Day Eight Statistics:

  • Elapsed Time (ET): 7:45:00
  • Distance (DST): 83.8 Miles
  • Average Speed (AVG): 11.4 MPH
  • Riding Time (RT): 7:20:30
  • Maximum Speed (MAX): 22.3 MPH
  • Odometer (ODO): 22,505.2 Miles
  • Temperature (Fahrenheit): 60-79
  • Wind Direction and Speed: SE/SSE/S 5-25

    • Cities Traveled Through: North Sioux City, SD; Sioux City, IA; South Sioux City, NE

    Motel: Ramada Limited ($40)

    Comments: Once again I left at around 6:30 AM even though I was quite tired since I didn't get to sleep until about 1:30. I needed to leave early though since the forecast was calling for winds in my face again. I think I've only had three good wind days out of these first eight. I thought the prevailing winds were supposed to be northwest, but it seems like the winds have been south a lot recently. Anyway, I just decided to take I-29 since that route was direct and would get me there sooner rather than zig-zagging over other roads. Although there were winds from a southerly direction from the start, they weren't too bad at first. I was able to go about 14 or 15 MPH for about the first 20 or 25 miles when the winds started to blow stronger. I was forced to shift into lower gears all the time since it hurt to much to stand up since my knees were rather painful. My speed often hovered around 9-11 MPH past this point. I just kept riding as I wanted to be sure to make it to Sioux City as soon as I could. I thought about eating at Elk Point, but decided to wait the 18 miles until Sioux City. The Interstate was a pain to ride on with all the loud traffic although the shoulder was okay for the most part. As always, parts of it was littered with beer bottles. It's sad when bikers have to look at the highway rather than other surroundings all the time to make sure no glass is on the road. I need to get my bike tuned up soon and get some chain lube. I might wait until tomorrow if I make it far enough to a place with a shop. My kickstand does not want to cooperate and it always hits the back spokes. I can't seem to figure how to tighten it. Since I had such a huge day yesterday, I decided 80 miles was enough for today. Plus, I am not sure if there are hotels in some of the cities down the line or not. The only ones that I know for sure are about 100 miles away from South Sioux City. I did try to find a phone book to see if there were hotels in some neighboring cities, but none of the payphones in NE seem to have phone books which is really annoying. Maybe it's just this city. I am staying at a Ramada Limited in S. Sioux City. Since I got here at 3 PM right after my late dinner, I think I should finally have an opportunity to catch up on some sleep. This morning the weather report called for north winds tomorrow which would be great. I need a break from battling constant headwinds. I sure hope they're right, but I have a feeling it will change. Today was over 80 degrees which can really make your back hot with a big backpack on!

    Photos

    Welcome to Iowa

    Welcome to Nebraska

    A Nebraska River

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