2011-08-23 NERDS Galena IL to Chamberlain, SD, and Joyce's bday!

Woke up when the room exploded in brightest flash possible.. yep, Lightening and thunder, the closest I've ever been to a strike. Holy crap, out here in Illinois the lightening actually sizzles for awhile, not just a fast strike. Very impressive.

....and of course, it's raining. Like really hard. and Frog Toggs suck. I was wet within 10 minutes.. Crotch, thighs, calfs, and finally socks. Frogg Toggs suck and I'll NEVER recommend them to anyone who plans to stay dry in the rain.

But I'm through it now, got some awesome pix, I think, and I'm heading to Sioux City, SD, assuming I can my ass outta this MickeyD's in Evansville!

Update -

Yes, it was raining this AM, Galena, IL. 

The BW room was pretty darn cool - they had 'theme' rooms kind of like they have at Madonna's in San Luis Obispo, CA.

About 10 minutes into the ride, I'm looking at this front moving East. At least I'm moving West so hopefully I can punch through it  quickly..

Ruh-Roh...

It might get wet..

Yeah, it was a ride. At one point, a lightening bolt struck, less than, really, 50 feet away, 10 o'clock. The resultant thunder was mind-blowingly loud. For about 10 seconds, I had little vision, and I can still feel the tingle in all my body.
I thought - "You have been riding bikes for 40+ years - use your experience and get through this". Truthfully, it was a wonderful experience, raw, and real.

That's the cloud, to the left, and to the ground..

..and here is where I holed up to dry out..

The wet zone.. BTW, Frogg Toggs suck. I was wet in 10 minutes, crotch, thighs, calfs, then down into the boots. Worthless POS, they are only good for starting a campfire, IMHO.

Yeah, fuck Frogg Toggs!

How they transport big rigs..

Another small town..

All that corn, where does it all go?

Big Johnnie Deere stuff.. I paid 850 for 2 JD 870 rear tires.. Wonder what these pups cost?

Freaking big compared to me..

You can call me Floyd,

Not sure what this plant this, but the smell in the area was sweet. Making ethanol, perhaps?

There's a Clear Lake in Kali too...

Not again!

This Harley couple were running strong - 90+ mph!

Finally, another state to cross off the list!
For some reason, I kept saying "Minn-eeeeeee-sooooo-taaaaaa"

The roads are getting straight again..

50 miles of no buildings.. then this? Why here? and why allowed to deteriorate to crap?
 

Sorry for focus.. camera is dying.. but a town named 'Blue Earth? Really.

A windmill erection for my bud Greg.. he works for a crane company..

Old meets new..

I like Beavers!

Woot-Woot! South Dakota!

Arrgh, bad pix of the Corn Maze!

Resting place for tonight - Chamberlain, SD. Found a Super8 with a room and view of the Mighty MO. This is the 3rd? crossing of the the MO, IIRC.

Say good-night Don-Boy, it's past your bedtime..

2011-08-24 NERDS Chamerblin SD to Sheridan, WY