Leon, IA → Oskaloosa, IA → Iowa City, IA

We set sail from Leon after a delicious breakfast of what is becoming our new standard fare: oatmeal, two eggs over easy, and toast (plus two or three cups of coffee for me) at a local cafe called From The Ground. As we were leaving, an older couple introduced themselves and handed Kate a bracelet with a guardian angel and a little bicycle. They didn't know us at all but said the waitress shared our story and that they would be keeping us in their thoughts and prayers.

It was a good thing we took the time for a substantial breakfast because we had yet another day of serious southern Iowa hills ahead of us. We now believe anyone who can ride across southern Iowa can ride across the entire country.