day one

I referred to this morning as yesterday-- it was a long one, with a great ending..... started with lots of rolling hills and puffy clouds and lots of sun and that's actually how it was most of the day. as it turns out hills are fun! except the last couple, I found them really enjoyable. ... there's food everywhere, riders everywhere, bikes everywhere--- it is a well-oiled machine of mayhem. and it really can be about a thousand different rides- from meditative to wild, athletic to mardi gras. some inspiring riders: the blind guy, the seatless guy, the pennyfarthing, the unicyclist.....

it was hot and I was tired towards the end but we decided to stop just before storm lake at the sign for free beer, and caught an awesome cover band playing on the porch of a farmhouse and enjoyed said free beer as the sun started to get slanty. as we rolled into town, we saw the storm lake beach and impulsively went swimming---- highlight of the day by far, it felt so good!