Today I added my second state that borders neither the Great Lakes nor the Atlantic Ocean (the first was Vermont). Still a lot of corn and some soybeans. The roads in my last Minnesota county (Freeborn) had a lot of jarring cracks and so far Iowa roads have been better. Weather forecasts are for a “heat dome” to bring hotter temperatures but today was still good.

I was up early to get riding in while it was cool. The corn is tall and healthy looking.

Bump, bump, bump. Roads in Freeborn county had these cracks both yesterday and today. On the other side of this road is Iowa and a field of soybeans.

The gang is all here. As I stopped to get a photo, the herd started to rise and get into position for a pose. A few miles after this, I came to a casino/hotel complex just off the interstate. This was a good spot for an early break.

Headed west… The roads were quiet and made for peaceful riding.

Outside Joice with large grain elevators.

Joice had this car show. It looked well attended.

There was a crop duster plane making low passes over the field to the left.

Getting close to Ventura

Wow! That is a lot of baskets. https://www.notesoniowa.com/post/iowa-history-daily-february-16-lynne-lorenzen

The last five miles were on the shoulder of US 18. This was a busy road with a rumble strip to separate out a small shoulder. It was helpful to watch my mirror here.

Overall, a nice ride with reasonable Iowa roads and bumpy Minnesota roads.