Today we are riding out of the of Des Moines (206K population), riding to Knoxville today (7300K). Quite the contrast in town size. Along the way we passed the Iowa State Campgrounds and road over Lake Red Rock, which I have always wanted to see. A relatively short day of 50 miles, but the second most vertical climb (first for me since I skipped day two).
Despite oversleeping an hour (got 8 hours sleep), I did manager to get on the road by 7:00 for one of my hilliest days. It was a top 10 day, ride and weather.
At the fairgrounds today. Deposits only no withdrawals.
Monroe had a cool cool off activity.
I just could not get enough food today. The following are just the meals, not including the homemade ice cream and watermelon
And now out for an evening at the town square for the live band and beer garden, then asleep by 9:00!
The following is a picture of a tethered hot air balloon ride that started right next to our campsite before sundown.
And if you can see the image below, this is our little tent village in the middle of the night.
