Day 36: Confined by the Storm

Still stuck in Iowa City 3 hours after our initial departure, without hopes of the rain and lighting clearing up, we racked up the bikes and headed to Bettendorf, Iowa. The gloomy day forced us off the roads for the first time due to poor weather. After a number of close calls, skidding, sliding, and a wipe out the executive decision was made to call it a day.

Once we got to Bettendorf, the weather cleared up enough to eventually get on the road to go on an exploration ride (although we still got raining on during our tour). We are staying with the Sheehan Family tonight and I am so excited to get to spend time with Matt, a teammate and close friend. He gave us a tour of downtown Davenport, Bettendorf, and the Mississippi River. We almost made it to Credit Island...my favorite cross country course...NOT. It's always like 100 degrees for that race and ends with everyone feeling like death. So weird being in familiar places.

Matt inquired how we keep ourselves occupied on such long days and through the miles and miles on the bike. We pretty much summed up how we keep ourselves entertained with a little stunt by Shane. A plunge into the Mississippi...

Mrs. and Mr. Sheehan had a ton of amazing snacks and treats for us to replenish our calories after our 31 mile day. Then we had a true Iowa style dinner at The Machine Shed. To help digest our full stomachs, we started up some games of HORSE and knock out. After working up another sweat, we headed to Whitey's for some awesome ice cream.

I loved the day and night of friendly familiar faces and awesome conversation. It's good to be back around home!