August 2, 2003 - Cedar Rapids, IA

Forecast: 75 degrees

Road Condition: Good from Sturgis, Michigan I-80 West through Indiana and Illinois into Iowa to I-30 North to Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Fuel: Super Unleaded $1.59

Miles Traveled: Sturgis, Michigan to Cedar Rapids, Iowa: 349 (Total 8,691)

Bike Update: Running good

Road Trip Log Update: We made the right choice in re-routing and had a beautiful ride though Indiana and Illinois. The day was sunny but not to hot. We were glad to be out of the rain. Outside of Joliet we slowed down to watch the skies, not for rain clouds but for an unexpected air show of 5 planes practicing maneuvers. Entering Illinois the endless cornfields began as well as constant bugs platter. The bugs were small and would make a rhythmic tinking sound when they hit the windshield as we rode through the larger fields, which went on for miles. We fueled outside of the Iowa border in Annawan and decided to take a break. While resting along a cornfield on a quiet country road we met Kevin a local resident who offered to take our picture. Kevin told us that the best way he has found to describe the name of his town is to tell people that Lawrence Welk grew up there and to pay tribute to his hometown he would start out his band with "Anna-won.... Anna-two..." He said of course the story wasn't true but after telling the story people never forgot how to pronounce where he lived. Kevin gave us a good laugh and also gave us some tips on predicting the area weather. The advice came in handy as we pulled out of town and noticed the overhanging dark cloud to the South that was quickly approaching. We gauged the wind and decided to ride through. The rain pounded us for 2-3 minutes until the cloud passed and then we were rewarded with an incredible sun break. We called ahead for a room and found that the only accommodations available were in Cedar Rapids rather than in our intended destination of Des Moines. Six years of annual road trips have taught us how to be flexible and to live in the moment. Weather; road conditions; and the unexpected determine the ultimate destination..... it's our job to roll with whatever comes our way and to enjoy the journey.

Pickin' and a Grinin'
Taking a break in Illinois
Unexpected Air show
Iowa Sky	Kevin from Annanwan, Illinois
Click to see Aug 1, 2003	Click to see Aug 3, 2003