LE VOYAGE COMMENCE, FINALEMENT!

Today was supposed to be the easiest ride of the entire trip. It was only a 45-mile trek and entirely on paved trail. These conditions sound beyond ideal for any biker. What a perfect way to ease into this journey, I foolishly thought. Boy, was I wrong. The trails from Des Moines to Waukee were superb. The Des Moines Parks and Recreations (including West Des Moines, Clive, and Waukee) deserve all the recognition in the world because these trails are gorgeous. If I recall correctly, I believe that the Des Moines Park and Recreations was nationally recognized as of late. If so, bravo, and well deserved. Whence you arrive in Waukee, you ride along Hickman Road, which turns into Highway 6. Basically, you are riding in full-on sun exposure. After about ten miles, a cooling canopy of forestry engulfed the trail. Upcoming seeing this magnificent savior, I speedily sprinted to the shaded sanctuary. What a relief it was. 

The next unforeseen obstacle presented itself shortly after. I came to the start of a large bridge, and it was fortified with orange construction netting and a large sign that read TRAIL CLOSED. Fuck it, I hauled my bike over the barrier and walked over to a man doing some sort of maintenance, and asked if my passage was acceptable. He asked if I was going to use the trial as a return route or if I was passing through. I readily replied, "Nah, there is no turning back now." Immediately after my safe passage through the bridge, I was greeted by a fellow biker. He seemed distraught about the construction and warned me of the future closures that I would encounter. We rode together and came face to face with another barricade. He told me that this annoyance would continue for many miles. For an alternative route, he recommended that I take a gravel road alongside the trail, but I knew that my bike was not suitable for this reckless route. We decided to continue riding along the closed-down trail. Together we maneuvered through fallen trees, uncompleted bridges, and the giant orange construction blockages. 

Of course, as the ride ensued, we chatted and became better acquainted. I discovered that my new friend hails from Iraq. Upon this discovery, I greeted him in his native tongue, "Assalamu Alaikum." He even gave me a short Arabic lesson, which is sure to come in handy for my future endeavors. Alas, the two of us parted ways, but we exchanged contact information. He informed me that if I needed anything, he would be readily available. This is just the first encounter of pure kindness I expect to encounter on this journey.

Returning to isolation, my mind shifted to its primal instincts. My body begged for nourishment, and my water rations were low. If Ramadan taught me anything, it is how to completely comprehend my body's energy level. There was enough to make it to the next town. Lined, Iowa was that small town. Not to my surprise, the water fountain was dismantled and non-usable. This deconstruction is unquestionable due to the infamous COVID-19. The nearby signage provided me with vital information. The final destination was merely six miles away. I unscrewed the cap of my water bottle and savored every last drop of that sacred water. After a brief repose, the bike ride continued. Nostalgic from the cross country days, It felt like the last 800 meters of those daunting 5ks. A full-on sprint to the finish line. I laughed manically upon arriving at my final destination of Panora. Never have I experienced so much joy to arrive in bum fuck nowhere, Iowa (just kidding Panora is a lovely town with a lot of rich Iowan history). Naturally, I found the nearest available source of water and indulged. 

Once I was successfully rejuvenated, I made my way to the campsite not far from the main strip of town. After successfully creating my habitat, I helped myself to a bath in the nearby river. It doubled as a laundry mat for my sweat-soaked clothes. As I wrung out my clothes a woman appeared from the brush, scaring me shitless. We said our hellos and were quite cordial. She laughed at my barbaric state and offered me money to go to the laundry mat. I kindly denied it and left her to enjoy her favorite spot. Today was supposed to be the easiest ride of the entire trip. Undoubtedly, I learned many lessons from today's unforeseen escapades. They will not be forgotten. Hopefully, tomorrow can be as successful as today. Check out today's ride here.