN. Jim, you should be on this adventure with me.
PS: Jim also rode RAGBRAI in 1983. (Ride across Iowa) It sure was nice enjoying a cool beverage and meeting you at Spirit Lake. Thanks!

Little did I know just how windy the day would become. I stopped for my first DQ lunch in Milford, IA and then proceeded to struggle with a punishing headwind and temps in the upper 80's. Although I was running about three hours behind schedule, I finally arrived about
7:15 pm at Clarice's home in Sheldon, IA.

Let me tell you about this fantastic lady named Clarice. She has a dynamic outgoing personality like you have never seen. A life long resident of Sheldon, Clarice is living a wonderful life that includes many highlights. She celebrated fifty years of marriage before her husband passed, and she was blessed with six children, I believe, 17 grandchildren, and maybe seven or so, great-grandchildren. Immediately, she made me feel so welcome and even allowed me to do laundry.
What a wonderful caring and loving person! Brady, Megan, & Colin, you are really blessed to have such a "cool" grandmother. She took me to a nice restaurant and we had such a neat conversation. I met her friend and "customer" of 25 years, Sandy. Have a great trip to Chicago, Sandy.
You may ask about the word "customer" and how that relates to Clarice and Sandy. Well, Clarice has achieved over 36 years of "Presidents Club" membership with Avon. You should see her awards. There you have it, a beautiful woman with an outgoing personality and an interest in sales. She is awesome.
Clarice, I'm not going to tell all, but suffice to say, what an evening we enjoyed together.
I'm really glad you go to church with that police officer who pulled up behind us with flashing lights on. Ha-ha. Oh my...
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Right now I'm typing this post from the beautiful Alton, IA library.
Temps are warming and that old south west wind is in my face. Guess what, I love it!
It's a character builder. Next stop will be LeMars, IA, home of Blue Bunny Ice Cream.
I am definitely planning on lunch at the Blue Bunny museum and visitors store.

Special thanks to all of you who posted comments yesterday. I feel your spirit and love while pedaling. Have a fun day.

NOTE: Tonight I will be in Sioux City, IA and plan on finding a "Sprint" store. Maybe they can solve my image uploading problem. Don't worry, there will be plenty of photos posted.
Cathy, you are right about Rule#2, always learn how to operate technical systems before you really need the service.

Enjoy!

Saint James to Spirit Lake, IA

Good morning everyone,

"Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken" Frank Herbert

I enjoyed a beautiful ride from Saint James to Spirit Lake, Ia. Another sunny day with a high near 86.
Hardly any wind in the morning, but as the temperatures climbed the south west breeze increased.
I stopped in Jackson, MN to pay respects to my late friend Bob B. Bob spent many years in Jackson, and Esther, the widow of his best friend, Cobbie, had me over for coffee. We talked about Bob and Cobbie and what a wonderful friendship they enjoyed. Bob, I even took a photo of your old bank. While at Esther's I met Cobbie's cousin Les, and his wife Mary Jo. It was a stimulating conversation.

While in Jackson, I asked directions from a nice couple (Gary & Donna), and they enhanced my ride by highlighting a county road on the west side of Spirit Lake. Beautiful lake homes and cottages surround this magnificent lake. After lingering by the beach I finally arrived at Cenla RV park.
Rule # 1 for rookie campers is: Understand how to inflate a "self-inflating" sleeping pad. Guess what,
Good old Dennis couldn't figure out any method of moving air into the pad. Bottom line, it literally was a "rocky" nights sleep.

After dinner I hiked back to my campsite (overlooking Center Lake) and met Gary and Nancy, from Des Moines. It was their first "camping trip" in a beautiful new motor home. We went inside and talked about touring and how life can take many different directions. Thanks for your hospitality Gary and Nancy. (And may you see all fifty states via motor home)

At about 7:00 am this morning I bicycled into town,and low and behold I saw Gary and Donna at an intersection. We spoke briefly and I continued pedaling. Ten minutes later I asked for directions to a "cafe" or "diner" and was directed to a small downtown cade. I walked in and there was Gary and Donna. Can you believe it? We enjoyed a fine breakfast and they bought. Wow, what a way to start your day.

It's back to the campsite, tear down the tent and begin pedaling to Sheldon.

Note: I have lots of photos to post. Stand by for uploading later.

Good morning!

I enjoyed a peaceful night's rest and just finished breakfast at "Happy Chef".
Cathy, remember all those meals we shared at "Happy Chef" in Clear Lake, IA?

The ride today will go from from Saint James to Spirit Lake, IA with a stop in Jackson, MN.
We have a little fog this morning but the forecast is sunny and 85 degrees.

Enjoy a relaxing labor day holiday.

Text message test post

Day 2 of 42

"He who would travel happily must travel light" Antoine de St. Exupery

Today's ride was fantastic. We were greeted by sunshine and minimal wind. As a matter of fact, the light morning breeze eventually evaporated. By the time I arrived at Larry & Shawn's, New Ulm home there was zero wind. They have three wonderful children (Brit-at the University of MN, Trevor, and Anna) They also have a super nice home in New Ulm.

Larry grilled burgers and chicken, and Shawn prepared everything else including a tasty salad.
It was a real feast, and I especially enjoyed conversation with Trevor and Anna. School starts on Tuesday, however Trevor had already played his first football game. Nice kick-off Trevor!
After lunch we toured the city.

This was my first visit to New Ulm, and I simply fell in love with the city. I suppose it might be my 50% German heritage, but I was impressed with the geographic beauty of rolling land and spectacular vistas of the city. Yes, they took me to the top of Hermann's statue (102 ft) and drove me to Schells Brewery for a photo. Magnificent homes, churches, and buildings cover the land. I stayed five hours in New Ulm and can't wait to return.
Our dear departed friend, Hertha, had lived in New Ulm many years ago and spoke eloquently
about this place. Hertha, you were absolutely right. It's a beautiful city. And what a view from the top of old Hermann!
The ride from New Ulm to Saint James was a piece of cake. You know, bicycling really is a neat way to see the countryside. I'm staying at a Super-8 tonight so it's easy living.
Talk to you tomorrow. (Note: I'm still working on uploading images from my Palm Treo 700.
Why is technology so challenging. Once I learn how to text-message it will be possible to upload photos throughout the day.)

Tomorrow, we ride to Jackson, MN and then navigate into Iowa.

Day 2: Gaylord to St. James (via New Ulm)

We have a beautiful morning here on Lee & Sue's farm near Gaylord.
Breakfast is finished and I'm off to New Ulm.

We're off and touring

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step" Lao Tzu

Saturday morning 7:15 am, we arrived at Lunds Central for coffee and a send off by our booster friends. It was so encouraging to receive such an enthusiastic send-off. Special thanks to Mark and Aaron for taking time for pictures. For today's ride I was joined by Mike and Loren (both accomplished European touring cyclists-they went to France several years ago and bicycled interesting parts of the country.)
Image on the right shows the rear bike tire dipped in the Mississippi River. This is tradition for any long distance bike tour.
Let's talk about the riding...beautiful sunshine, 84 degrees, but unfortunately one mega head wind coming out of the southwest gusting to 25 mph. Oh well, you can't have everything and remember, hot head winds are better than cold rain and 47 degrees.
As we approached our destination (a farm south of Gaylord) we were greeted by Lee and his daughter, Heather, who rode out in their jeep. Then, Spencer and Jon arrived in a 4 wheeler
and began taking photos of us as we faced the final two miles of incessant wind. Check out Jon's images at the link provided. He is a great photographer specializing in wildlife and landscape photography.
As we rode up the farm driveway we were surrounded by Lee and Sue's cheering friends.
What a wonderful experience. Everyone is eating dinner and I'm still typing this post.
It feels great to report that day 1 of 42 is in the record book. (We pedaled for 7-1/2 hours and registered 74 miles on the bike computer.)
74 miles......74 pictures from Jon ....Great start for this Trip!

More pictures from the morning take off! http://www.jonsmithers.com/dennis090107-cathy/
Some really fun pics here.... http://www.jonsmithers.com/dennis090107

One Day To Go

It's Friday morning and just about everything is ready to go. Last evening we had a casual dinner with wonderful friends (see photo above) and made final toasts for the trip. Check out the detail on the cool cake, and believe me the smooth delicious taste was simply incredible. Becky D. created this cake of perfection. Thanks to Mike, Melissa, Cleone, Duane , Julia, Allison, Sharon, and of course my bride, Cathy (not in photo) for a fun evening.

Last Sunday, my friend Bill and I completed a 38 mile breakfast ride. Beautiful weather conditions contrasted with our week earlier four hour ride in the rain. Special thanks to Bill for all the riding tips and encouragement he has given this year. Enjoy the fall riding season in Minnesota.

Schedule for departure day tomorrow is; coffee at Lunds Central (7:15 am), and then biking over for a ceremonial "tire dipping" in the Mississippi River. The dream is just about ready to become reality.

Thanks to all who have posted such encouraging comments. Your thoughts and prayers for a safe ride are really appreciated.