Sunday, June 9, 1996
Day 29
Niobrara, Nebraska to South Sioux City, Nebraska
Today's Miles: 102
Cumulative Miles for the Tour: 1881
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Terrain: Flat Marshlands to Rolling Farmland
Find of the Day: Niobrara, the Dog
It was a gorgeous day to be touring by bike. When I left camp at 7:30am, it was in the mid 50's, the wind was slight and the sky was storybook blue.
The marshlands began immediately upon leaving town. The road was flat, the reeds along the road were about waist high and the carp were literally jumping out of the water. Our guide yesterday told us about the fish, but I thought he was exaggerating. Not only did they jump out of the water, they were HUGE. If Ken's pictures turn out, I'll post one so you can see the size of the fish, that way you won't think I'M the one telling a fish story.As I was nearing the marsh, I heard a rustle in the reeds next to the road. I looked to the right and a black, muscular dog the size of a small calf was running next to me. At first, I thought he was going to go for my leg, but he trotted along, not barking or growling. He was just out for a morning cruise and had decided to take me along for the ride.That dog ran with me for the next 12 miles. When I stopped for short rest breaks or to see something along the road, he would stop with me, lay in the reeds and then wait for me to start pedaling again. I was trying to figure how to feed and care for him on the rest of the trip to Maine.Dave and the van caught up with me after Niobrara, the dog, had run with me for 12 miles. Dave and I talked about it and decided this was a good, prairie dog who would go crazy if we took him to the city. Dave kept hold of him while I took off.From what Dave tells me, Niobrara stayed with him for about an hour, laying by the side of the road eating cookies and drinking water. Dave was ready to call his wife and tell her to make room because they were going to have a new member of the family when he got back to Montana. It was just a thought. We both knew Niobrara belonged in a place where he could run free for hours, chasing deer and rabbit to his heart's content. When Dave took off in the van, Niobrara chased him for about a 100 yards, then gave up. I'm sure he had a leisurely stroll back home, wherever that was.
Lunchtime once again
The rest of the day was pretty easy, with a couple rolling hills before we got to the campground at South Sioux City. It was the first time David Wallace had done over 100 miles in a day, so there were congratulations all around for his achievement.
It's starting to turn warm. We're expecting 80 degree weather for the next few days. I've been looking forward to the warmth. We'll see how long that lasts as we continue eastward, headed for the Illinois border by the end of the week.
Bike America Tours
dblair@wtp.net
1-800-738-7271