USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember

Day 37, 9 September: Manning to Clive, IA

Our day started earlier than normal due to a longer than normal ride today. We started the ride at a cool mid 50F temperature gliding up and down rollers for the first half of the ride which enabled us to hit 2,081 feet of elevation change for our 78 mile day. We were treated to clear and beautiful skies and some fine farm scenery along the way. This took our minds off the 32 hills plus two 7% climbs.

I was following Bill on our way to the Raccoon Trail right after our 30 mile mark. All of a sudden Bill takes a spill still clipped to his bike. Fortunately, he got right back up and continued to ride with his colorful road rash on his legs. All seemed good with Bill. His flight school parachute instructors would have been proud of the professional way he landed. He now joins Tes as the only two people to fall off their bikes.

About midway through the ride, we were treated to an outstanding trail for the remainder of our journey. The Raccoon River Valley Trail took us into the Des Moines area (Clive). The trail was wide, smooth and generally straight and level. It also was heavily lined with trees and, of course, corn stalks. While on the trail, I came up on Doug and caught him in his own world-listening to music and generally chilling while riding the beautiful trail. I think we all had a chance to relax-while-riding that 25-mile trail. The trail brought to my mind Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing “Happy Trails to You…”

Like every day, it is always a welcome site to see Sally at our 15-mile intervals with her refreshments, food and water and some good conversation.

After our ride we checked into our hotel and held quarters. We honored Mike Gage and JB Peterson. Both very talented and distinguished gentlemen.

Afterwards, we all convened at Biaggi’s Restaurant for an Italian meal. It’s not New York but it was pretty good food. A pleasant surprise for Dave and me – we ordered medium priced Port for dessert but instead received a wine glass worth of their 40 year old Port (about 3 times a normal pour). No complaints. It was delicious.

Tom Tesoriero