Columbus is a prosperous town with a 3% unemployment rate. It’s a little too perfect for me, but check it out if you’re looking for an easy commute, reasonable land prices, a strong work ethic, a moral majority and an elaborate water park.
Leaving Columbus, it was disappointing to be on a four-lane stretch of Route 30 that swallows up the Lincoln Highway for 20 miles. Does this section portend the end of our highway? Will our treasured stretches of the first, second and third iterations of the old road disappear? If so, get out and see it ASAP. So far as Bob and I are concerned all of what’s left should be classified as a National Scenic Byway — as is the case in Illinois.
Compensating for the four disappointing lanes was the ideal riding temperature of 74 degrees, the azure blue sky, refreshing wind and the pungent scent of agriculture.
Even on the widened road we were able to spot and stop at the now abandoned Kracl and Son Garage in Rogers, NE. Its sign had a patina that revealed decades of service, and by looking through a dust-coated window at the old equipment and a rusting ’30s pickup you were transported to the halcyon days of the legendary road. When pulling away, we spotted a sign against the backside of the building: "Kracl’s Garage says THANKS". I took it personally.
Incredibly, the odometer turned 2500 miles this morning, indicating that our 3400-mile tour may wind up around 5000 miles. Our compulsive search for the original Highway in town after town is racking up the additional miles. We’re hooked on squeezing out every inch of this road. Upon realizing the unexpected additional mileage, Bob inspected the tubeless Michelin tires (14 inches - rear, 12 inches - front) and was impressed with the minimum of wear — especially considering the weight we’re carrying. Our initial concern about accelerated wear on small-radius tires has been put to rest. We’ll report on the mileage when the tires call for a change.
In North Bend, we found an elaborately designed memorial to our armed forces. While this memorial’s sculptures and design were particularly moving, it’s not unusual for the towns along the Lincoln Highway to celebrate their military personnel. These are the towns who seem to be making a disproportionate contribution to our armed forces. "North Bend, NE is America’s quintessential heartland town," says Bob. His proclamations are to be listened to since, unlike mine, they are few and carefully considered.
With the bikes parked next to the Memorial Park, out came Chad from the next-door house in his pajamas, interrupting his Sunday morning coffee. The engineer in him couldn’t resist inspecting the MP3. He was impressed with its CVT, fuel injection and the front suspension’s electro-mechanical design. He inspected it by getting under the bike — risking his pajamas in the process. He also mused that no one needs more displacement than the 500cc’s of the MP3. Chad may be heading to the Omaha dealer in his PJ’s.
In the Corner Cafe in North Bend, a classic Norman Rockwell diner —so dubbed by Buddy — a New York Omelet was successfully ordered. I will return.
When leaving North Bend we were bid farewell by a group including Marvin — aka Irish. Irish is approaching 80, loved the MP3 and exclaimed, "My God, I can ride that!" He rewarded us with a giant kohlrabi (hint — it is not indigenous to the Bronx). Irish is not done yet!
The closer we get to Omaha the more storm damage we see — collapsed silos, fallen trees and electrical outages. Riding through Omaha many traffic lights were out. It was up to the drivers to navigate the intersections . They did a great job making a case for the Libertarian Party.
On the outskirts of Omaha we couldn’t resist stopping at Scooter’s Coffee House. Christy made an easy sale of a Scooter’s (not Hooters) T-shirt.
We’ve crossed the wide Missouri River into Iowa and are spending the night in a quiet country motel, preparing for one of the best preserved and designated sections of our Highway.
Good night to all — we’re not done yet!
Buddy
P.S. Idea: Since the Union Pacific freight trains are a companion to a large segment of the Lincoln Highway, I thought a U.P. "people train" would be a great idea. This train would make stops in many of the towns along the Highway, to be met by local Lincoln Highway enthusiasts. Bob thought it impractical and was immediately fired as a partner in this enterprise. I will be seeking another partner. All interested parties may respond in the blog comments.
SOUNDS LIKE YOUR IN THE WET LANDS NOW AND HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE ON YOUR MP3′S LOOK LIKE THEY ARE HOLDING UP TO THE TASK THAT YOU ARE PUTTING THEM THUR. DO YOU GO ANYWHERE NEAR NAUVOO ILLINOIS? IT IS HARD TO FIND THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY ON THE MAP I HAVE.IF YOU GO THUR KENTUCKY ILL HAVE MY KIDS LOOK FOR YOU AND CHEER YOU ON.
CARRY ON CARRY ON
JOHNNY
Hi Johnny: We will be crossing the Mississippi between Clinton, IA and Fulton, IL, a fair distance North of Nauvoo. We must scat to Dixon ( Ronald Regan’s birthplace) to meet some people from the Illinois Coalition of the Lincoln Highway and on to DeKalb for the night. Sorry I won’t be able to see your kids but I’ll wave to them from the middle of the bridge.
Hi Buddy and Bob,
It’s seem like you both are having a great time. I have been tracking your trip and looking forward to see where you guys gonna be in a couple of days. keep up the good work. Be well and be careful.
Love Dad
I want to know what it is like riding in summer across the plains. Is it hot while you are on the bikes? With only two changes of clothes, I imagine it is challenging.
Did you guys feel the urge to try the MP3 down that railroad track? *grin*
Looks as if you have some pretty flat land ahead. Hopefully it won’t all be 4 lanes…
Eric & Brian:
No problem with the clothing changes. Every other day I change with Bob & he changes with me.
Buddy
Sam:
Thrilled that you’re following us with the computer. Theme of this adventure is, “We’re not done yet!” & NEITHER ARE YOU!!!
Buddy
Dear Buddy
I am following your ride every day, i guess they keep you very busy, keep on riding and have a safe arrival.
Regards
Carlos Cucalon
EL SALVADOR
Buddy & Bob,
I’m following along and enjoying the trip viacriously from home. I wish I was old enough to have gone :<)
You’re riding for all of us. Just continue to careful of what your left hand pulls-in.
Hi Bob:
It’s been a while since I checked in with you guys, but I’ve been following your progress. You said it in San Francisco, and after reading your blogs, I agree that you’re on the trip of a lifetime. I knew those scoots wouldn’t give you a lick of problems. Bob, when you get back, check-in with your friends at the BAMR group.
Hi Capt: You couldn’t be more right. This has been the trip of a lifetime. I don’t see how it could be any better. The Piaggio MP3-500 is one strong scooter. I can’t think of anything easier to ride and make all the stops we do to take pictures and notes of what we see and with whom we talk. We just ride up; flick the switch to lock the front wheels; set the handbrake; turn off the ignition, and step off. When we are ready to go we just reverse the process and ride away. No side/center stand needed. And, all we need to do is to ride on Main Street, USA - stop and wait a few seconds and here come the people to ask questions about this unusual looking scooter. It really turns heads. Traveling down the LH we usually ride at speeds between 50 and 60 mph. At these speeds we are getting close to 60 mpg and sometimes exceed the 60 mpg mark. There is a lot of ethanol in the fuel here in Nebraska and Iowa and I expected the mpg to go down, but we are not seeing that.
Thanks for following us on our adventure. I will check-in when I get back to the Bay Area.
Bob