August 3, 2003 - Oacoma, SD

Forecast: 80 degrees

Road Condition: Good from Cedar Rapids I-380 North to State Route 20 West to I-29 North to I-90 West to Oacoma, South Dakota

Fuel: Super Unleaded $1.62

Miles Traveled: Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Oacoma, South Dakota: 520 (Total 9,211)

Bike Update: Running good

Road Trip Log Update: For today's Log Update we would like to give an Ironman and Sugarlips all out road trip salute to the American farmer; truck driver; and veteran. After traveling over 8500 miles on this road trip we have come to realize that farmers; truckers and vets are crucial elements of our daily lives. Ladies and gentlemen if you eat it, a farmer grew it, if you bought it, a trucker brought it and if you enjoy your freedom, a vet paid the price for it. Along the way today we met Farmer Dale in Sac City, Iowa who was quite proud of his Walla Walla sweet onions that he said "You can eat 'em like apples". We have met several farmers on our many stops, as well as, watched them working hard in their fields as we pass by. Look at the hands of a farmers and they will tell the story of their daily lives. They are proud, hard working people who love their land and know the importance of their job. Next time you eat a meal, think of the farmers who grew it. At a pit stop in Early, Iowa we met Rick who was driving a tractor trailer for Action Carrier, Inc. When JillMarie asked him, what the one thing he'd like other drivers to understand he said he wished more people would be more aware of the blind spot where a trucker can't see traffic in their rear view. Outside of Oacoma, South Dakota at a rest stop we also met Steve and Naomi who were on their way to Sturgis for their honeymoon. Steve is an independent (owner operator) long haul trucker who pulls a refer trailer between Indiana and the Carolina's. JillMarie asked Steve the same question she asked Rick, and Steve agreed about recognizing the blind spot. Steve was also quick to add the importance of giving a truck the stopping distance it needs. Steve said, "The open space in front of a truck is not for a car to pull in. Some people act like the trucker was reserving that spot just for them on the freeway. That space is there for me so I have room to stop the truck." When we travel on our road trips, we make sure to acknowledge the truck drivers as we pass by. They see us, we see them, and there is a quiet mutual respect as we share the road. We stop at truck stops when we can because we can always get the best road and weather reports, along with quick supplies. Next time you buy something, think of the truckers who brought it to you. On the road, it doesn't matter if we are on the Interstate or traveling through a quiet town on a State Route, the American flag is always displayed. More than once we have seen the reminder, "If you love your freedom, thank a vet" or "Freedom isn't free" or "Proud to be an American" or "These colors don't run". We have met veterans of all ages from diverse walks of life and they all have a quiet pride about them, a sense of what it means to defend our country along with everything that makes it great. Remind yourself today of what freedom means to you, by finding a flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. As we ride into our 9,000th mile the sight of the Red, White and Blue flying strong brings on a proud smile and a lump in our throat. In thinking of how to describe the experience the saying comes to mind "If I have to explain it to you, then you wouldn't understand"......

Flying Proud
Farmer Dale in Sac City, Iowa
The Newlyweds
Soybean field in Early, Iowa
Silly me, I RODE my bike to Trailer Week!
Score: Ironman-1  Grasshoppers-0	American Trucker
Click to see Aug 2, 2003	Click to see Aug 4, 2003