Hi from Manchester,IA!
We were thankfully able to take down the tent and pack up our gear in the morning under overcast skies, before it rained. The day's ride was shorter (60 miles) but just as difficult as Thursday. It rained most of the morning, first just sprinkles when we were finishing breakfast, about 7 miles into the ride; then the real rain began, and continued, including some distant lightning and thunder. We kept on pedalling, with stops for coffee and hot chocolate and snacks at convenience stores along the way, which were generally unprepared for inundations of riders. It was nice to stand in long lines just to be in the warm buildings out of the rain. Many of the official vendor booths in towns left riders (and the vendors themselves) clinging to whatever cover was available. No photo opportunities.
But for those who presevere....the rain finally stopped and some blue sky appeared in the east (our destination). Unfortunately, the wind also increased and we had a 20-mile long finish over rolling hills, mostly into the wind. But the sky did clear and by the time we arrived in Manchester the sun was shining and townspeople were lining the streets to welcome us. And the sun dries out the dampness in our gear.
It was a tough day, but we feel fine and ready for tomorrow's finish in Dubuque.
Lee & Barb
So how was Manchester? They were a bit worried since most of the town had flooded last week. Don't know if you had heard that or not.
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