I found this when I downloaded my photos from last week. I'm not sure how it got there since I don't remember saving this conversation about food with Tristan.

As the record heat continues, I am reminded of this photo from last week!

I'm thinking about last week as I head off to work today to make up for being gone last week! 10 hours of studying...I hope I can stay awake!

Day #7 Anamosa to Clinton - 70 miles. We had a great ride today, made it to Clinton before traffic got too bad and headed for home! We rode through Hale, Oxford Junction, Lost Nation, Elwood, Delmar, Charlotte, and Goose Lake. The great ride across Iowa XL is in the books!

Day #6 Cedar Rapids to Anamosa - 42 miles. I am so glad that Tori and Gavin made the effort to connect with me during the ride. We finally met up today! I haven't seen them for over 10 years and it was wonderful to see them again together with their friends, Lauren and Adam. Today, we rode through Czech Village, Mt. Vernon, Springville, Viola, and Fairview.

Day #5 Marshalltown to Cedar Rapids - 85 miles. That huge storm did arrive last night! Via texting, I was getting radar reports from Rich in Des Moines. The wind was very high and I had to hold the sides of the tent up at times but ended up staying dry. Maggie's tent fly was ripped off and she got a bit wet. I invited her to sleep with me but she said she was fine. Today, I rode as fast as I could to get to camp so I could lay out all of our stuff to dry. We went through Garwin, Clutier, Garrison, Vinton, Shellsburg, Community Center, and Covington. Maggie got lost in Cedar Rapids despite my text to NOT turn left when entering town. She ended up riding about 10 more miles. One of my favorite bands played tonight and we were right up front! The Counting Crows and friends put on a great show!

Day #4 Webster City to Marshalltown - 77 miles. Today, we traveled through Kamrar, Jewell, Ellsworth, Story City, Roland, McCallsburg, Zearing, St. Anthony, and Clemons. We met up with my former co-worker and friend, Trevor in Clemons at the beer garden and rode with him into Marshalltown. It was very hot again today and a big storm is predicted to arrive tonight...

Day #3 Lake View to Webster City - 82 miles. Very hot again today but a great ride! At the corner of this building, the local firefighters had erected a pool of ice cold water. I didn't get all the way in but did get partially soaked which helped for a few miles. Maggie and I decided against the century loop and were not unhappy with our decision. We had a side on wind until the last 10 miles of the day. We went in and out of the Des Moines river valley near Lehigh that provided some beautiful hills and scenery!

Day #2: Cherokee to Lake View - 62 miles. It is always great to see the Bad Boys out on the road! It was very hot again today. Maggie and I spent a little time in the lake after riding and then made trips to the water hose to wet down whenever we got too hot. We rode through Aurelia, Hanover Village, Schaller, Namaha, and Sac City.

Day #1: Sioux City to Cherokee - 55 miles. We rode through Orange City, Alton, Granville, and Marcus. We made a special effort to stop and have sweet corn, yum yum. Temperature was still around 105 degrees!

We arrived in Sioux Center around 3PM, set up our tents and then rode around checking out the sites and expo. We had dinner at the pizza ranch. For some reason, very few of the church's were set up for dinner in town and we didn't want the expo fare. We got a few freebies at the expo including some nice socks that we had to pose for a pic and post on facebook to receive.

Maggie and I left Indianapolis about 1:30 this afternoon for Clinton. We loaded our bikes in the truck and will be ready to leave on the bus tomorrow for Sioux Center. I am very excited since this will be my first ride across Iowa in a very long time that I have no vehicle or responsibilities!

Today was Marti's birthday, so we celebrated by taking her to lunch at the Celebration Cafe on the canal downtown. This lamp was so unique that I had to take a pic of it. The paper cutout was hanging over the lamp shade, I've never seen anything like it before.

And this little girl we call Cadel! I'm not going to like leaving them to go on my bike ride next week...

Some beautiful petunias I found downtown!

I've got a test tomorrow and look what great study help I have! We have decided to name her Sagan.

Here's a great pic of Sierra racing yesterday at the Indy Crit. She got 4th place in a great field!

I think this is a beautiful photo of the start of Kristin's race today at the Indy Crit! She got 6th in a field of 22.

The kittens made themselves right at home! I guess I should say they took over the house. We haven't decided on names yet but are leaning towards some names from Tour de France riders since it is that time of year...

Maggie's cat Sophie is peering down from her high perch above the kitchen cabinets. I'd like to watch her to see how she gets up there!

I'm at Maggie's house to visit and pick up my kittens! Right outside her door is this beautiful dinnerplate hibiscus.

Found this today and it just fit in the moment with friend Jessica!

Sierra's newest cookie creation, who will benefit?

New bike for Sierra!

My first time at Town Run! Kristin and I went and managed 2 times around even in the 105 degree heat!

It is hard to focus on studying during a holiday week!

Here's proof of how hot it was yesterday while we were riding at Brown County!

My first time at Brown County and first time out on my new 29 er. Had a great day in the heat!