Waterloo to Dubuque
09-08-16 | 06:58 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Let's do a Century
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 883
From: North Carolina
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Waterloo to Dubuque
Ride Across Iowa in 3 days!! Broke the string of 100 milers. Only 93 miles today. Took back roads again.
For the first time on these rides I just felt tired at the start. It was all I could do to turn the pedals. I had several HTFU conversations with myself. I reminded myself this was for fun, I was out riding because I wanted to and just take what the road gave me.
After about 30 miles I found my groove, picked up a little helping wind and rode the next 35 miles in a zombie state doing 20-25 mph. I even zoomed past my sag support without even noticing!
Stopped in Dyesville for a huge lunch.
Hit a few hills near Dubuque. Actually climbed up to a ski slope!! In Iowa????
On to Illinois!
(Anybody reading this stuff??? Getting too old???)
Started out on bike paths in Waterloo.
Crossed over a river.
New DRY shoes after yesterday's rain!
County roads with Share the Roads signs!
A white water section in Manchester
Self explanatory
Gorgeous barn
For the first time on these rides I just felt tired at the start. It was all I could do to turn the pedals. I had several HTFU conversations with myself. I reminded myself this was for fun, I was out riding because I wanted to and just take what the road gave me.
After about 30 miles I found my groove, picked up a little helping wind and rode the next 35 miles in a zombie state doing 20-25 mph. I even zoomed past my sag support without even noticing!
Stopped in Dyesville for a huge lunch.
Hit a few hills near Dubuque. Actually climbed up to a ski slope!! In Iowa????
On to Illinois!
(Anybody reading this stuff??? Getting too old???)
Started out on bike paths in Waterloo.
Crossed over a river.
New DRY shoes after yesterday's rain!
County roads with Share the Roads signs!
A white water section in Manchester
Self explanatory
Gorgeous barn
Last edited by jppe; 09-08-16 at 07:15 PM.
09-08-16 | 07:01 PM
#2
Life is good
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
No pics of the ski slope? 
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
09-08-16 | 07:34 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Let's do a Century
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 883
From: North Carolina
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
09-09-16 | 06:50 AM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 385
From: NE Ohio
Bikes: A few...
<--- I'm still reading your posts every day. You're doing great on describing each section in details that would probably run all together in your mind and be lost if you did the whole story at the end.
I'd offer to guide/ride with you through the Cleveland area, but you're much too fast for me - my 'distance' pace is more like 15-16mph.
US20 through Indiana and western/central Ohio parallels the Indiana and Ohio Turnpikes. As such there are a LOT of truckers that take that route to avoid the turnpike tolls. When you get into Western Ohio, there is an ALT US20 that starts about 12-15 miles into the State, and following 60 miles that will take you to the southern edge of Toledo instead of through it where it rejoins US20
If you're still riding US20 through Ohio when you get near the Cleveland area, there is a rail-trail from Kipton (by Oberlin) into Elyria that you can take to avoid the US20 4-lane 'no bikes' section there. From the Oberlin/Elyria area to
I'd offer to guide/ride with you through the Cleveland area, but you're much too fast for me - my 'distance' pace is more like 15-16mph.
US20 through Indiana and western/central Ohio parallels the Indiana and Ohio Turnpikes. As such there are a LOT of truckers that take that route to avoid the turnpike tolls. When you get into Western Ohio, there is an ALT US20 that starts about 12-15 miles into the State, and following 60 miles that will take you to the southern edge of Toledo instead of through it where it rejoins US20
If you're still riding US20 through Ohio when you get near the Cleveland area, there is a rail-trail from Kipton (by Oberlin) into Elyria that you can take to avoid the US20 4-lane 'no bikes' section there. From the Oberlin/Elyria area to
09-09-16 | 08:03 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,602
Likes: 3,532
From: South shore, L.I., NY
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL7, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Yup, reading every day and enjoying it immensely.
It's been a wonderful blog/report and would love to see it archived for future reference.
It's been a wonderful blog/report and would love to see it archived for future reference.
09-09-16 | 08:05 AM
#9
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
US20 through Indiana and western/central Ohio parallels the Indiana and Ohio Turnpikes. As such there are a LOT of truckers that take that route to avoid the turnpike tolls. When you get into Western Ohio, there is an ALT US20 that starts about 12-15 miles into the State, and following 60 miles that will take you to the southern edge of Toledo instead of through it where it rejoins US20
If you're still riding US20 through Ohio when you get near the Cleveland area, there is a rail-trail from Kipton (by Oberlin) into Elyria that you can take to avoid the US20 4-lane 'no bikes' section there. From the Oberlin/Elyria area to
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 09-09-16 at 08:14 AM.
09-09-16 | 09:32 AM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 273
Likes: 8
From: Lederach, PA
Bikes: Felt Z85 & Trek 7.3FX
I'm reading your post EVERYDAY and throughly enjoying it!! I even go back to some of the older posts when I see a new comment posted and/or for reference. Definitely living, errr riding, vicariously through you.
Keep the posts coming!!
Not sure what I'm going to do when you finally make it to Boston, maybe chair the JPPE Withdrawal Anonymous group..
Keep the posts coming!!
Not sure what I'm going to do when you finally make it to Boston, maybe chair the JPPE Withdrawal Anonymous group..
09-09-16 | 12:06 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,629
Likes: 1,055
From: Oregon
Actually, the riding was pretty good in the eastern part of the country. Where Hwy20 parallels I90 the riding was really nice. We found that most of the trucks took the Interstate instead of Hwy 20. Often 20 would go right under the interstate. Toledo was not a problem either; it is not too difficult to pick your way across a city.
I would not classify any of the riding as "unusually dangerous." Our goal was to ride the longest contiguous coast-to-coast highway in the U.S., so we stayed on 20 as much as we could.
09-09-16 | 12:28 PM
#12
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
It has been awhile since my wife and I rode across the U.S. on US 20; we rode it on 2007. I really don't remember any real issues from the Iowa border to Chicago. We got off the busy sections where needed or when a nearby alternate when required.
Actually, the riding was pretty good in the eastern part of the country. Where Hwy20 parallels I90 the riding was really nice. We found that most of the trucks took the Interstate instead of Hwy 20. Often 20 would go right under the interstate. Toledo was not a problem either; it is not too difficult to pick your way across a city.
I would not classify any of the riding as "unusually dangerous." Our goal was to ride the longest contiguous coast-to-coast highway in the U.S., so we stayed on 20 as much as we could.
Actually, the riding was pretty good in the eastern part of the country. Where Hwy20 parallels I90 the riding was really nice. We found that most of the trucks took the Interstate instead of Hwy 20. Often 20 would go right under the interstate. Toledo was not a problem either; it is not too difficult to pick your way across a city.
I would not classify any of the riding as "unusually dangerous." Our goal was to ride the longest contiguous coast-to-coast highway in the U.S., so we stayed on 20 as much as we could.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
09-09-16 | 01:32 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
Ride Across Iowa in 3 days!! Broke the string of 100 milers. Only 93 miles today.Took backroads again.
For the first time on these rides I just felt tired at the start. It was al lI could do to turn the pedals. I had several HTFU conversations with myself.I reminded myself this was for fun,I was out riding because I wanted to andjust take what the road gave me.
After about 30 miles I found my groove, picked up a little helping wind and rode the next 35 miles in a zombie state doing 20-25 mph. I even zoomed past my sagsupport without even noticing!
On to Illinois!
For the first time on these rides I just felt tired at the start. It was al lI could do to turn the pedals. I had several HTFU conversations with myself.I reminded myself this was for fun,I was out riding because I wanted to andjust take what the road gave me.
After about 30 miles I found my groove, picked up a little helping wind and rode the next 35 miles in a zombie state doing 20-25 mph. I even zoomed past my sagsupport without even noticing!
On to Illinois!
… your pictures are very photogenic, and particularly illustrative in that they nicely capture all the elements ofthe Ride: the terrain, surfaceof the Road*, lighting, [and loneliness]etc., so relevant to a cyclist, and as I remember them on our cross-country ride.
jp,you obviously freely chose …the Roads you are now riding,with tough, as well as sublime riding conditions. IMO … how you handle these conditions tossed your way, brought on by your choices, represents your Character.
jp,you obviously freely chose …the Roads you are now riding,with tough, as well as sublime riding conditions. IMO … how you handle these conditions tossed your way, brought on by your choices, represents your Character.
I'm very motivated by novelty, and stymied by boredom on a bike, but I do have the motivation of commuting to work. I have foundthat when I drive my frequent, decades-old routes I often notice things I had not seen before. I think it’s because I can look around at more than just the road surface when driving. So when the commute [route] is getting too familiar, I just raise my head higher and look over a wider field of view….
One other whimsical technique on familiar roads is to imagine I'm riding with a certain fellow BF subscriber from the Midwest I enjoy reading, and I'm showing him around on my route. I particularly enjoy having visitors to Boston and take them on tours…
One other whimsical technique on familiar roads is to imagine I'm riding with a certain fellow BF subscriber from the Midwest I enjoy reading, and I'm showing him around on my route. I particularly enjoy having visitors to Boston and take them on tours…
Originally Posted by Steven Wright
”I have an imaginary friend, but he won’t play with me.” 
).Yes, I'm checking in everyday. So far, it looks like your having a great trip. Ride safe.
I'm reading your post EVERYDAY and throughly enjoying it!! I even go back to some of the older posts when I see a new comment posted and/or for reference.Definitely living, errr riding, vicariously through you.
Keep the posts coming!!
Not sure what I'm going to do when you finally make it to Boston, maybe chair the JPPE Withdrawal Anonymous group..
Keep the posts coming!!
Not sure what I'm going to do when you finally make it to Boston, maybe chair the JPPE Withdrawal Anonymous group..
I previously posted to this thread in 2014, “did you track your miles in 2014?”
I don't want to hijack this thread, but your story might be an interesting topic for the Touring Forum; how do you do a segmented, presumably connected linear Cross Country Ride?
Or maybe the OP and subscribers of this thread would be interested too, since we all seem to be mileage junkies ("Hi...my name is Jim, and I'm a cycling mileage junkie. It got so bad that I even rode in the Winter...I had to hide it from my co-workers and family...")
Or maybe the OP and subscribers of this thread would be interested too, since we all seem to be mileage junkies ("Hi...my name is Jim, and I'm a cycling mileage junkie. It got so bad that I even rode in the Winter...I had to hide it from my co-workers and family...")
BTW,at this point in the ride, is it becoming less a tour and now a way of life, totally dissociated from everything before? Is this your longest ride? As usual no need to reply, but otherwise welcome; but this is what I’ll ask you in Boston.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 09-09-16 at 08:19 PM.
09-09-16 | 02:23 PM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,585
Likes: 122
From: Tampa, Florida
Bikes: 2017 Colnago C-RS, 2012 Colnago Ace, 2010 Giant Cypress hybrid
Don't know which way you will be leaving Dubuque, but if you leave via SR 20 into Galena, be very carefull once you leave Galena. That's a truck route and can get very dangerous. If you happen to go through Elizabeth, IL, stop in at eTown Coffee and Cork, have a really good panini and cappuccino and say hello to Liz.
09-09-16 | 02:43 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 109
From: Oahu, HI
Bikes: 89 Paramount OS 84 Fuji Touring Series III New! 2013 Focus Izalco Ergoride
Am enjoying reading of your journey, only thing to comment is as a 50+er listen to your body. It may not be a matter of HTFU.
scott s.
.
scott s.
.
09-09-16 | 03:02 PM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,629
Likes: 1,055
From: Oregon
Hopefully, we have a few more touring years left, and it is never too late to see some new places. Northern Illinois might be one of them
