We checked out this morning to the same temperature and wind as we checked in with yesterday afternoon (70° wind in our face).  Legs were sore from the hill assault of yesterday, so today’s nine mile warm up on flat road was helpful.We crossed the Little Sioux River and several others that all looked identical.  Pretty farms emerged and then we began our climbing in the Loess Hills.These beautiful hills started off rolling then got a bit more aggressive.  Though not the 18% grades that we struggled with yesterday, they were much longer with the same effect on the legs.  It was another enjoyable morning to ride, however,as much a credit to the overcast, cool temperatures as it was to the landscape.  After 23 miles of up and down climbing, we reached the top of our last hill then had a wonderful one mile fly down to our mid-ride refreshment stop.  The last 17 miles we rode the Lincoln Highway, a straight, flat road paralleling a busy railroad  and flanking hills.  In passing a huge ethanol plant, we realized all the corn we’d seen was not going to market, but to the pump.

Our historic pre-war highway motel offered an unexpected and pleasant surprise.  Not only was the beautiful star of the 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life” born in Denison, the hotel had a room dedicated to Donna Reed.  Our other treat was the farmer’s truck across the street overflowing with fresh goodies; our choice, amazing cantaloupe!  And for dinner, a well deserved and much anticipated good glass of winea perfectly cooked steak dinner (unseen is beef barley soup, ham & bean soup and salad) finished with Pat’s surprise!  Fifty miles never felt so good.