September 5th: It just doesn't end for us in Iowa! We were making great time to our next destination Spencer when Sam began noticing a deterioration in the balance and stability of his back tire. Upon examination, he found that a substantial number of spokes on the replacement rim were loose and warped. Continuing on, we made it about 14 miles from Spencer before it became so bad that Sam had to disengage the rear brake for the bike to move. I told Sam that we should hitch him a ride into town but Sam wanted to walk out of principle (we have a difference of opinion on this one. I felt that if his bike was broke that gives him a valid reason to catch a ride the last miles of the day to fix it. Sam felt that every mike on the trip has to be done under his own locomotion). Time and the now dwindling day time led Sam to coast and finally pedal the bike in with me bringing up the rear. Luckily, we made it just into town when the bike became completely unrideable. Sam pushed it the last mile in while I scouted ahead for the bike shop and all you can eat buffets.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]