“Much as I resented having to grow up in Des Moines, it gave me a real appreciation for every place in the world that’s not Des Moines.” — Bill Bryson
- Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022
- Weather: Grand!
- Starting Point: Adel, IA
- Departure Time: 0722 CST
- Miles: 38
- Moving Time: 2:24
- Total time: 2:38
- Overnight Location: Adventureland RV Park, Altoona, IA
It was a lazy morning. The crew contemplated a plan to combine the following two shorter mileage rides into one to allow for a recovery day. After much debate, I decided to stick to the program.
With less demand on the morning routine and no time constraints, a pair of moderate-length rides can be like a rest. Since I don’t feel like I need one and the tumultuous relationship I have with them, recovery days are frustrating.
Ideally, now would be a good time, and I do not deny it is a good idea. Practically, it will have to wait. Until then, I will enjoy the leisure time on my bike.
The route quickly found a bike path. When you’ve been battling semi-tractor trailers and the buffeting winds of barren country truck routes, a shaded, secluded, and sheltered trail is a sigh of relief.
A brief farewell wave to Liz Van Houweling as I passed her street and headed towards Des Moines. The opportunity to meet Liz, her husband Ryan, and their lovely family will be a remembered highlight.
The cyclist’s bliss didn’t last, and the end of the Racoon River Trail thrust me onto metro roads. The narrow to non-existent shoulders and intersections with infinite ouch options heightened my senses.
With one too many “raise the hair on the back of your neck” situations when the eyes in the back of my head were trying to tell me what I already knew, I took the free time to find a better way.
After a winding multi-mile detour, I exhaled on the Inter-Urban Trail. The path got me close to our overnight destination, but there was no way to avoid a bit more congested pedaling. The campsite is connected to one of Iowa’s most popular amusement parks and sandwiched between a casino and track.
I rolled in early despite the slow going and didn’t want to stay here longer than necessary. We checked in and then checked out, planning to return later in the day when things calmed down.
The first stop was Gray’s Lake Park in Des Moines. The cool breeze off the water was relaxing for me, and the path surrounding it allowed Kristin to take a nice run among the other many active park-goers.
Once we took full advantage of the chance to unwind, we explored downtown Des Moines. The city is unapologetically and unsurprisingly beautiful and trendy.
Check out these beauties!
When faced with the daunting day-to-day task of a 60-day bike ride across the country, it’s hard to think of anything else. The sculpture park’s eclectic collection of abstract and modern forms was an appreciated detour in thought.
The final downtown Des Moines stop was the Exile Brewery, where the food, beer, and atmosphere were a fine way to top off a relaxation-filled day. I may have had two.
Coastal Cruiser West Coast IPA, Exile Brewing Co., Des Moines, IA
Citra Sky Hazy IPA, Exile Brewing Co., Des Moines, IA
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Thirty-Six—Karen Bath
Here is what Karen had to say—”I’m Chris’ first employee!”
When Karen walked through the door of my P.T. clinic inquiring about a job, we had only been open a few days. She told me about her experience, and I told her, “No, you’re overqualified, and I can’t pay you.”
She said, “Yes, and you pay me what you can.” Karen has become a member of our family, and Kristin and I will never be able to repay her loyalty, friendship, and hard work.
Karen was a retired Phys. Ed. teacher when we met. After a few years in the clinic, she took the bold step for any sixty-something living in the technology age and applied to become a P.T. assistant.
It’s a challenging program. Karen had to adjust and became an invaluable professional and an asset for us after graduation. I admired Karen then, and I remain proud of her to this day.
Amount Raised to Date—$8,007
Thank you, Karen!
Now off to Kellogg, IA!
To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more.
Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey.
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
