Thursday July 15, 2010 3:55 pm- original post flat tire on trailer...

As we are visiting and passing the mile markers of Iowa...I hear a weird noise and say "what is that noise?"  Turns out, we have a flat tire on the trailer.  Some of the bikes were loaded onto the trailer with all the gear attached, to allow more room in the van for people.  Needless to say, the weight of the loaded bikes was a bit much for the suspension of the trailer...leading to a mess.

I believe someone has a photo of the tire (shredded) and if it shows up I will see if I can add it here.
Here is the photo I was thinking of...very sad.

Thursday July 15, 2010 2:36 pm-original post Picking up Al in Des Moines

On our way to Des Moines we make another stop to air up the tires at exit 201.  As you might imagine, with 2 drivers and 7 passengers...sometimes rounding everyone up at a stop takes a while. :-)

We make it to Des Moines and take exit 136 to pick up Al who has ridden from home to meet us by the interstate.  Thanks Al!  Sorry no photo to insert here.

Thursday July 15, 2010 at 12:12 pm original post-Leaving Iowa City

Mike (from Lawrence, KS), Jim and Shauna (from Bagdad, KY) arrived last night.  Jeff (from Jacksonville, IL) drove in this morning.  We all decend upon Lauree and Toby's home to head out of town.  Our trusted drivers Pat and Steve are in attendance and ready to help load all the bikes for the journey west.

Tom, Michelle and Ella along with Jo and Marty are also on deck helping out and well wishes and last minute words of wisdom. Jo passes out party favors and numerous travel items for the trip. A bottle of champagne is opened and a toast is made...

It appears the van tires need air...so we stop on our way out of town. The air compressor we use does not do the job as well as we had hoped...and we get started anyway.