jppe

Well, Nebraska is not flat. Winds today were extremely unkind. 20+ mph gusting to 30+ mph and not in a favorable direction.

I still managed 82 miles but it was really ugly at times. I was trying to ride the shoulder but the winds kept blowing me to my left into the rumble strip. The rumble strip was especially rough and it became an issue of possibly losing control and going down. So I moved onto the road and was able to ride more normal. I guess it was okay. A state trooper came by and didn't stop me.

Came upon Fort Robinson which has some fascinating history. I could have spent 1/2 day there looking around. But needed to plod along with the wind.

Finally saw some cornfields.

The last 30 miles was insane. Flat terrain and I was only able to do 8-12 mph. I just pretended it was a long climb and went slow. I even started laughing as it was so ridiculous. I kept telling the wind "you can blow as hard as you want but you can't make me get off my bike!!!!!". It was a good mental challenge but I just reminded myself that I wasn't under a time pressure so just go slow. Heck, it even gave me a chance to look around and enjoy the scenery even more.

I have to admit I've never ridden in conditions like that for so long. Oh well.

Tomorrow's forecast is similar but my plan calls for 106 miles??? The winds are supposed to calm down after that.

Might not get pics up tonight. Wifi not that great.

h2oxtc

I know the feeling of relentless wind. I'd rather ride the mountains any day. Good on you for talking to the wind, next time try mocking it. It makes me feel better.

Barrettscv 

Welcome to the windy great plains. Iowa will be hilly.

Dubuque, Iowa is a splendid town for an overnight. Beloit, Wisconsin has plenty of hotels and several good restaurants. It's a 100 mile distance between Beloit and Dubuque.

Gurnee, Illinois has numerous hotels, Its about 70 miles between Beloit and Gurnee. From Gurnee to Merrillville, Indiana is about 80 miles.

Dubuque, Beloit, Gurnee, and Merrillville are all safe places to stop for the night and have a range of moderately priced hotels.

If I still lived in Chicago, I would offer an escort from Gurnee to Merrillville. However, I live near St Louis now.

Wildwood 

Need tan line pic.


Hwy20 = long ride, no turns.


Congrats on successes.
Stay safe.

deacon mark

This is the coolest thread on BF keep it up I just love hearing the trip details.

deacon mark

Where are you coming across Illinois if it would work I give you some wind breaks?

jppe

Thanks!! I was wondering if folks were actually looking at the posts. I'll continue time permitting! Your feedback is very helpful.

jppe

I'm following Hwy 20. I've seen some information about getting through Chicago in some other posts and I'll study that a bit more once I get a little closer. I think I saw where there is a bike, multi use path along the lake in Chicago???

jimmyj726

I have been reading your blog and riding with you in spirit. Some day I hope to have the chance to do a similar ride. Thanks for your efforts. Good luck with the rest of the ride.