Across America's Time in Iowa

Across America Leader Julian checked in with us about the group's last few days in Iowa.  They are approaching Chicago and have simple plans: deep dish pizza, going to the movies and showers.  Some of the kids will be getting packages and letters sent to Monique's Aunt, who they will be staying with.

The group is really excited to get to Chicago, and has been busting out centuries (100 miles) for the past few days; waking at dawn and biking until dusk shows how dedicated everyone is!

Excitement for the massive buffet!  This proved to be one of the best and worst choices all at once...

From Julian: "Iowa has been very flat and filled with corn fields as far as the eye can see. However, the westernmost part of the state around Sioux City was hilly. We couldn't take any of the main roads due to there being no shoulder, so we enjoyed cruising down the back roads."

From Julian: "Above is the gang in Correctionville, IA. We came up on this display of military equipment. My favorite part of Iowa has been seeing all the small towns and meeting the nice locals. Everyone we come across is so interested in the trip and willing to go the extra mile for us. Last night (Monday night), a cop we met took us into his backyard and he opened his house up to us."

The group is chugging away to get to Chicago!

Across America..Somewhere in Iowa

The Across America gang is doing a fantastic job in cycling high miles, and have done a few centuries in the past week (except for a day or two where there were bike issues). 
The group has found a new motivation-getting to Chicago, where they will stay with Monique's Aunt, who lives in nearby Wheaton, IL.  The thought of a day off in a big city (seems like ages ago that the Trekkers have been in a busting metropolitan area) is keeping the crew pushing on through the corn fields.  
The group has spent the weekend along Route 7, which they are loving because of the back roads and mile after mile of flat farm-filled land.  Originally, they were following Route 20, but found that the tiny/non existent shoulders was unsafe.  The group asked around and spoke with some locals and tweaked their route to much better roads.  And If the group is in need of a break, they have an activity called  "corn running", or simply running down the rows of corn.  Seems to be a big hit with the boys, who do this a few times a day.  The group has been happy and healthy, and have been enjoying many a stir fry and rotisserie chicken.  And the weather?  Contrary to a typical Iowa summer, they are actually in a much appreciated cool spell.  This means that is actually is cold in the morning to the point of wearing a few layers, but then warms to somewhere in the 70's during the day.  
At the group's current pace, they are set to arrive in Chicago on Wednesday night, taking Thursday as an off day.