My husband and I just returned from a trip across Nebraska to visit relatives for Labor Day. This was our last chance for a long bike ride this summer so I insisted that we take the bikes. So, my husband packed the trailer the day before and we left the next day before 6am.
Wyoming is always windy and I was uncomfortably cold cool in the chill of early morning. The sun rose early in our trip - before reaching Cheyenne. When we stopped for breakfast in Cheyenne, I commented to my husband that we lived on the wrong side of the Rockies. I would like to see the sun come up behind the Rockies someday (as quoted by Josephine Marcus in the movie Tombstone).
We made our second fuel stop in Sydney, NE and by the time we made our third one in North Platte, NE, I had stored my jacket and applied sunscreen. I was already thankful that my husband's range required us to stop every 100 miles for fuel. In North Platte, a family followed us in to our fuel stop. The driver was trailering a brand new Harley in the back of his pickup and I briefly commented that it was a shame he could "ride" it. He didn't respond and I thought maybe it was because he had nothing to say (or didn't understand my Southern accent). Now, I think it was because he thought we were crazy to be riding our bikes in this heat.
Normally, I enjoy the ride across Nebraska with its rolling hills and lush green farms, courtesy of the Platte River watershed. But the water levels on the Platte were so low that I rarely saw it, and the corn fields seemed brown and anemic. Nebraska has many historical sites (Gothenberg, NE is home to two Pony Express stations). I always pass through these towns with a tinge of regret that I'll probably never get to visit them because we are always in such a wild tear to reach family members in Iowa.
In Kearney, we stopped for lunch (or was it Grand Island)? Wherever it was, we noticed the Dairy Queen across the street, but decided to save that treat for another stop (when we might need it more). I drank as much water as I could and applied more sunscreen.
The sun was really taking its toll on us. I wanted it to rain. Somewhere west of Lincoln, we stopped for fuel and I sent my last text to my sister-in-law. I wanted to spend more time there, but my husband was in his truck driver mode "Time is money; let's go". I barely had time to go to the restroom and apply more sunscreen.
Fifty miles later, I noticed a rest stop and checked my mileage. Thinking I couldn't possibly go another 50 miles in this hear, I thought of motioning to my husband to stop but I knew he would not want to stop so soon after our last stop. So, I hunkered down and tried to think about something but this unbearable heat.
I continued to pray for rain - or cloud cover - or just a cool breeze. We always have strong headwinds in both directions across Nebraska but a cool breeze would have been a nice touch. I had been riding with my helmet shield partially opened for hours, so the wind could come through. I thought of removing the helmet completely - but I've never ridden without it. And, I would have to stop to do that. And, I would have no place to store it anyway. There was nothing to do but ride, make the best of it, and try to think of better things. I thought of rain, and clouds, and the cold beverages that would be waiting soon. I was so hot and miserable I thought I would die. "The key to budget travel is to plan ahead. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the truth of cost and budgeting is generally in the back of our heads. Organizing and expending our travel budget correctly is a concern for most families. Minimizing spending and expenses, while still delighting your vacation to its fullest, is the key to guaranteed achievement and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking regarding protecting money while journeying is simple: Even if your personal funds is extremely small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, regardless of whether on a funds or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel costs!..".
Finally, my husband turned into a Dairy Queen one exit early. He asked me if this was soon enough and I told him "Barely". I had no idea where we were and thought maybe it was just a mirage. Soon, I was enjoying my high maintenance item that's never on the DQ menu but always available - a Root Beer Float. We enjoyed our treats and then I went back to counter to request a water refill with no ice. But, in my "heat induced stupor", I requested my water with "no water". When the employee asked me if I wanted water, the man standing next to me started laughing and then I had to explain the whole event to my husband when he asked me what was so funny. I told him I was still suffering from heat stroke - or something close to it.
We called my sister-in-law and she told us how to come the rest of the way without getting back on the interstate. My husband just wanted to get there as soon as possible but I talked him into taking her suggestion because I just didn't want to get back on that relentlessly hot interstate. He said it wouldn't be any cooler - but it was. We enjoyed a final leg of our ride through beautiful green farmland and the rolling hills of Iowa. I felt like I had driven through the desert and arrived at the oasis. Soon, we were greeted my sister-in-law and her family and she had cold beverages in the fridge. I told my husband that whoever thought this would be a good idea to drive through Nebraska in 102 degree heat was nuts. And, whoever agreed to it should have his head examined.
After four days, we made the return trip though though hot - but tolerable conditions. We we experienced our usual strong headwind all the way through Nebraska and make an afternoon stop at the Dairy Queen in Sydney, NE.
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