Riding through the bobbing fields of Iowa today was essentially filling in a mirror image. We exited from downtown Dubuque on a four-lane highway and arrived in downtown Cedar Rapids using another of these highways, with each segment of these lasting about five miles on each end. The towns we passed through even line up along this mirror pattern, with two at 20 and 67 and two at 29 and 58 (total mileage was 87). The midpoint was the town of Monticello, where we stopped for lunch and coffee and were able to talk to some patrons about our organization. More and more we get to do this, and we love seeing the reactions of people we meet when they hear about this massive ride.

Today, one group even made another portrait all because of where they took a break from the heat after an arduous climb. Brian shared his story of his diagnosis, treatment, and very recent remission (100 days) from leukemia. It was a very touching and emotional moment, and at the same time just one of the many coincidences and series of events that happen that allow us to document the American cancer experience.

Ride Overview

Mileage: 87.2

Elevation: +3934’/-3772’

General Direction: Proceed west out of downtown Dubuque, ride a brief segment on U.S. 20 and take Old Highway Road to the town of Farley at mile 20, go southwest to Worthington and ride south on 310th Ave to enter Monticello at mile 42, turn west onto E16 and south onto X31, continue through Anamosa and southwest until the turn at Martelle at 67.4, from here ride near due west toward Cedar Rapids, and pass through downtown via 3rd Ave to reach the stayover.

Points of Interest: Cancer Survivor Park, Maquoketa River, Riverside Cemetery (final resting place of painter Grant Wood), Wasipinicon State Park, downtown Cedar Rapids

Tales of the Trail

The bikes, still dusty from the gravel the day before but ready to roll, were donned by their riders as they battled a 15% grade hill at mile 0.7 (thank you Mississippi River Valley). A few climbs on some suburban highway stretches later, and suddenly the telltale fields and occasional red barns opened up before us. Our first rest stop had the huge bonus of two very friendly and very soft dogs. We continued through pleasant and very scenic cornfields and fought some headwinds on our southbound stretches until reaching Monticello, our lunch stop. By then, the heat was reaching its most intense and continued to pound as we worked our way through about five construction zones in a row. The last westward stretch gave us a straight shot to Cedar Rapids and wrapped up a challenging but in many ways simply beautiful ride.

Our time in Cedar Rapids may have been short, but it was fruitful. We are staying at the Central Church of Christ, took showers at the local pool, and got to do ALL of our laundry at a local laundromat, with quarters generously provided by our hosts. We also got a donation of ten pizzas from Sag Wagon, a bike-themed pub, and had some epic team bonding as we enjoyed our pizza outside of said laundromat. More Iowa awaits as we head toward Marshalltown, followed by Des Moines.

Cyclist’s Corner

Today’s Rider: Jean Lin

How are you today? I didn’t ride today because of a fall yesterday as well as the heat. I feel bad about sagging too much, but it is very intense.

You’ve fundraised thousands of dollars for our cause. What has been the most impactful fundraising experience you’ve had? At first, I sold keychains and stickers, in order to do that, I had to teach myself how to produce them. Normally, we learn how to do this during sophomore year, but I had to learn for this year for fundraising. It felt like a good accomplishment.

What keeps you going when it gets difficult to put in all of those miles or even to get on the bike? I don’t want to leave my team alone, or sometimes I feel as though the van is packed and I don’t want to be a burden. The feeling is complex.

Do you have a favorite accessory to wear with your ride uniform? Long pants and sun sleeves!

What’s your rest stop routine? I eat first, then water and sunscreen.

In the remaining portion of the ride, where are you looking forward to visiting the most? National parks and riding on the mountains where the weather will hopefully be better. They are beautiful and it will be a very special experience. I hope to one day visit all of the national parks in the US.

Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)